Flower Power at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction

Holland is known for many things – delft blue, wooden shoes, canals – but flowers are perhaps the most prolific of them all. When springtime rolls around, tourists from all over the world flock to the Netherlands to experience the terrific tulips. Our cruise on hotel barge Panache is the perfect way to experience this unique country’s fantastic fresh flora including a visit to Aalsmeer Flower Auction.

Aalsmeer flower auction

It's all about Aalsmeer

While Keukenhof Gardens, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a highlight of the springtime cruise through Holland, there is another famous and fragrant floral event held in the very same area. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is located in Aalsmeer, a small town that is considered to be the flower capital of the world.

Cultivating flowers has been a tradition for the people of this village since the 1880s. What began with roses grown in greenhouses and sent to the nearby city of Amsterdam evolved into bidding on a variety of blooms in local cafes. Popularity grew until 1912 when two auction houses were founded. In 1972, the present-day complex opened.

Flowers at the aalsmeer flower auction

Today, Aalsmeer hosts the largest flower auction in the world, with over 40 million plants and flowers from all over the globe traded here. The building in which the trades take place is the second largest in the world – 10.6 million square feet of pure flower power. This is definitely something worth marvelling over in person!

For a colourful springtime you won’t forget quickly, join us as we journey to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Life is always a little better when you take time to smell the roses.

Share this article

X