22 Amazing Weekend Getaways in Europe in Spring

Are you looking for the best places for an amazing weekend getaway in Europe in Spring? Then I got you covered.

From Wisteria Hysteria in London to cherry blossoms around the Eiffel Tower. Spring is the most beautiful season in Europe and there are many amazing places for you to see the flowers in full bloom.

I have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Europe in Spring. Some of them are all-time favorites – others of them are true hidden gems you have probably not heard about.

If you need some inspiration for an upcoming trip to Europe – look no further. I have traveled around Europe over the past few years – especially during springtime and I have loved it. And so will you!

Let’s dive in and see the most beautiful destinations in Europe to visit during spring break.

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1. London, UK

London is one of the best places you need to visit in Spring in Europe to see some beautiful flowers.

The impressive townhouses are covered in beautiful purple wisteria during this time of the year. Wisteria blooms in London typically at the end of April until mid-May.

Here are some of the best places to see the wisteria in London:

• Golders Hill Park, Hampstead Heath
• Peckham Rye Park
• Kynance Mews, Kensington
• Bedford Gardens, Notting Hill
• Walden Books, Chalk Farm
• Eastcote Gardens, Hillingdon
• Eltham Palace
• Cheyne Walk, Chelsea
• Horbury Mews, Notting Hill

In case it is rainy during your visit, have some breakfast at the cute cafe Aubaine at Selfridges. There you can see wisteria hanging from the ceiling.

There are plenty of cute cafes in London with flower decorations. Also, book an afternoon tea arrangement at Hilton Park Lane while you are in London. Make sure to find the best area to stay in London so you can make the most of your visit.

If you enjoyed London in spring, why not take a road trip to Cornwall as well?

2. Colmar, France

Located in eastern France, in the heart of Alsace, lies one of Europe’s best destinations to visit in spring, Colmar. The weather is mild, the crowds are thin, and, of course, the flowers are in bloom.

Meander down the narrow cobbled streets and take in the splendor of the magnificent architecture.

Here you find rows upon rows of colorful half-timbered houses. Each one prettier than the last. And in spring, colorful baskets of red, pink, and white flowers adorn bridges and windowsills, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. For the most stunning streets head to Rue Turenne Bridge and Rue des Écoles Bridge in the Little Venice neighborhood.

And that’s not all! There are a ton of things to do in Colmar in spring. Take a gondola ride down Little Venice, shop at the local farmer’s market, or explore the most visited museum in Alsace, the Unterlinden Museum. You can even visit the former home of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the French sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty.

Then, of course, no trip to Colmar is complete without indulging in some hearty Alsatian cuisine. There are a number of dishes you could sample but tarte flambée is a must. It’s a pizza-like dish topped with crème fraîche, bacon bits, and gooey cheese.

But no matter what you choose to do, Colmar will no doubt leave you impressed.

3. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg in Austria is a great historical city with plenty of colorful flowers for you to see. Because of this, Salzburg is one of the best places to visit in Europe in Spring.

The ideal place to spot some cute flowers in Salzburg is the Mirabell Gardens. They are adjacent to the Mirabell castle, located in the middle of the city. If you have some time to spend in the city, you can combine it with a walk up the castle Hohensalzburg.

From there, you have an amazing view of the city and the river.

Ideally, you can combine your trip to Salzburg with an excursion to Hallstatt. Hallstatt is one of the most famous places in Austria and is always worth a visit. The picturesque little town is located on Lake Hallstatt, in the Salzkammergut region.

The best way to explore Austria is with a road trip. You can start in Vienna and see the most beautiful places in Styria before heading to Hallstatt.

4. Brussels, Belgium

If you’re looking for a perfect spring city break destination, the capital of Europe should be at the top of your list. While Brussels and Belgium in general have a reputation for being rainy, it all changes as the days get longer and warmer in spring.

Mild spring temperatures are perfect for many outdoor activities in the city and day trips from Brussels to incredible natural sights in the region.

The best way to explore Brussels in spring is to do as the locals do and rent a bike. Cycling is the main form of transport for Belgians and a pleasant activity on a sunny spring day.

