The Most Beautiful Places To See Spring In Europe in 2023

Do you want to visit the most beautiful places during Spring in Europe? I’ve got you covered!

There is nothing more beautiful than the start of Spring in Europe! Trees start to bloom and everywhere you look flowers start to pop up again, adding some much needed colour to the landscapes. While this is all very beautiful there are a few locations that will leave you utterly speechless. In this list I’ll cover 10 unique flower locations in Europe for Spring.

Did you know you don’t have to travel all the way to Japan to see cherry blossom trees? Or that every year Iceland turns into a purple field of lupines? Well you’re about to find out all the details including the ideal time to visit each place to spot these flowers in full bloom.

The Most Beautiful Places To See Spring In Europe

Hallerbos – The bluebell forest in Belgium

Hallerbos in Belgium is world famous for its bluebells and one of the most beautiful flower locations in Belgium. Every year around April the otherwise bland forest turns into a magical carpet of purple bluebells.

Their blooming date depends on the temperature but is on average from the 12th until the 25th of April. This short time span is because of the fact that as soon as the temperature rises not only do the bluebells start to bloom but also do the trees grow back their leaves. This blocks the sunlight from hitting the flowers which results in a greyish colour instead of purple.

It’s a tradition for a lot of Belgians to go for a walk through the forest as soon as bluebell season arrives. So if you want to avoid the crowds you’ll have to be there for sunrise. You’ll still be joined by a lot of photographers but you’ll definitely be able to take some stunning photos or to simply walk around and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful environment.

The most important information however is that you can not go off the pathways! If you’re stepping on the flowers you’re actually destroying them and they will never grow back. There are usually people on sight that ensure this doesn’t happen. So if you’re not sure that you’re allowed to step somewhere make sure to ask them. That’s what I did and how I was able to take my photos :).

Click here for a full travel guide on the Hallerbos Forest in Belgium so you’ll know exactly where to go see as many bluebells as possible!

Where to stay near Hallerbos

Martin’s Patershof – Stay in one of the most unique hotels in Belgium! An old church that has been completely renovated into a stunning and modern hotel.

Below are some of my favourite hotels in Brussels

• Hotel Metropole – An interior of stunning marble, alluring gold, royal red and sophisticated architecture that highlights the hotel’s wealth of history.
• Royal Windsor – Located only a short walk from the major sites in Brussels. On the hotel’s roof top terrace guests can enjoy the gorgeous open Brussels skyline and an unbeatable view of the Town Hall building.
•  Vintage Hotel – The most spectacular feature is an experience named ‘glamping’: a vintage Airstream Caravan from 1958 parked in a courtyard of the hotel. Here guests can relive a nostalgic experience with the bonus perks of modernity.

Via Botanica – Daffodil forest in Luxembourg

I only discovered this place myself recently when I was searching for Spring photography spots in Luxembourg. And I have to say, just by seeing the photos it completely blew me away!

You can find the Via Botanica in Lellingen, a small town about 1 hour driving from Luxembourg city. The daffodil’s usually start to bloom at the beginning of April but of course this also depends on the temperature. If March is warmer than usual, chances are that flowers will start to bloom earlier!

The entire trail is around 7.5km long and should take around 1,5 to 2 hours.

Where to stay in Luxembourg

Hotel Le Place d’Armes – Housed in an exceptional building dating from the 18^th Century with one of the most remarkable and beautiful interior courtyards, orange garden and terraces in Luxembourg.

Cherry Blossom Avenue in Bonn, Germany

For most people Japan will pop up when they think of cherry blossom trees. But did you know one of the most unique and beautiful cherry blossom locations can be found in Germany and that you can find these kind of flowers in a lot of places in Europe?

In the heart of Bonn you’ll find the Heerstrasse, these days also referred to as the Cherry Blossom Avenue. Bonn is one of the oldest cities in Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven.

The cherry blossoms usually start to bloom in April but they do last for several weeks! This in contrary to a lot of other cherry blossom trees which only stay in bloom for a couple of days.

Where to stay in Bonn

Boutiquehotel Dreesen – Villa Godesberg – Villa Godesberg offers accommodation set in two charming art nouveau villas and breakfast is served each morning in the hotel’s conservatory

Tulip Fields in The Netherlands – the most famous flower fields to see Spring in Europe

The tulip fields in The Netherlands are some of the most famous flower fields in Europe!

Imagine rows and rows of tulips in all of the colours of the rainbow. That’s what you’ll find in the area of Lisse during Spring. But the tulip fields shouldn’t be your only reason to visit this area.

From March part of Holland completely transforms into a sea of flowers. It starts with the crocus in March, followed by the daffodils and hyacinths at the start of April. Then half way April until the first week of May you can see the tulips in bloom.

There are a lot of places to enjoy these beautiful and colourful fields but the majority of them are located in the area in and around Lisse and Noordwijkerhout.

