A guide to the tulips season in Holland in 2018: how to see it for free!
It’s that time of the year! Tulips are growing, and the landscape will soon transform into a colourful patchwork: tulips season in Holland is on its way ! Commuting between Leiden and Amsterdam, I can tell you that I am looking forward to that magnificent scenery, and I know I’ll spend less time looking at my phone when I am in the train.
When thinking of tulips in the Netherlands, you think of the Keukenhof, but there’s another way to enjoy the blooming flowers, with less tourists, and above all cheaper! Follow our guide to the tulips season in Holland.
1. Tulip season in the Netherlands: Where to go?
The best place to enjoy the tulips in the Netherlands is in the Bollenstreek, the Bulb Region – it says it all! The Bollenstreek is the area between Leiden, The Hague and Haarlem, with the cities of Lisse, Hillegom, Katwijk, Noordwijk, Noordwijkerhout and Teylingen, where the floral industry is at its peak.
However, for quieter areas, head to the countryside between Hillegom and Warmond. That’s where you’ll find amazing flower fields, from blue to white, and from purple to orange. True rainbow-carpeted flower fields are awaiting!
2.Tulip season in the Netherlands: When to go?
The season begins with the crocuses in March, followed by hyacinths, narcissus/daffodils and tulips at the end of the month. The tulips season extends until the end of May, when the Keukenhof closes. Mid-April is probably the best time to go as most of the flowers will be in full blossom! For a detailed flower updates, look here.
3.Tulips season in the Netherlands- How to go?
From Leiden, I would recommend to go for a day of cycling in the flower fields. We’re in the Netherlands after all, and the best way to explore the area remains the bicycle. Take the direction of Noordwijkerhout, and come back via Sassenheim and Teylingen. You’ll be able to go through amazing fields, with windmills, for a complete scenery!
Need a bike? Rent one from the fellas at ‘easyfiets’, they can hook you up with a cheap rental bike (More info right here). These guys also speak perfect English, which comes in handy too. Anyways, it’s not hard to see why we would recommend this for the international folk.
If you’re not much of a bicycle fan, hop on the train to Hillegom for an easy walk around the station. You won’t have to go far to find the fields, as they are easily accessible. The fields and the tulips are absolutely amazing!
4. Tulips season in Holland: Events
– Bulbflower Parade
A magical event is the Bloemencorso, or the Bulbflower Parade, that takes place every year. This year it’ll go from Noordwijk to Haarlem on Saturday 21 April. Make yourself a free spot on the route of the parade and admire the beautifully decorated floats – this year’s theme is ‘Flowers & Fashion’. Hyacinths, tulips and daffodils will be at their best!
– Flower Market in Aalsmeer
Another floral experience is the flower market in Aalsmeer; the international trading platform for plants and flowers in Aalsmeer is the largest in the world. Bur you’d better have to wake up early to see it. The auction is open to the public only from 7am until 9 or 11am during the week. The perfect way to look at the behind-the-scenes and witness the hustle and bustle of the market, where each day 19 million flowers and 2 million plants are sold.
– Lunch by the Tulip Fields
If you are looking for something a bit more different, you can choose to have lunch right next to the beautiful flowering tulip fields! Liked the idea? During the Bloemendagen on April 29, you can not only explore the town of Anna Paulowna, but also turn this trip into an unique experience. Moreover, you can learn about the flower bulb trade and take a small tour of the barns around. So it’s not only good for enjoying the colourful charm of the tulip field but good for some guarantied good times as well.
That’s it! Get ready to get into the full spring spirit and tell us! Do you have any tips for the tulips season in Holland?
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when is the best time to come visiting holland and buy some fall season bulbs??
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Hi Gabrielle,
Thank you very much for your useful information. I plan to go to Netherlands next year around the end of May. So, I would miss ‘Keukenhof garden’ 🙁 However, after reading your post, it gave me hopes that I still have a chance to see beautiful flowers. I wonder if I go to “Bollenstreek, the Bulb Region” around the end of May, will there be any spring flowers left?
Thank you very much!
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Hiya just another question!
I have tried looking up answers for my questions but just can’t seem to find any. I was just curious as to whether we had to pay to visit a tulip field anywhere in Holland?
I’m visiting Holland 16 May through 19 May. Will the tulips still be in bloom? Will the Keukenhof be open to see the tulips?