Make your way to the city center and admire the Grand Place and majestic historic buildings, some dating back to the 14th century. You will find the symbol of Brussels, Manneken Pis nearby. If you’re lucky, you might see him dressed up in a special outfit! 

Brussels is known as the green capital and has many parks to justify that nickname. Parc du Cinquantenaire is the most impressive park in the city, but nature lovers must take a day trip to Hallerbos, also known as the Bluebell Forest.

Forest grounds are covered in bright blue flower carpet that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. The forest is located about 30 minutes outside of Brussels. The bluebells are in full bloom from mid-April to mid-May, so plan your visit then!

5. Greek Islands

Spring is a great time to visit Greek islands, such as the beautiful Santorini or the charming island of Mykonos, as the whole islands are filled with blooming flowers.

Everywhere you look, pink bougainvillea will be on display, making it an incredibly romantic experience. These are some of the best places you should visit during spring break in Europe.

Spring brings mild temperatures, between 15 and 24°C, and plenty of sunshine to spend all your time outdoors. You can explore the cobblestone walkways, chill in a luxury Jacuzzi, or admire a spectacular sunset over Little Venice in Mykonos. 

Last but not least, Greece is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters. We highly recommend the Red Beach in Santorini.

If you decide to spend 5 days in Greece in spring, you’ll have plenty of chances to admire flowers and take it all in while soaking up some Vitamin D from the warm Mediterranean sun.

The best way to experience more of Greece is with an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise.

6. Paris, France

One of the best European destinations in spring is the city of Paris, the capital of France.

Paris is a beautiful city with lots of amazing sights that can be great to visit, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and many other places.

When it is spring in Paris, you can see beautiful cherry blossoms in many parts of the city.

For example, you can see these beautiful pink flowery trees at Trocadero, which is a large square and garden close to the Eiffel Tower. Furthermore, you can find these cherry blossoms in many streets and squares of Paris.

Another good place to see these trees is Champ de Mars, which is a park adjacent to the Eiffel Tower. An event that takes place in Paris in spring is Roland-Garros, which is a large and very popular tennis tournament. Furthermore, in spring the Foire du Trône event takes place.

This is an old funfair that traces its history back to the year 957. At the funfair, you can have fun because of the attractions and rides. Also, what’s great is that the weather in Paris in spring is very comfortable. The average temperature is about 17°C or 62.6°F.

7. Haarlem, The Netherlands

Located a mere 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam lies a veritable hidden gem in the Netherlands known as Bloemenstad, the city of flowers or simply Haarlem. This is an amazing place to visit in Europe in spring, and one of the best ones to see the flowers.

Once an important trading post along the Spaarne River, now a quiet town with flower-lined canals, quaint gabled houses, and a jaw-dropping central square adorned with the Cathedral of Saint Bavo. The town is the mirror image of bustling Amsterdam, albeit a bit more authentic and a lot less touristy!

The best time to visit is without a doubt in spring. Come March, April, and May the fields around Haarlem erupt into a multicolored patchwork of flowers.

First, to announce Spring is the narcissus, followed by the hyacinths, and finally the quintessential Dutch flower, tulips. Every year, the city organizes the largest flower parade in the world namely the Bloemencorso when richly decorated floats are placed on the central square for flower-enthusiast to admire.

A short 30-minute ride will take you from the center of Haarlem to the world-renowned Keukenhof in Lisse. Many people choose to visit Keukenhof from Amsterdam, however staying in Haarlem means cheaper accommodation, less over-crowded busses to the park, and a beautiful flower-lined ride between Haarlem and Lisse.

Weather permitting, skip public transportation and instead rent a bicycle in Haarlem and cycle through the tulip fields to Keukenhof.

A great way to experience Amsterdam in Spring is with a girls’ trip. If you get bored of Amsterdam, why not plan a weekend trip to see more of the Netherlands?

8. Cordoba, Spain

Cordoba, located in the south of Spain, is one of the best Andalusian destinations to visit in spring in Europe. Whether you love learning about history, exploring picturesque streets, or seeing flowers, Cordoba is worth visiting.

