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Everything's in Bloom! – Spring is bursting with beautiful blossoms
Hiking Blog

Everything's in Bloom! – Spring is bursting with beautiful blossoms

Hike with us to the most blooming places in Europe
Yellow hibiscus flower on bush with sea in the background

In spring, the plant world awakens from its winter slumber all across Europe, transforming nature into a magical sea of blossoms. Vibrant, dazzling flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, filling the air with the sweet scent of magnolias, lilies, crocuses, and tulips.

Some of our travel destinations truly come alive in spring, offering a spectacular display of nature's beauty. Stroll beneath the delicate almond blossoms in Majorca, admire the enchanting acacias and cherry trees in Madeira, wander through the fragrant apricot orchards of the Wachau, or soak in the charm of the blossoming alpine meadows in the Alps. Does the allure of this breathtaking natural wonder inspire your next journey?

This blog post is bursting with blooming travel tips!

Yellow hibiscus flower on bush with sea in the background

Madeira – The Island of Eternal Spring

Madeira is celebrated worldwide for its extraordinary plant diversity. In spring, the island bursts into full bloom, offering a truly one-of-a-kind botanical spectacle. Vibrant hydrangeas and delicate busy Lizzies line the trails and forest paths, while majestic laurel forests provide cool, shaded retreats. Among the island’s highlights are its remarkable giant plants, like the towering Madeira blueberry and dandelion, which reach impressive sizes. 

Thanks to Madeira’s settlement history, the island is also home to numerous Portuguese, African, and English plants. The exotic bird of paradise flower, originally from South Africa, is a true eye-catcher, as is the bright yellow angel's trumpet. The purple-blue Madeira viper’s bugloss, a favorite among botanists, is a popular subject for photographs. 

With its captivating colors, enchanting fragrances, dramatic coastlines, and lush tropical forests, Madeira invites exploration on foot. And the best part? The island’s mild climate ensures pleasant hiking temperatures year-round.

Red Spring bloomers in Madeira
Hiker with a view of the north coast of Madeira
King protea in Madeira
Lilac jewelled lily in Madeira
Blue hydrangea in Madeira
Blooming flowers in the botanical garden in Funchal
Hortenisia in Madeira
Hibiscus in Funchal on Madiera
North coast of Madeira with flowers
Madeira's Calheta Coast with a View of Funchal
Around Madeira
8 Days
76 ratings
Hiker enjoys the view of the coastal landscape from the Miradouro da Portela viewpoint in Madeira
Around Madeira with Charm
8 Days
57 ratings

Apricot Blossoms in the Wachau

From late March to early April, the Wachau delights not only the palate but also the eye. This UNESCO World Heritage region is renowned for its exceptional Austrian wines and the iconic Wachau apricot, celebrated by gourmets and fruit-growing experts alike for its unparalleled aroma. 

During the apricot blossom season, the Wachau radiates a unique charm, inviting visitors to enjoy leisurely hikes in pleasant spring temperatures. This time also marks the unofficial start of the hiking season in the region. From Melk to Krems, countless apricot orchards frame the picturesque blue Danube. For those eager to savor the delicate flavor of the Wachau apricot, the best time to visit is during the main harvest season in early July.

 

Blossoming apricot tree in the Wachau

On the World Heritage Trail Wachau, you’ll hike from the charming village of Spitz through Dürnstein and Weißenkirchen to Melk. This trail takes you high into the vineyards, past historic ruins, and through lush forests, offering a truly unique hiking experience. The warm hospitality of Lower Austria will be evident not only in the friendly encounters but also in the flavors—whether it’s a crisp glass of Riesling or a hearty winemaker’s platter. And for a sweet treat, don’t miss the chance to savor delicious apricot dumplings, made, of course, with authentic Wachau apricots.

grapevine
World Heritage Trail Wachau, Krems – Melk
8 Days
23 ratings
Views during a hike
World Heritage Trail Wachau with Charm
5 Days
14 ratings
Hiking holidays in the Wachau
Apricot dumplings and a cold drink in the Wachau
Hiker in Krems with a view of the vineyards

Verena travels along the Wachau World Heritage Trail

Our travel specialist Verena was exploring the Wachau World Heritage Trail in April 2024. Over three days, Verena hiked along the Apricot Trail and the beautiful Danube from Krems to Spitz. In this report, she shares her highlights from the tour!

