By Ray Eaton | December 26, 2023
April is the most beautiful time to visit botanical gardens in The Netherlands, as many are bursting with gorgeous spring flowers. The temperature is mild, and the landscapes are vibrant with colorful blooms. If you’re looking for some of the best places to witness the flora of spring, here are the can’t-miss botanical gardens in The Netherlands in April:
Arguably the most famous of the Netherlands’ bulb fields and botanical gardens is Keukenhof Gardens (https://www.keukenhof.nl/en/). Located in Lisse, Keukenhof boasts over 7 million bulbs in bloom each spring across its nearly 80 acres of picturesque parkland. Expect to see rows upon rows of vibrant tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other bulbs as you stroll along winding walking paths and tranquil canals. Keukenhof is only open from mid-March to mid-May, making April is one of the best months to experience it.
Home to more than 6,000 different plant varieties, Amsterdam's Hortus Botanicus (https://dehortus.nl/en/) is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and a must-see in Amsterdam. Especially beautiful in the springtime, it features several greenhouses showcasing tropical and subtropical climates as well as outdoor gardens displaying flowers along with medicinal, edible, ornamental and aquatic plants. Be sure not to miss the 300-year-old seed house. The Caledonian Pine, a tree planted in 1685, is also a celebrated resident.
Founded in 1587, Leiden’s Hortus Botanicus (https://www.hortusleiden.nl/) is one of Europe’s earliest botanical gardens. Today it showcases tropical greenhouses along with stunning outdoor areas featuring spring flowers including native Dutch tree species, a country cottage garden, a scented garden, and more. Don’t miss the Clusius Garden, planted in the original Renaissance style. With over 10,000 plant species cultivated on more than 4 hectares of land, it’s easy to spend hours here surrounded by natural beauty.
Unique floating gardens (https://www.botanischetuin.uva.nl/en) set Botanical Garden Utrecht apart from typical botanical gardens. Located in the city center, it features indoor and outdoor spaces showcasing a wide variety of plants along winding canals. From the historic protectors garden to the rhododendron valley bursting with vibrant color in the spring, it’s a relaxing place to take in gorgeous views. The nearby Spring Garden and Summer Garden offer even more floral splendor.
The coming of spring signals a beautiful time for admiring gorgeous flowers at top-notch botanical gardens in The Netherlands. With tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in full bloom, April is the ideal time to visit these botanical wonders and soak up some inspiration from nature.
Just don’t forget your camera! The scenery will be picture-perfect.