If you want to see flowers, the best time to visit Cordoba is in May. During that month, you can experience the famous Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba (Courtyard’s Festival), a festival in which locals decorate its Andalusian courtyards with bright flowers and other beautiful decorations. Wandering around the patios is a unique experience.

This festival takes place at the beginning of May and lasts approximately 12 days, but if you miss it, there are more opportunities to see the flowers in Cordoba.

One of the best places to see flowers in Cordoba almost all year round is Palacio de Viana, a Renaissance palace and museum with 12 patios packed with beautiful trees, flower pots, and an antique collection.

Apart from seeing the flowers in Cordoba, another must-do activity is to visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important historic buildings in Spain. You will be amazed by its architectural style, which combines Moorish and Renaissance elements, and the history behind this mosque.

9. Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, in the south of Portugal, is a dream destination in the Spring of Europe. The temperatures are perfect, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Whether you like relaxing at the beach, hiking, historic cities, or delicious local food, the Algarve has something to offer for everyone. 

If you like historic places, make sure to visit Tavira with its ancient bridge, Silves with its castle towering over the city, or Lagos, with a fort and old city walls. The Algarve is also home to the southwesternmost point of the European Mainland.

At Cape Saint Vincent, you’ll find a beautiful lighthouse that is built on a former monastery. It’s surrounded by high cliffs with crashing waves. A beautiful sight!

The Algarve is also a perfect destination for beach lovers. It was named multiple times as Europe’s leading beach destination. Most of the beaches are surrounded by high golden cliffs, making them even more beautiful. The water is perfect for surfers, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. 

Hiking is also a great activity in the Algarve. There are many well-marked trails in the region. From multi-day hikes like the famous Fishermen’s Trail to the gorgeous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a popular day hike.

When you go out hiking in the Spring, the fields are covered in yellow flowers, a beautiful sight!

10. Seville, Spain

Magnificent Seville in Spain is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Seville is gorgeous all year round. Marvelous architecture, stunning parks, beautiful gardens, and eye-catching famous Andalusian patios show the splendor of Seville year round.

However, Seville gets breathtakingly beautiful during spring blossoms. Seville in southern Spain has a mild Mediterranean climate favorable for diverse Mediterranean plants and trees. Therefore, Seville has many charming squares, gardens, and parks filled with lovely plants and trees. The most popular are the Gardens of Plaza de America, Gardens of Alcazar, and Parque Maria Luisa. They get incredibly stunning in spring.

Orange trees blossom marks the beginning of spring in Seville. It starts in mid-March and lasts for three weeks. Sevillianos call the orange blossom Azahar. The city of Seville has over 10.000 bitter orange trees, which bloom with a refreshing aromatic scent.

The Alameda de Hercules, the Magdalena Square, and the Patio de Banderas Square are the best places in Seville to see the elegant white flowers and feel the seductive scent of orange trees. 

Besides iconic orange trees in Seville, judas trees bloom with beautiful pink and purple flowers, and jacaranda trees bloom with purple flowers. But that’s not all. Chinaberry trees in the streets of Seville bloom with white and purple flowers, while peach trees at Jardin de las Damas near Alcazar blossom in white flowers.

For more tender flowers, head to Plaza de America to see roses that bloom in a wide range of colors, or stroll the streets and see the miniature roses and tiny yellow-red lantana flowers that traditionally adorn outdoor patios of homes in Seville.  

Strolling the flowery parks and streets and enjoying famous Spanish tapas al fresco amid vibrant spring colors is among the loveliest things to do in Seville in spring. If you want to see one of the most beautiful European cities, head to magical Seville during the spring blossoms. 

11. Provence, France

Looking for an incredible European destination in spring? While many people flock to Paris once the weather gets a little bit sunnier, I think you should head south instead to Provence. Provence is one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring.

This region borders Italy and Monaco and is a haven for those looking to reconnect with nature (and sample some delicious wine). From the jaw-dropping Nietzsche hike in Eze and sipping the finest vino in Château Paradis to lounging on Côte D’Azur’s impressive beaches, there’s so much to see and do.

But that’s not all – this region is jam-packed with plenty of architectural beauty and art galleries. Unmissable things to do nearby include visiting Avignon’s majestic Palais des Papes, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque near Gordes, and walking in the footsteps of Cezanne in the dreamy Aix-en-Provence.

