Aalsmeer in the Netherlands is the village of flowers and water, only 30 minutes from Amsterdam. It has the biggest flower auction in the world and one of the biggest inland waters of the Netherlands. There are many different places to visit that are related to flowers in Aalsmeer. From contemporary art exhibitions, flower fields and greenhouses, to virtual flower experiences, the famous flower auction, and museums about history of floriculture. In this article I’m sharing my tips for things to do in Aalsmeer to get the most out of your Dutch flower experience.
Discover the flowers of Aalsmeer
The history of flower culture in Aalsmeer Netherlands is dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, when growers thought it would be a good idea to start an auction, being able to negotiate better prices for their products. A new era of flower culture had been born. Aalsmeer Netherlands became the flower capital of the world. If you love flowers, Aalsmeer is a place you don’t want to miss during your visit to the Netherlands.
Things to do in Aalsmeer Netherlands
Visit the historical garden
The historical garden of Aalsmeer is a living open-air garden museum. In a surrounding of almost 13.000 m2, you will find greenhouses and lots information about 350 years of Dutch flower history. There are roses, dahlias, lilacs, and all type of plants. It is possible to enter the greenhouses and walk between the flower fields at your own pace. A great place to take pictures.
Did you know that most roses don’t smell because the focus is more on the beauty and shape of the flower? In the historical garden you will find an area with roses that actually smell.
Want to learn more about floriculture history? One of the greenhouses is an exhibition hall, showcasing pictures and tools, giving a better understanding about the way flowers and plants were cultivated back in the beginning of the 20th century. There is also a small flower auction where you can learn about the process.
Tip: Don’t forget to have lunch or tea in the lunchroom of the historical garden. Everything you taste is fresh and well prepared.
Enjoy views from the watertower
This iconic building, located on the edge of the Westeinderplassen is one of the best things to do in Aalsmeer if you want to enjoy beautiful views and take pictures. The water tower was built in the beginning of the century 20th century in Art Deco style. It is 51 meters high and you can climb all the way to the top. Just make sure you take your time, as there will be 214 steps to take.
Once you’ve made it to the top, you can walk around the tower and look towards Schiphol airport, Amsterdam, people surfing on the water and th Dutch countryside. The water tower is located in front of the flower art museum, so you can easily combine both visits.
The water tower was built to provide Aalsmeer and the surrounding villages with fresh drinking water. There were two large reservoirs inside the tower, directly connected to the piping network with a constant pressure on the pipe lines. The water was coming from the dunes and meant to be a supply in times of need. There are 200 old water towers spread across the Netherlands. The building of the towers declined in the 50” because of the use of electric regulated pumping stations. This water tower in Aalsmeer is a national monument nowadays.
Flower art museum – cultural things to do in Aalsmeer
The Flower art museum is a museum hosting different contemporary art exhibitions, where all artists got inspired by nature and especially flowers. And I have to say that during every visit I am surprised about the exhibitions.
What I love about visiting smaller museums, is the surprise, as most times you don’t know what to expect. There will be pieces of art that will make you think, wonder, love, or maybe misunderstand, but there is always something you are going to like.
During my visits I was able to observe tree art, work of Elsbeth van Noppen, who presented Nocturnal Garden: Fashionable art pieces, highlighting the connection between the night and flower and old posters about flowers in The Netherlands.
The Flower art museum is not a place to spend hours but definitely nice to include in your itinerary. Check out the website if you want to learn more about the exhibitions.
Learn how to design flowers
Want to learn how to design flowers? Boema Insitute is an International Floral Design School in Aalsmeer Netherlands. People from all around the world visit this place to learn how to become a florist or floral designer. But they also offer afternoon workshops. Recommended if design and flowers are your thing.
Cruise the Westeinderplassen
One of the best things to do in Aalsmeer on a nice day is to take a boat tour on the Westeinderplassen, a nature reserve and the largest freshwater lake around Amsterdam. Not only the tour on the lake is nice but it will also give you deeper insight why Aalsmeer is one of the most famous places in the world for growing lilacs.
You will pass different greenhouses full with gorgeous purple and white lilac. And believe me, you don’t want to leave anymore. The smell is so good. Moreover the lilac growers really take their time to show you around and explain about the hard work it takes.
Feel like windsurfing or Supping? Check out Surf Island, it’s a cool spot on the Westeinderplassen to enjoy any type of watersport.
Visit the flower auction – famous things to do in Aalsmeer
Aalsmeer Netherlands is world famous for the Royal FloraHolland Flower Auction; the largest flower auction in the world. And it is possible to visit this place. There is a visitors center where you can watch the auction and learn more about the buying process. Just make sure you wake up early. If you are interested in seeing more of the flower center, you can also sign up for a guided tour. Check the website for more information.
Mini Travel Guide Aalsmeer
Hotels
Hotel Restaurant de Jonge Heertjes is centrally located in Aalsmeer. The rooms are simple but nice. There is a restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner. And the hosts will do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Want to spend the night in Hotel Restaurant de Jonge Heertjes? You can find prices and availability here. Looking for more hotels in Aalsmeer? This is an overview.
Restaurants
Looking for restaurants in Aalsmeer? Brasserie De haven is a great place to enjoy amazing suchi and drinks. For a nice lunch or dinner, located along the water, head to Restaurant On the Rock.
Transportation
Aalsmeer can be easily reached by car. Need a rental car for your visit? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
More about the Netherlands
Did you enjoy reading this article with tips for things to do in Aalsmeer Netherlands? Do you want to read more about the Netherlands? Check out all my articles with tips and inspiration.
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