By Marc Pulisci
For ages, the Japanese have admired cherry blossoms (sakura), throwing festivals to celebrate the short-lived beauty of these pink flowers. In the US, folks flock to Washington DC for a month-long festival to see the pretty pink blooms. But hey, there are plenty of spots nearby where you can catch the splash of color in early spring. Check out cool places in Europe to enjoy cherry blossoms.
1. Stockholm, Sweden
Celebrate the beautiful cherry blossoms in Stockholm by visiting during the city’s Cherry Blossom Day on April 28 this year. Enjoy martial art displays, Japanese culture workshops, and fun activities among pink blooms at the historic Kungsträdgården. These cherry trees, a gift from Japan to King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1998, now line a pool with fountains, offering a lovely spot to people-watch while having ice cream.
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Forget tulips; the real highlight in Amsterdam from mid-March to early April is the cherry blossom. You can find it in Amsterdam Forest, just a 40-minute bike ride south from the city center in Amstelveen. Locals call this gem Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park). Gifted by the Japanese Women’s Club in 2000, the park is home to 400 sakura trees, each named after Japanese or Dutch women. Remember, picnics under the soft pink blooms are only allowed on weekdays. For a more convenient option, check out Westerpark in the city center. This lovely park offers smooth bike paths, cute cafes, and green lawns shaded by fragrant cherry blossom trees.
3. Bonn, Germany
Pastel-pink cherry blossom trees were planted in Bonn, Germany's former capital back in 1980 as part of a city makeover. Blooming usually in early April, they turn Nordstadt's cobblestone lanes into charming pink tunnels. The top spots to check out are Breite Strasse and Heerstrasse, with the latter dubbed Cherry Blossom Avenue for its candyfloss-colored canopy. These lovely streets are a short walk from Bonn Hauptbahnhof station, a quick train ride from Cologne-Bonn Airport.
4. Paris, France
Visiting Paris in the spring is always a great idea! For an extra special experience, try going in late March or early April when the city is covered in pink flowers. You've got to check out the Trocadero Gardens in the 16th arrondissement - amazing view of the Eiffel Tower surrounded by pink blossoms, perfect for that classic Paris pic. Before you go, swing by a cheese shop for some cheese and a nice rosé wine. Then, grab a spot on the grass under the trees for a cozy picnic.
5. Jerte Valley, Spain
Located three hours west of Madrid, the Jerte Valley is well-known for its sweet Picota cherries, which are unique for being stalkless. These cherries have been grown since the 17th century and hold a prestigious Denomination of Origin status. The valley is home to two million cherry trees that cover the picturesque mountain slopes, blooming with snow-white flowers in late March. The 11 villages in the area throw a lively festival to celebrate this floral display. Although the delicate petals only last for about two weeks, the festivities continue into the cherry harvest season from May to August. During this time, visitors can join fruit-picking activities with local farmers, enjoy tastings, and even visit the charming Cherry Museum.
6. Edinburgh, UK
Edinburgh blooms a bit later than the rest of the UK. Check out Scotland from mid-April to late-May to see the city turn pink. Just a quick stroll south of the historic Old Town, you'll find the 18th-century Meadows Park. This charming spot has paths lined with cherry trees, wide grassy areas, a cool kids' play area, and a café with views of Arthur’s Seat. Keep an eye out for the plaque honoring local legends, the Bay City Rollers, by a tree planted in 2022. Then, wander around Princes Street Gardens in the heart of the city, where pretty pink sakura trees frame the medieval Edinburgh Castle in the background.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Danes really love their cherry blossom tradition! They throw a cool two-day Sakura Festival every April 20 and 21, 2024. It all goes down at the lovely Langelinie Park by the water, near the famous Little Mermaid statue and just a quick 10-minute bike ride from downtown. The path leading to Gefion Fountain is decked out with around 200 cherry blossom trees donated by the Japanese Honorary Consul of Denmark. It's a stunning sight, visible even from a boat if you decide to do a city canal tour. Best part? The festival is free! Dive into Japanese culture with tea ceremonies, haiku and origami workshops, plus enjoy some yummy Japanese treats like sushi, mochi, and sakura-themed goodies.