If you’re on the hunt for flowers, you’ll want to head to the iconic road between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Noves. This is where you’ll be able to spot colorful fields lined with both sunflowers and lavender. Visit towards the end of spring, when the summer heat begins to kick in, and you’ll be blessed with stunning views (and even better photo opportunities!).

And if you want to see more flowers, continue on to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The tiny commune comes alive in spring, with plenty of blooms to brighten up the beautiful cobblestone streets.

12. Lugano, Switzerland

For a picturesque, pretty location for springtime in Europe, find yourself visiting the beautiful city of Lugano in the Ticino canton of Switzerland.

Lugano is best to reach via either a direct train from Zurich or from Milan, with Milan Malpensa as the closest airport connection. 

Experiencing Lugano during Spring is a beautiful season for all ages, with all local parks and forestry areas filled with new flowers, shrubs, and wildlife. The main local park in the city center of Lugano is called Parco Ciani. This park is the perfect location to spend an afternoon on a sunny day. You can take a picnic here and sit between the flowers and the lake while facing Monte San Salvatore in the distance.

The park is usually peaceful but can become busy during weekends with tourists and locals. Alternatively, buy ice cream at the Gelateria di Lugano Rivetta Tell cafe and dip your toes in the water at the local beach area. Springtime usually starts heating up the water, perfect for this!

Lugano in springtime is also perfect for exploring a local mountain, such as Monte Bre. The funicular takes you up to the very top, providing stunning views over the city and canton. On a clear Spring day, you can even see the last few snowy mountains in the distance still! 

A last recommendation for Lugano is a local boat trip and to sit on the top desk. They depart usually once an hour from the city docking station. You can choose to enjoy a round trip via the smaller villages of Morcote and Gandria.

Spring can be a little rainy in Lugano, but as it’s the sunniest canton in Switzerland, the rain will be very minimal. However, it is still one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring to see beautiful flowers.

13. Almond Blossom in Spain

The almond blossom in Spain is a beautiful sight to behold, with its delicate pink and white flowers that bloom in the early spring.

The blossoming of the almond trees marks the start of a new growing season and is considered by Spaniards to be a symbol of hope and renewal. This is one of the best places to visit in Europe in spring to see magnificent flowers.

The trees are found throughout the country, but the most famous almond blossom viewing locations are in the southern region of Andalusia, particularly in the province of Granada.

The most well-known spot for viewing the natural wonder is the municipality of Guadalupe, where the trees cover the entire hillside, creating a stunning pink-and-white landscape.

The almond blossom typically occurs between January and February, subject to good weather conditions. The flowers are highly fragrant and the sight of the pink and white blooms against the clear blue sky is truly breathtaking.

If you plan on visiting Andalusia during this time, you will have the chance to enjoy the many festivals and fairs that are held to celebrate the occasion such as the Día del Almendro. These events often feature traditional music, dance, and food, as well as crafts and agricultural products made from almonds.

The almond is not only an important crop in Spain, but it also plays a significant role in the country’s culture and history and is often used in places like Barcelona for cooking

14. Nice, France

Nice, France is one of the best European places to visit during the spring. With its Mediterranean climate you’ll get the benefit of warm weather, fewer tourists, and loads of springtime flowers. 

One of the best places to surround yourself with colorful blooms is the Cours Saleya Flower Market. This is one of the oldest and best open-air farmers markets in Europe. The flowers are made even more beautiful by the pastel-colored historic buildings that house some of the best restaurants in Nice. Grab a bite and then head out to explore.

Just walking around and seeing the sights, you’ll notice plenty of flowers on your route. When you stroll down the Promenade des Anglais, take a break from staring at the Mediterranean Sea and admire the landscaping of the Musée Massena’s Italian neoclassical villa. At the Matisse Museum, the Monastery Roses are quite spectacular.

Of course, there are a few official parks and gardens in particular not to be missed. The Botanical Garden of Nice or Jardin Botanique offers 3,500 different plant species to peruse.

