Aalsmeer Flower Auction
Market World's largest flower auction and wholesale market
At the Aalsmeer Flower Auction near Amsterdam, buyers bid in fast-paced clock auctions; guided tours let visitors watch wholesale trading and learn how millions of stems move through the market.
The Aalsmeer Flower Auction in Aalsmeer, North Holland, is the world’s largest flower auction operated by Royal FloraHolland, with a main auction complex of roughly 518,000 square metres.
The site handles millions of cut flowers and plants daily and serves global wholesale markets; sales are organised through high-speed electronic and traditional Dutch “clock” auction systems that move large volumes quickly. The complex includes extensive cold storage, packing lines and logistics hubs that prepare lots for road and air export.
The auction developed through consolidation of local growers’ cooperatives into Royal FloraHolland and expanded across the 20th and 21st centuries into a consolidated trading and logistics centre. It functions as a central node in the Netherlands’ floriculture export infrastructure.
Located in the town of Aalsmeer in North Holland, it sits about 15 km southwest of Amsterdam and close to Schiphol Airport, which facilitates international freight connections.
- Floor area: Main auction halls and supporting facilities together occupy roughly 518,000 square metres, making the complex one of the largest commercial buildings by floor area.
- Best time to visit: Early weekday mornings are the busiest and best time to observe live auctions when trading volumes and activity are highest.
What to See #
- Main auction building: A contiguous auction complex that houses the main trading floors, sorting lines and packing areas under one roof; the facility accommodates wholesale handling and distribution at large scale.
- Cold storage and logistics: Extensive temperature-controlled storage and logistics zones that link to road and air export, supporting rapid distribution of cut flowers and plants internationally.
How to Get to Aalsmeer Flower Auction #
Aalsmeer is southwest of Amsterdam. From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, take bus 199 or regional buses to Aalsmeer; from Amsterdam city center, buses and local trains connect toward Hoofddorp and then bus services to Aalsmeer. The auction is a short taxi or local bus from Aalsmeer station.
Tips for Visiting Aalsmeer Flower Auction #
- To watch the auction, arrive early (before 6:00am) - the real action takes place very early.
- Use the public visitor gallery or book a guided tour in advance, as the auction floor is restricted to buyers.
- Combine with a canal-side walk in Aalsmeer to watch the barges arrive with flower cargo.
Best Time to Visit Aalsmeer Flower Auction #
Visit in spring for the busiest, most florid season; very early mornings are essential to see the auction in operation.
Weather & Climate near Aalsmeer Flower Auction #
Aalsmeer Flower Auction's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (834 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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