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Netherlands in April 2011

Posted by (San Diego, CA, USA) on

Hi there,
I am planning a trip to France, Belgium and the Netherlands in April of 2011. As it is currently planned, we're planning to either visit Alkmaar for the cheese auctions or Aalsmeer for the flower auctions on what we've found out is Good Friday. Does anyone know if either of those locations operates on Good Friday? Also, does anyone know of other regional issues for Good Friday? And have any of you visited either Aalsmeer or Alkmaar? Anyhow, we are still in our early planning stages and nothing has been booked, so we could always changed the order a bit and start with the Netherlands and end the trip with France. Oh and how about Palm Sunday (if we change the order of our trip)?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Ava

PS - Sorry if this was asked previously, I did an advanced search, but did not find any references to Good Friday and these areas.

Posted by
9110 posts

I'm sure both attractions will be open on Good Friday. Aalsmeer is tricky to visit because most all of the action happens at the crack of dawn when it's still dark out. The Alkmaar Cheese auction is mostly a tourist show. But what I liked most is the farmers market which lines the streets of the city on auction day. Cheese makers from across Holland and Germany, sell their own creations and offer samples for a euro. Lots of other tasty foods as well. It's very easy to do both in one day. Try and also visit the worl famous Keukenhof Gardens as it will be open in April:

http://www.keukenhof.nl/

Posted by
73 posts

On April 16, 2011, there is a flower parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Check www.bloemencorso.info

Keukenhof is a good choice, too. But actually, you're a year early: in 2012 the Floriade will be held again: a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years.

Both the Cheese Market as well as the flower auction are open on Good Friday (as will most businesses, though shops may close early), but please check opening hours. Cheese Market will be 10AM - 5PM, but I'm not quite sure about flower auction - could be 7AM - 11AM, so mornings only.

Posted by
31 posts

Michael and Ronald,
Thanks so much for your replies! Thanks for the links and information on the flower parade and on Keukenhof. The information helps greatly in the planning of the trip.
Thanks!
Ava

Posted by
2085 posts

I am not familiar with Floriade. We visited the Chelsea Flower Show in London and were agog; any comparisons? This could be a serious plan-changer. Thanks!

Posted by
2085 posts

Ronald...thanks for the link. I enjoy gardens a great deal as well.

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