The Parc du Chateau up on Castle Hill provides stunning vistas of Vieux Nice. And while you’re wandering near Place Massena, make sure you stop in Albert I Garden. 

A great way to see Nice is with a Western Mediterranean Cruise.

15. Snowdonia, North Wales

Snowdonia in North Wales is a magical European destination in the springtime, especially when it comes to flowers. With its rolling hills and wild meadows full of vibrant blooms, there’s no better place to get your floral fix! 

From snowdrop fields and carpets of bluebells to primroses and daffodils, Snowdonia has it all. If you’re looking for a place to take a romantic stroll or simply sit and admire nature’s beauty, Snowdonia National Park is your answer. 

You will not struggle to find a spot to admire the flowers throughout this area. However, one of the best places is near  Snowdon Mountain. Here you will find stunning lakes, woodland paths, and mountain views all in the bloom of spring.

If you want to take the best photographs amongst the springtime flowers, it’s highly recommended to visit early morning or late afternoon. This will help you avoid the crowds and have your own space!

With its rolling green hills, rugged mountains, and breathtaking coastal views, Snowdonia is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor activities and get back in touch with nature. 

Aside from the wonderful flowers surrounding the national park, there are plenty of other great things to do in the area during a springtime trip in Europe. From paddle-boarding to tasting delicious Welsh delicacies, you will not be bored here.

16. Lyon, France

A destination in Europe that’s lovely to visit in the spring is the French city of Lyon. During this time of the year, the city experiences average high temperatures in the 60s °F and average low temperatures in the 50s, so it’s quite pleasant to explore the city. And, of course, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore around the city.

For example, if you want to spend your time outdoors and see lots of flourishing flowers, head over to Parc de la Tête d’Or. Here, you’ll find the city’s largest park which is filled with gorgeous landscapes and gardens that are in full bloom.

Alternatively, if you want a unique experience, try wine tasting! The region is often praised for its vast vineyards and wine production techniques, so it’s definitely something to check out. Plus, you may even get to explore some of the smaller cities and towns throughout the area.

Finally, be sure to check out the Quartier Saint-Jean district for its incredible architecture and churches. There’s nothing quite like taking in the sights of centuries-old buildings that make up a unique part of Lyon’s history.

All in all, a trip to Lyon is a great way to take in some of the lovely sights that France has to offer. What a beautiful destination for your spring break in Europe.

17. Valencia, Spain

Spring is a great time to visit Valencia, as the weather is mild and the city is in full bloom. In fact, Valencia has been nicknamed the City of Flowers and is known for its abundance of green spaces. What better place to visit in Europe in spring?

Many of Valencia’s parks and gardens are at their best during the spring months, but none is as popular as Jardines del Turia, a large park that runs through the city. This park is home to many different species of flowers and trees and is a great place to take a stroll or have a picnic.

At one end of Turia Park, you’ll find the City of Arts and Sciences, one of the main attractions in the city. This cultural and scientific complex is home to an aquarium, an opera house, and an IMAX cinema and is particularly striking at night when it is illuminated. There are many unusual things to do in Valencia.

Valencia is also a great destination for art lovers – the city is home to several art museums. But perhaps the main reason to visit Valencia in spring is Las Fallas. This fun festival is organized in March and lasts for a whopping 19 days. It features firecrackers and ephemeral works of art and it has an amazing vibe.

18. Lake District National Park, England

The English Lake District National Park is at its finest in spring and one of the best places you should visit in Europe to see flowers.

The icy grips of winter have finally vanished, crocuses and snowdrops line the hedgerows, and newborn lambs gambol in the fields. Tourists have yet to descend in their droves like they do in summer, so you’ll have plenty of wild space to yourself.

It’s a great place for hiking, boating and generally enjoying the great outdoors. There are lots of quaint villages to explore and traditional tea shops for refueling on tea and scones too.

You can see spring flowers all over the park, but there are a few places where they are particularly spectacular. For daffodils, head to the northern shores of Ullswater and discover why poet William Wordsworth was so inspired by the sight of this floral bloom.

The riverside daffodil walk in Grasmere is also worth a detour, not least because it’s next to the famous gingerbread shop. You can hire rowing boats on the lake, or visit Dove Cottage where Wordsworth once lived.

