5 Best Destinations In The World For Spectacular Floral Landscapes

We can all tell when spring is in the air, as floral landscapes take over the scenery. Whether it’s the iconic cherry blossoms of Japan or the colorful tulips in the Netherlands, people of the world are treated to an incredible display. Here are five of the best destinations in the world to view gorgeous floral landscapes.

1. Lisse, Netherlands

For the ultimate destination for spring floral displays, head to the Netherlands. The country produces almost 90 percent of the world’s tulips and these make a stunning sight. Hire a bicycle and cycle the 25-mile Bollenstreek Route (Flower Route), passing field after field of colorful blooms.

Alternatively, head to the famous Keukenhof Gardens, located 16 miles from Amsterdam. At 79 acres, Keukenhof is considered to be the world’s largest flower garden. Meanwhile, each year from March until May, the garden features an amazing seven million tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. How many readers remember that classic song by Max Bygraves, Tulips from Amsterdam?

2. Namaqualand Flower Route, South Africa

While the tulips of the Netherlands are planted by human hands, the Namaqualand Flower Route in South Africa is totally natural. Each spring in the southern hemisphere, an amazing display of Namaqualand daisies raises their pretty heads. During the rest of the year, this area of northwestern South Africa is mostly a dry desert. However, spring brings out the most incredible floral landscapes of many different hues.

The Namaqualand Flower Route runs approximately 500 miles from Cape Town to Port Nolloth. The best time to see this spectacular sight is in South Africa’s early spring months of August and September. However, the floral landscapes sometimes even stretch into October.

3. Tokyo, Japan

When talking of floral landscapes, Tokyo, Japan is one of the most spectacular places to see blooming cherry trees. Every spring, thousands of locals and visitors gather for “hanami,” or flower-viewing parties. Meanwhile, these parties date back to the ninth century, when the emperors of Japan held spring celebrations for the plum and cherry blossoms.

Meanwhile, Japan’s 200 ornamental cherry tree variations come in varying pink hues. However, the most commonly seen blossoms come from the Yamazakura and Somei Yoshino trees.

4. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina

North Carolina’s mountains host a wealth of plant species, but the most famous are the rhododendrons that cover the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains each summer. Visitors can enjoy several hiking trails to these floral landscapes, located 30 miles from downtown Asheville.

However, during June, visitors can also take a drive from Asheville to Bakersville for the famous North Carolina Rhododendron Festival.

5. Arctic Botanical Garden, Akureyri, Iceland

When it comes to beautiful floral landscapes, Iceland and the Arctic rarely come to mind. However, 50 miles outside of the Arctic Circle the town of Akureyri features the Arctic Botanical Gardens.

In fact, this is one of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens and is full of glorious color in the warmer time of year. Meanwhile, close by, visitors can enjoy hiking trails and bird watching in the Kjarnaskógur Forest. Take a brief journey into the Arctic Botanical Gardens in the Fall in the video included here.

Make a point to enjoy these and other glorious floral landscapes in the world.

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