Fragrant almond blossom in Majorca

From late January to mid-March, Majorca is transformed into a vibrant sea of pink and white blossoms. Each year, during almond blossom season, the Balearic island unveils its fresh, breathtaking beauty, offering an exceptional natural experience for active travelers, mountain enthusiasts, and botany lovers alike. The big question is: which places should you visit to witness the full splendor of the almond blossom in Majorca? The southwest regions of the island, between Andratx and S’Arraco, present particularly picturesque vistas. The almond blossom also flourishes between the charming mountain villages of Valldemossa and Sóller. In the southeast, near the towns of Santanyi and Felanitx, you can also enjoy the sight of blooming almond trees. This captivating natural spectacle is not to be missed!

As diverse as the island itself, so too are our hiking tours in Majorca. On the island’s stunning west coast, you can explore the Valley of Oranges, winding through scenic coastal paths and charming mountain villages. Or, if you prefer, embark on a finca-to-finca journey along the island’s most beautiful trails. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Trans Tramuntana and GR221 hikes are particularly appealing. Each year, Majorca captivates thousands of nature lovers, and it’s bound to enchant you too!

Hiker enjoys the view of the sea and the panorama of the Alcudia peninsula
Majorca Finca-Walking with Charm
7 Days
32 ratings
Hikers on the Ofre Pass near Soler with a view of the Cúber reservoir
Majorca – Trans Tramuntana
8 Days
68 ratings
All hiking holidays on Majorca

A burst of color in the Austrian Alps

As the snow melts in spring, the Alps come alive with a vibrant burst of color. Depending on the altitude, you can spot the Alpine snowbell, pasque flower, snowdrop, and Christmas rose as early as February. Later on, the blue gentian, delicate mountain bellflower, pink Alpine rose, and vivid red fire lily begin to bloom. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter the rare and iconic Alpine Edelweiss during your hike starting in July. These stunning Alpine flowers add their unique charm to the meadows and mountain landscapes, creating beautiful splashes of color amidst the greenery.

Spring in the Alps is a season full of delights, eagerly awaited by hiking enthusiasts after the long winter months. Rustic alpine huts begin to reopen, offering traditional local delicacies, while the fresh green of meadows and forests paints a picture-perfect backdrop of mountain and alpine vistas. Particularly enticing in spring are hiking tours that start in Austria or Germany and lead into Italy. From the serene beauty of alpine peaks to the warm embrace of Mediterranean charm – what could be more captivating?

Alpine meadow with rocks and blue gentian
To all hiking holidays in the Alps
Hiking break at the Leutascher Ache
From Garmisch to Merano
8 Days
67 ratings
Panoramic view of Lake Garda
From Merano to Lake Garda
8 Days
105 ratings
Hiking group in front of the Zugspitze massif
From Füssen to Merano
8 Days
4 ratings
Two hikers on an alpine meadow with a view of the Friedenrath and Lake Chiemsee
From Lake Königssee to Lake Chiemsee with Charm
8 Days
5 ratings
Cowslip on alpine meadow
Almrausch on alpine meadow
Hiker on the Dachstein High Trail with aconite in bloom

Der zauberhaften Kirschblüte hinterher

Wer die eindrucksvolle Kirschblüte erleben will, muss keinesfalls nach Japan reisen. Auch in Europa kann man die rosafarbene Blütenpracht bewundern. Im italienischen Vignola wird der Kirschblüte sogar ein eigenes Fest gewidmet. Beim Festa dei Cililegi in Fiore kommen Kirschblütenliebhaber voll auf ihre Kosten. Auch der Stockholmer Kungstradgarden ist Mitte April einen Besuch wert. Direkt im Zentrum der schwedischen Hauptstadt lädt die älteste Parkanlage zum Verweilen und Staunen ein. Nicht ohne Grund wird Madeira als der Garten Portugals bezeichnet. Neben den zahlreichen Frühlingsblühern ist auch die Kirschblüte ein Grund mehr nach Madeira zu reisen.  Als besonderes Highlight empfehlen wir den Jardim de Serra auf einer Madeira-Reise ab Ende März zu besuchen, um das weiße Blütenmeer zu erleben.

 

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