The other floral showstopper is found in Rannerdale Valley, which lies beside Crummock Water in the north of the park. In spring, the Rannerdale bluebells carpet this hidden valley, which is easily accessed on foot from a nearby car park.

Usually, English bluebells are found in woodlands, so it’s quite a rare sight to see them out in the open. You can walk along designated trails and take photos of the flowers up close against a spectacular mountain backdrop.

19. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a great place to visit throughout the year but as the chill of winter slowly fades, this vibrant city really comes alive in resplendent colors as its many parks and gardens begin to bloom with brightly colored tulips in spring.

Tulips are native to Central Asia and Turkey (it’s actually the country’s national flower) and whilst most people usually associate tulip festivals with Holland, Istanbul actually has a spring flower festival of its own.

The month-long Istanbul Tulip Festival begins on the 1st of April and you will see tulips flowering in parks, groves, and even at traffic roundabouts across the city. The whole city basically looks and feels like one huge garden!

The main location for the festival is Emirgan Park: around 3.5 million tulips are planted here each year, in various geometric patterns and designs including rivers of tulips and some in the shape of the Turkish flag!

Sultanahmet Square is another great place to enjoy the festival: in previous years 700,000 tulips were planted here to resemble a traditional Turkish carpet.

As well as admiring the flowers, make sure to enjoy the various live music events and art workshops that take place during the festival.

Istanbul’s spring weather is comfortable and warm making it perfect for visiting the picturesque Prince’s Islands or going on a cruise along the Bosphorus.

As it’s still low season you can also enjoy visiting major tourist attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques without the crowds. This is truly an amazing place to visit in Europe in Spring to see beautiful flowers.

20. Wicklow, Ireland

About an hour’s drive south of Dublin, Ireland are the Wicklow Mountains, the perfect spot to visit in the springtime in Europe. During this time of year, you’ll find blooming heather, gorse, and bluebells. Wicklow is one of the best places to visit in Europe in Spring.

There are plenty of things to do in Wicklow, but hiking and exploring the area’s natural beauty is at the top of the list. Hike around Lake Glendalough, a glacial lake set in the Wicklow Mountains adjacent to the ruins of a monastic city. If you’re feeling more adventurous, climb to the top of nearby Mount Lugnaquilla, the tallest peak in County Wicklow. 

To have the best chance of seeing springtime flowers, visit the wooded areas near Glendalough. The bluebells are visible in April and May along the Vale of Clara Forest Walk, a gentle trail that follows a river through a wooded area. To see the blooming heather, go for a hike around Trooperstown, a small mountain covered in heather with 360° views. 

After your hike, make sure to visit a local pub for a pint or a cup of tea. Near Glendalough is the Wicklow Heather, a local favorite located just a few minutes’ drive from the trailhead. For a tasty meal, head to the coastal town of Bray, where you can eat at one of the lovely spots overlooking the Irish Sea. 

When you’re in Bray, don’t skip the coastal walk to the nearby town of Greystones. During the springtime, you’ll probably see even more flowers blooming along the edge of the cliffs. 

21. Grossglockner, Austria

The Grossglockner high alpine road is the gateway to the highest mountain in Austria and one of the best places to visit in Europe in Spring. The area is part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, a massive nature preserve sprawling between 3 Austrian regions.

The scenic drive takes you from the valleys of Salzburg to the high altitudes of snow-capped mountains and green alpine meadows.

Various stops along the road invite visitors to discover the flora and fauna of the area, with engaging exhibitions for adults and children. Due to the high altitudes, the road is closed in winter, and they open in May after the first snow melt.

This is when the fields are dotted with wild vibrant spring flowers, such as the blue spring gentian and the bright yellow chamois ragwort.

You can find different types of flowers between the ice of the Pasterze glacier, growing at the borders of the crystal clear snow melt water rivers. Hiking trails and high-altitude day-long treks will reveal more endangered flowers such as the Edelweiss flower, Austria’s national flower.

Various huts located far from the roads are a welcome sight after day-long hikes across the vast green Austrian Alps.

