Spring is an incredible time for travel - especially in Western Europe. And nothings says spring quite like tulips - which is why one of our very favorite spring trips is to the tulip fields of Holland. Amsterdam is popular for its walkable streets, canal tours, and incredible art and history. But a bit further away from the city lie these treasured fields. The magic of Holland and the tulip season is the perfect way to kick off warmer weather. Read on for the when, where, and how...
When and Where is Tulip Season?
Tulip season in Amsterdam kicks off on the 3rd Saturday in January - National Tulip Day - when Dam square is traditionally filled with 200,000 tulips to form a temporary garden. Visitors can also pick a tulip from this garden free of charge. The real season is from end of March until May - with the peak typically in mid-April. Each year is slightly different depending on the winter and early spring weather, so we recommend using a Flower Forecast for the most up-to-date information. Holland has a variety of places to enjoy tulip season, and the most famous tulip region is Bollenstreek - which translates to "Bulb Region." Across this region there are tulip festivals, events, and activities throughout the bloom season.
Experiencing the Tulips
Kuekenhof Gardens is a 30 minute drive outside of Amsterdam where there are over 7 million tulips planted each year - making it one of the largest flower gardens in the world - and one of the most famous. From there, you can chose to tour the endless valley of vibrant colors in a way that best fits your style. If you'd like to simply float through the tulips and get a great overview of the park - hop on a small boat tour, and let a tulip pro guide you through the canals of the farm. If you're up for being active - rent a bicycle and cycle through - stopping along the way to smell the flowers. You can go at your own pace and stop for photo ops as often as you'd like. Of course, there is always a guided personal tour which is a great way to soak in all the information and history as you walk through the fields.
Stop in at the Amsterdam Tulip Experience which is a combination of history museum, gorgeous gardens, and photo ops. If you like to explore on your own terms, we recommend downtown Lisse to enjoy local baked goods and shopping. Stop at The Tulip Barn for a quick photo shoot and lunch at the café. If you're here for a longer stay, take some time to explore the charming towns and villages in the region, such as Haarlem, Leiden (where the first tulips in Holland were planted in the botanical garden - which you can still visit), and Delft. You'll find picturesque streets, historic landmarks, and delicious Dutch cuisine to enjoy. There are plenty of farms where you can pick your own tulips - and we'll direct you where to go for that based on where you're staying throughout your travels.
Tulip Themed Events
Outside of the tulip fields there are plenty of events that mark the beginning of spring. For those looking for a cultural event, you might enjoy the Dutch Flower Parade Think Macy's Day Parade, but all the floats are made with tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils filling the air with the scent of spring. For those who love history in their travels, there are a variety of tulip museums that dedicate their focus year round to the wonders of tulips and their history in Holland and the world. At the Amsterdam Tulip Museum you can learn about the history of tulips - including the time period in the 1600's called Tulipmania - when people even sold their houses for handfuls of tulip buds!). At the Museum 'De Zwarte Tulp' in addition to learning more about the 500 year history of tulips in Amsterdam, visitors can also view the beautiful art collection showcasing contemporary art alongside glass, silver, and porcelain.
Pro-Tips
Dutch weather can be unpredictable in the spring - so make sure to pack layers and rain gear.
Expect crowds - especially during peak bloom. Weekdays and early mornings are your best bet for a slightly less busy scene.
Remember these are working farms, so be respectful of the environment and the hard work that goes into the care of the flowers. This means do not pick flowers. (Although you can buy your very own bulb to bring home!)
When traveling around the region you'll see many small flower fields as well. Remember that most are private property and that the farmer's livelihood relies on the flowers and the bulbs. Stay off private property!
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