10 Cherry Blossom Cities in Europe you Cannot Miss this Spring

Hanami is the centuries-old practice of picnicking under a blooming sakura or ume tree. In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize clouds due to their nature of blooming en masse, besides being an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life, which is often associated with Buddhist influence.

However, cherry blossom viewing isn’t an exclusively Japanese occasion. Many countries around the globe enjoy this wonder of nature, especially in Europe! Over the span of several weeks, many European countries become infused with a pink and white blanket of flowers and selfie-ready crowds.

Let’s embark on a stroll through the cherry blossom cities we enjoy most in Europe.

1. Paris, France

There are two surefire signs that Spring has arrived in Paris; the Wallace Fountains start to stream delicious eau potable again and the cherry blossoms bloom. Aww cherry blossom in Paris! This season in Paris is one of the most magical times of the year. Once you are on your blossom walk, check out the magnolia blossoms around the Eiffel Tower and the garden next to Hotel de Ville, the Jardin des Combattants Espagnols de la Nueve.

April is our favourite month here – this is when the big blossoms that the French refer to as cerisiers start to bloom, and that’s when the fluffy pink madness really begins. One of the most popular spots is Square Jean XXIII on the south side of the Notre Dame cathedral.

2. London, UK

For everyone chasing cherry blossom around Europe, this is one of the most popular and beloved walks. And we cannot blame them, it’s amazing here!

The Cherry Walk in London starts at Kew’s Rose Garden behind Palm House, with a collection of Japanese cherries, including white single flowers, the pink-blossomed, and the Great White Cherry. This gorgeous walk then takes you through King William’s Temple and the Temperate House, ending with a row of 15 cherry blossom trees. Kew Gardens is one of the most popular spots because it has more blossom and more varieties than anywhere else in London.

3. Bonn, Germany

In Spring, oceans of blossoming cherry trees transform narrow roads into an endless stream of pink beauty. Germans call it Altstadt.

In the same area where you can find the famous Beethoven House, in Bonn, the Nordstadt neighborhood, cherry blossom magic unfolds. Germans really cherish this natural wonder!

The exact dates for the bloom vary from year to year, but they usually happen sometime in April. Unlike some blooms, only lasting a few days, the Copenhagen tend to linger for two or even three weeks. You can literally see it now if you hurry!

4. Hasselt, Belgium

If you are amazed at the blossoming Japanese cherry trees every spring, we highly recommend the annual hanami – cherry blossom festival in Belgium.

In Japan, garden making is considered a high art, just like ink painting and calligraphy. The Japanese Garden of Hasselt in Belgium was created with the support of the city of Itami in Japan over twenty years ago and it’s actually the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Although it’s not tremendously big (it will only take you 45 minutes to wander through), it’s truly beautiful and worth a visit.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Many European cherry blossom enthusiasts go to Copenhagen to indulge in this gorgeous season. Don’t be surprised to see hordes of people snapping pictures as they walk along the carpet of pretty pink petals under a canopy of flowers. We’d rather miss the bulk of the crowds! If you prefer your blossoms in solitude, try going early in the morning or on a weekday. Be sure to check out Grundtvigs Kirke, both the church grounds and interior, for its stunning architecture. It suits the overall spring mood perfectly.

Langelinie Park is the epicenter of the annual Sakura Festival. You can view the pink madness from a boat (on your cruise) or enjoy the close up on your walk in the park.

6. Amstelveen, The Netherlands

The Japanese Sakura (Cherry Blossom Festival) celebration marks the coming of spring each year. It’s traditionally celebrated by picnicking with family and friends under the blossoming cherry trees. Apart from a traditional Japanese adventure, we really enjoy Amsterdam Cherry Blossom Festival in Amstelveen which is home to a community of about 1700 Japanese expats, the largest Japanese diaspora in Europe. When all 400 of the trees in the Bloesempark of Amstelveen are in bloom, our hearts melt! What a view!

7. Roihuvuri, Finland

The local park in Helsinki beneath the Roihuvuori water tower began to evolve into a Japanese inspired cherry park when the first 52 cherry trees were planted there on World Environment Day in 2007. By 2009 there were 152 cherry trees! Today, with more than 240 cherry trees and an abundance of soft blossoms wafting a mild cherry scent it feels like walking through a fairytale.

Spring in Finland can be an unpredictable business. This is why wind jackets, ear muffs, woolly hats and gumboots are perfect attire at the Roihuvuori Hanami festival in April. Despite the unpredictable skies, many locals and travelers stubbornly spread their picnic blankets, refusing to abandon their good Spring cheer. And we can’t blame them!

8. Kaposvar, Hungary

Kaposvar is a unique city in the southwestern part of Hungary, south from the Lake Balaton. Not many people know how beautiful is Kaposvar in spring. There are not only cherry blossom trees but also magnolia trees. Oh, and the aroma is mindblowing!

You absolutely must celebrate the annual Sakura Festival at the Füvészkert Botanical Gardens in Budapest as well. Authentic Japanese tea will be served at the Festival – it just completes the entire experience.

9. Rome, Italy

It’s almost impossible to believe that Rome can be any more beautiful. Yet, once Spring comes, Rome becomes ever so more unforgettable. Back in 1959, In Eur, Lake park was officially inaugurated giving it an official name of Passeggiata del Giappone, meaning Path of Japan. For this special occasion, the Japanese government sent 2500 cherry trees that were planted all over the park, and after over 70 years the sakuras are still blossoming magically every spring, filling the scenery around the lake with beautiful flowers.

10. Prague, Czech Republic

“Late evening, on the first of May — The twilit May — the time of love,” – Karel Hynek Macha.

This short and touching poem compels many Czech couples to walk to Macha’s statue in the park and kiss in front of it or under the blossoming trees.

And what can be more romantic than a cherry blossom season in Prague!

Call our team of travel planners to discuss your enchanting adventure: 1800 242 353.