Your adventurous journey will be complete when you come across marmots and ibex which are highly active during this period and can be openly seen in selected locations.

22. Inverness, Scotland

One country in Europe that is stunning during the springtime is Scotland. 

Head up into the famous Highlands of Scotland and enjoy the peacefulness that is getting away from the bustling city centers. Inverness is a beautiful town to call home for your getaway, and you can spend some time walking around the charming old town streets. 

Walk alongside the water of the River Ness, pop into local kiltmaker stores, and grab a fresh coffee at nearby cafes. Be sure to check out one of the largest secondhand bookstores in the world, Leakey’s Bookshop!

When you’ve oriented yourself to the town, travel from Inverness to the famous Loch Ness. This world-famous loch is only about a half hour away, and you’ll find the beautiful Scottish wildflowers blooming all alongside the water. 

One of the best things to do during the spring season is take a boat ride on Loch Ness to search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Most of the cruises stop at Urquhart Castle, so take the chance to explore the castle ruins to your heart’s content and grab a later ride back. 

The beauty of the Scottish wildflowers, Highland countryside, and Inverness will definitely make it a spring to remember!

BONUS: Zagreb

Zagreb is easily one of Eastern Europe’s hidden gems of a city and one of the best places to visit in spring.

The main factor is the weather. Springtime can normally bring damp conditions in many European destinations, but not Zagreb. Here you’ll find dry and cold conditions which makes exploring very possible. 

The highlight of any trip to Zagreb in spring has to be Art Park Zagreb. With trees beginning to green and flowers blossoming all around, it makes for a beautiful stroll with a local coffee in hand. As the name suggests, you’ll also be able to view all the different artwork located around the park.

Just a short distance away is the Museum of Broken Relationships which is also a must-try in Zagreb. Whilst museums are boring, this is one of the most interesting out there.

You’ll be able to browse personal objects from former lovers with a brief description of why this particular object is so symbolic. It really is worth a visit and you’re guaranteed so many laughs along the way! 

Due to its stature as the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb has excellent transport links. From the rest of Europe, you can choose to fly, take a train, or even catch a FlixBus!

BONUS: Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a fairytale town, set at the foot of a turquoise lake and tucked away in the Austrian Alps.

There are tons of things to do in Hallstatt, regardless of which season you come, but spring can be quite lovely. 

The weather in the village is warming up, with temperatures in the lower 60s by May, but the surrounding mountains will still be snow-capped. Plus, you’ll miss the crowds that swarm the town, come summer!

So take advantage of the off-season and spend a day moseying around the Old Town, which is full of colorful gingerbread homes, perched on the mountain slopes. Make sure to spend some time gazing out onto Lake Hallstatt- by late spring, you’ll see cygnets (baby swans) and their mothers.

If you happen to be visiting on a chilly or rainy day, consider visiting the Salzwelten, the world’s oldest salt mine. Even for non-salt enthusiasts, the mine is quite interesting, thanks to its quirky attractions, like a salt mummy discovered in the 18th century and Europe’s longest wooden slide (that just so happens to be underground).

If you’re looking to enjoy springtime flowers, you won’t have to go far- almost all of the charming buildings in the Old Town have flower boxes on every window, which spill over with colorful blooms by late spring. If you prefer to see wildflowers, you’ll start to see alpine blooms, like trumpet gentian and snowdrops, popping up across the mountains’ slopes by May. 

You can also go on a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Europe? Yes, Travel Insurance is always recommended. While Europe per se is not unsafe, it is necessary to have Travel Insurance in case of sickness or accidents. EKTA offers worldwide coverage at amazing prices – without any hidden fees or clauses.

Conclusion: Best Places in Europe in Spring

As you have seen, there are many beautiful places in Europe where you can see some flowers in Spring.

From Wisteria Hysteria in London to the Cherry Blossom in Paris – there is so much to do and see in that season.

The weather is getting decent and the flowers are beautiful – so why not start planning your trip now?

If you prefer something a little warmer, check out my favorite Caribbean Destinations.

Coming back in December? Check out my favorite weekend getaways in Europe in Fall/Winter.

Check all Destinations for more Travel Ideas.