Often referred to as the “Flower Capital of the World”, Aalsmeer overlooks the Westeinderplassen south-west of Amsterdam. Once dug up for peat, the municipality now supports nurseries, greenhouses and experimental horticultural farms and hosts the largest flower auction in the world.
Things to do in Aalsmeer
Stroll along Aalsmeer’s waterfront to admire its historic railway station building, which was designed by J.G. Wattjes and opened to passengers in 1912. Now restored, it’s a short walk from the Foundation Historic Garden Aalsmeer where you can explore vintage greenhouses decorated with tools from times gone by. Learn about the heirloom plants that were once cultivated here or coincide your visit with the flower auction that takes place each month.
Also on the waterfront of Aalsmeer is the Flower Art Museum, which is dedicated to contemporary artwork featuring flowers and plants. In addition to paintings and photographs, it features a rooftop sculpture garden with a terrace from where you can enjoy scenic views across the Westeinderplassen. A highlight of the Flower Art Museum is the Wall of Flowers, a 64-metre-long monument comprised of thousands of floral images.
Another botanical-inspired attraction in Aalsmeer is Flori-World, an interactive experience set across 14 different rooms. Learn about the benefits of plants in our daily lives and the effects they can have on your health, then marvel at the artful creations by some of Amsterdam’s top florists. Flori-World also boasts several floral-inspired photo booths where you can take selfies.
Getting around Aalsmeer
Aalsmeer is around 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of Amsterdam and just 10 minutes from Schiphol Airport. Buses are the main means of getting to and around Aalsmeer while the waterfront area can easily be explored on foot.