This phenomenon, typically occurring from mid-April to beginning of May, marks a cherished annual celebration of spring in Stockholm. To truly enjoy the cherry blossoms in solitude, plan an early morning visit. Arriving between 5-6 AM ensures a peaceful experience, as the city doesn’t wake up fully until around 6:30 AM. This is especially important if you are planning a special visit with a larger companion like a horse, ensuring both you and your animal can enjoy the blossoms undisturbed.

Bringing Your Horse or Dog to Kungsträdgården for Photos

Kungsträdgården is welcoming to pets, and on my recent visit, I brought along my horse. Stockholm is notably friendly towards horses, but it's advisable to visit early in the morning. This allows your horse to be more at ease, avoiding the busier times that can lead to stress. We experienced a magical morning, with petals falling like snowflakes, creating a fairytale atmosphere especially after a recent rain which left the ground covered in pink.

Where to Park Your Horse Trailer or Horse Truck in Stockholm City

If you're bringing a horse, finding suitable parking is crucial. Near Kungsträdgården, Hovslagargatan offers some options. It's a pay-to-park street 24/7, but arriving early increases your chances of finding a good spot for a horse trailer or horse truck. We parked conveniently close by and by 6:30 AM, when we were leaving, the area was already becoming busy.

Celebrating Körsbärsblommans Dag

Each year, Kungsträdgården hosts "Körsbärsblommans Dag" (Cherry Blossom Day), an event filled with Japanese cultural activities, workshops, and food. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the blossoms while engaging with cultural festivities that celebrate this beautiful season.

Celebrating Traditions like Hanami and Beot-kkeot

The cherry blossom season is not only a visual feast but also a culturally significant time in Japan and Korea. In Japan, the tradition of viewing the blossoms, known as "Hanami," involves people gathering under blooming cherry trees to enjoy food, drinks, and the company of friends and family. This custom celebrates the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the ephemeral nature of life, reflecting a deep philosophical appreciation for fleeting beauty.

In Korea, the similar tradition is known as "Beot-kkeot," where families and friends also enjoy outdoor picnics under the blossoming trees. Both cultures celebrate these traditions with great enthusiasm, often including traditional music, dance, and sometimes poetry readings that reflect the season's beauty.

The Cherry Blossom Trees of Kungsträdgården

The cherry trees that adorn Kungsträdgården are not just any trees; they are a specific hybrid known as Prunus 'Accolade'. This type of cherry tree is known for its spectacular blossoms, which are pink and appear in abundant clusters. Unlike some other cherry tree varieties, 'Accolade' does not produce fruit, focusing all its energy on creating a magnificent floral display.

'Accolade' is a cross between the hill cherry (Prunus sargentii) and the autumn cherry (Prunus subhirtella), combining the best traits of both parent species. It's particularly noted for its durability and ability to thrive in diverse climates, which makes it suitable for Stockholm's varying weather conditions. The trees can live up to 70 years, promising many future seasons of breathtaking blooms.

These trees were first planted in Kungsträdgården in 1998, and since then, they have grown to become one of the city's most beloved natural attractions.