Most fields are private property and shouldn’t be entered without permission. If you want a cool experience and a lot of options to take photos you should visit FamFlowerFarm. Here you can book a visit to their tulip fields and take as many photos as you want (plus they have a lot of props!).

Where to stay near Lisse

W Amsterdam – Amsterdam is only 30 minutes driving from Lisse and at the W Amsterdam you can combine the best of both worlds. Enjoy the beauty of nature during the day and relax back at the hotel while overlooking the Rijksmuseum.

Wild Poppy Fields in Tuscany

When you think of Tuscany you think of green valleys surrounded by sunflowers am I right? At least that’s what comes to my mind. That and a good glass of red wine.

But what if I told you Tuscany is also the place to be during Spring time? Every year from the end of April until the beginning of May you can see thousands of wild poppies in this area. I am talking about the red poppies that cover the Val d’Orcia at this time of year.

This display is most spectacular on the ploughed hills of the heavily alkaline Crete Senesi in the Val d’Orcia. 

Where to stay in Tuscany

Agriturismo Le Macchie – Stay in a historic 17th century Italian villa offering 360° views over the valley and an outdoor swimming pool.

Lupine Fields in Iceland

One of the main reasons that I went back to Iceland during Spring was to see this beautiful phenomenon with my very own eyes! From the start of June until mid July you can find Iceland at its most colourful, covered with purple lupines as far as the eye can see.

And you don’t have to go far to find them! I already saw many lupine fields while my plane was landing! But some of the prettiest ones can be found near Skogafoss and Vik.

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken in Brussels

Every year during spring the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken open its doors to the public. It’s one of the best and most unique places to visit in Belgium. During this time most flowers are in full bloom and you get to witness what hundreds of gardeners work tirelessly on during an entire year.

This event only lasts for 3 weeks so make sure to arrive very, very early!. When I visited 2 years ago I made sure to be there at 8.30am, even that it only opens at 9.30am. And it’s safe to say that I was very happy that I did cause not long after people started cueing up and a ton of tour busses started to arrive.

There was a small rope on the other side of the street in front of the entrance which was pointed out as the designated waiting point. As soon as it opens make sure to go to one of the ticket booths (2,5€, free under 18) and head inside.

Where to stay in Brussels

Pillows Grand Hotel Place Rouppe – The recently renovated Pillows Grand Hotel Place Rouppe is located in the heart of Brussels, within 500 m of Grand Place. The Living – Resto & Winebar – is the heart of the hotel where guests are kindly invited to relax in front of the fireplace, at the Welcome Table or around the domestic kitchen.

8. Santorini and its pink flowers

The bougainvillea is one of the brightest flowers out there. With its deep fuscia colour it serves as the perfect decoration for all of the white houses. And while some houses may be decorated with fake ones (yes that happens) you have to see the real deal at least once!

Blooming starts late April and continues throughout the Summer. But wouldn’t it be better to avoid the busiest months in Greece? Not to mention the sizzling temperature? I think so too! That’s why I think Spring is the ideal time to visit this stunning island!

Where to stay in Santorini

Cavo Tagoo Santorini – Imerovigli is perfectly located between Oia and Fira and a lot less crowded. Enjoy the spectacular sunsets from the infinity pool or take in the amazing views from your private balcony.

9. Chase Wisteria in Paris and London

Wisteria, or as I like to call them: purple raindrops, bloom once every year. Their blooming time is more towards the end of Spring, more specifically in the months May and June.

When visiting popular flower spots in cities you have to keep in mind that these locations are usually very, VERY popular with Instagrammers. So make sure to be there as early as possible or be prepared to wait in line ;).

In London you can find beautiful Wisteria at

• Chelsea Manor Street
• Hampton Court
• Cheyne Walk
• Bedford Gardens.

In Paris you’ll find them at

• Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
• Rue de l’Abreuvoir
• Square Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet
• Side streets of Montmartre.

Where to stay in London

Cheval Three Quays at The Tower of London – If you’re into luxury and stunning views then this hotel is for you. You can either have breakfast while overlooking the Tower Bridge or enjoy a stunning sunset over London from your bed!

Where to stay in Paris

Hôtel La Comtesse – A stunning boutique hotel only 5 minutes walking from the Eiffel Tower! Ask for a room on the 4th floor to have a private balcony with a view over said Eiffel Tower.

Did you know Paris is at its most beautiful during Spring? My friend Nathalie wrote an amazing blog post on all the best Flower Locations in and around Paris!

10. Discover the wild flower fields all over Europe

This is the only type of flower where I won’t just put one specific location. Simply because there are tons of them. You simply have to take the time to look around and I am sure you’ll find a field of wild flowers in your area!

So there you have it, the most beautiful places to see Spring in Europe!

Throughout all of Europe you can find amazing flower fields. and I hope this guide will help you plan an amazing trip to Europe or will make you go out and explore your own country a little more!

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Charlotte

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.