From mid-March to mid-May, one of the smallest nations in Europe transforms into a vibrant patchwork quilt. The area is practically covered in a technicolored rug of reds, magentas, yellows, and purples! In addition to their picturesque tulip fields and vibrant flower marketplaces, the Netherlands has a lengthy and intriguing history of bulb trading. I thus traveled to the area to look for the most beautiful flower beds and to learn more about why tulips are so popular in Holland.
The Netherlands’ tulip history
There has long been tulipomania. Since the 17th century, when horticulture and botanical arts were flourishing, the Dutch have practiced it. However, were you aware that it was first brought in from Turkey? The very first tulip in Holland is said to have seen the light of day at the Leiden Hortus Botanicus in 1593 according to the bible of biodiversity, Kruydtboeck.
A single bulb at that time was worth 10 times a craftsman’s yearly income; hence, botanical gardens were frequently looted. In addition to inspiring a generation of Flemish painters, the first bulb (!) craze sparked the flower trade across Europe.
There has long been tulipomania. Due to the creation of the first “speculative bulb” in the economy, it is a true part of Dutch history.
The Netherlands’ geoclimatic conditions are renowned for being ideal for this. Because the humorously named Netherlands are generally below sea level, the hardy bulbs thrive in the chilly nights of northern Europe and enjoy the benefits of natural irrigation.
Similarly, at the Ottawa Tulip Festival, the Canadian government receives 10,000 bulbs annually from the Dutch monarchy. Princess Margriet was born in Canada, where Queen Juliana and her family escaped during the early stages of World War II.
Gardens of Keukenhof
The world’s largest flower garden is a must-see for anyone interested in plants, amateur photography, or botany. I’ve been there three times myself, and every time is an absolute pleasure!
Simply put, there are 800 different types of tulips in the seven million bulbs that are replanted annually over about 32 hectares. The verdant plains of Keukenhof are adorned with tulips, carnations, daffodils, roses, irises, orchids, hyacinths, and other flowers in every hue of the rainbow.
Visitors can rent bicycles from the gardens for a few euros, making it a mild athletic excursion on two wheels (do we need to tell you that the Netherlands has incredibly flat terrain?) dotted by fields of flowers and recognizable wooden mills.
In other parts of the nation
Bollenstreek
First of all, the hub of this profitable sector is the picturesque Bollenstreek district, which runs between Leiden and Haarlem, passing by Keukenhof and the Lisse area. I was free to stroll around peacefully, taking in the pink, yellow, purple, and red blossoms that were dispersed as far as the eye could reach.
You can locate them without using geographic coordinates. To be clear, you can’t miss them!
Both Flevoland and Noordoostpolder
Second, Flevoland is a fascinating place to see tulips in the Netherlands. There are numerous flower beds in the Noordoostpolder lake region, which lies on the other side of the A6 expressway. Additionally, this region of the Netherlands is reachable by helicopter, light plane, or even hot air balloon, in contrast to the Bollenstreek area, which is off-limits to tourists due to its proximity to Schiphol airport’s airspace. Actually, the Lelystad airport hub offers a number of departures.
Aalsmeer
Lastly, with 20 million daily sales and an annual value of over three billion euros, Royal Flora Holland in Aalsmeer hosts the biggest flower auction in the world. Anyone who is prepared to get up early to see this exciting show is eligible to bid!
Amsterdam, too?
In the spring, Amsterdam is a sight to behold. Indeed, the restaurant terraces, botanical gardens, and every waterway are decked out in lovely floral arrangements.
The Bloemenmarkt market, located east of Koningsplein on the border of the Singel Canal, is a must-visit for true gardeners. Its fifteen floating stalls serve as a remembrance of the days when barges used to service the capital every day. Since 1862, the amazing world of botany has exchanged flowers, bulbs (sealed and ready for shipping), and horticultural accessories there.
Travel advice about tulips in the Netherlands
Take a day tour with a guide.
A day trip from Amsterdam to Keukenhof, tulips fields, and Delft
Guided day trip to Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans with canal cruise in Amsterdam
Keukenhof Gardens day excursion from Amsterdam
Small-group lunch trip of Keukenhof’s windmills and flowers from Amsterdam
Keukenhof and tulip fields private day trip with a local
Hire a vehicle
To explore these vibrant pastures at my own speed, though, I would have rather rented a car. A tribute to spring that spans over 270 kilometers! The anticipated streaks were already visible on the horizon after just a few minutes of driving in the direction of the seaside.
The ideal time of year to view tulips
Although the tulip season lasts from the end of March to the middle of May, the blossoms are often at their peak in the middle of April. Therefore, it would be wise to schedule your trip for approximately the middle of April.
