The Keukenhof comes to mind while considering tulips in the Netherlands. There are, however, other methods to take in the blooming flowers that are less expensive and won’t require you to navigate crowds of other tourists.
Here, we’ll discuss tulip fields, including where to find them for free, when to visit, and what activities you really must attend. Without further ado, here is all you need to know about the 2023 Dutch tulip season!
1. The Netherlands’s top tulip viewing locations
A lovely region properly known as the Bollenstreek is one must-visit location to take in the tulips (bulb region).
The Bollenstreek, which stretches between The Hague and Haarlem, includes the tulip-growing cities of Lisse, Hillegom, Katwijk, Noordwijk, Noordwijkerhout, and Teylingen.
The Keukenhof is likewise located in the sleepy village of Lisse. This treasure, known as the “Garden of Europe,” is one of the biggest flower gardens in the world and contains an astounding 7 million bulbs.
Meanwhile, if you’re seeking a more tranquil setting, travel to the gently sloping countryside between Hillegom and Warmond, where you’ll find really stunning flower fields.
Advice: If money is tight and you’d rather not pay to see the Keukenhof, you can still take a stroll or ride a bike through the nearby fields.
2. Timing of tulip blooming
Crocuses are the first flowers to bloom during the flowering season in March, while tulips, hyacinths, and narcissus/daffodils follow near the end of the month.
This is when the Keukenhof opens (on March 23), and it remains open until May 14, the last day of the tulip season. The majority of visitors should go in the middle of April when the tulips are in full bloom.
Finding the best time to view these stunning blooms can be rather challenging, though, as the season changes somewhat every year.
The weather in the Netherlands before and during the tulip season can have an impact on whether or not the tulips are in full bloom because climate change is also becoming more apparent.
3. How to tour the Dutch tulip fields
We suggest leaving Leiden and spending the day cycling through the flower fields.
Use the Noordwijkerhout route and return via Teylingen and Sassenheim. You’ll be able to go across breathtaking fields that are full of windmills!
Do you not enjoy cycling? There is no issue because you may also stroll through breathtaking tulip fields.
Take a train to Hillegom for a quick stroll through the station. The fields are nearby and easily accessible, so you won’t have to travel far to find them.
There is a pretty fascinating option to get you off the usual route if you want to avoid the crowds and view the tulip fields in their natural state.
Renting a Renault Twizy electric vehicle will allow you to explore the gorgeous flower fields at your own leisure while avoiding tourist throngs for entirely unhindered views of the magnificent Keukenhof.
4. Three fantastic Dutch festivities to go during the tulip season
In Holland, the tulip season resembles an additional holiday season in the midst of the year. Hey, and what features are in each holiday? Celebrations and festivities, that’s right!
Tulp Festival Amsterdam
Tens of thousands of blooming tulips cover the city’s shopping streets and public spaces as part of Amsterdam’s enchanting Tulp Festival, which ushers in the impending spring.
The numerous parks and public gardens in Amsterdam are home to the captivating sight of tulips in bloom, which is another delight for visitors.
- Where: In the center of Amsterdam
- When: From March 23 through May 14
Bloemencorso Bollenstreek
The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, a breathtaking flower procession, is held each spring in the Netherlands.
A colorful parade of floats decorated with flowers travels from Noordwijk to Haarlem in a pleasant event that shouldn’t be missed.
- Where: Vuurtoren van Noordwijk aan Zee to Raaks (Haarlem)
- When: Tuesday, April 22, 9:15 AM to 9:55 PM
Flower Festival and Flower Auction in Aalsmeer
The Flower Festival in Aalsmeer, which also houses the biggest plant and flower trading platform in the world, is another fantastic floral experience.
Both the festival and the related Flower Auction provide guests with access to a vibrant, active market where 19 million flowers and 2 million plants are traded each day.
- Where: Legmeerdijk 305, 1431 GB Aalsmeer
- When: June
Do you have any advice for Holland’s tulip season? In the comments, please!
- Post for you The Best Places To See Dutch Tulips For Free
