The Netherlands is well known worldwide for its beautifully picturesque tulip fields, especially during the spring season when they are in full bloom. The sight of endless fields of colourful tulips is truly a sight to behold and a must-see for everyone visiting the country during this time of the year. Many tourists travel to the Netherlands to see the fields! Here is everything you should know about the Netherlands and tulip season, what to do, and where to go.
National Tulip Day
This is an annual event that is held in Amsterdam to celebrate the start of tulip season in the Netherlands. It takes place on the third Saturday of January and is organised by the Dutch tulip industry. You can expect to find a large temporary garden set up in Dam Square where more than 200,000 tulips are arranged in a beautiful display. Visitors are encouraged to come and pick their own bouquet for free.
Best time to visit the fields
The tulip season typically begins in late March and lasts until mid-May. The exact timings of this vary yearly as it depends on the weather. However, it is a general consensus that mid-April is the best time to visit the fields to see the tulips in full bloom. At the Keukenhof in Lisse more than 7 million flower bulbs will bloom in spring.
How to visit
There are many ways to experience the beauty of the tulip fields in the Netherlands. One of the best ways and definitely most beautiful and fun is to rent a bike and go for a cycle through the countryside. The flat terrain of the Netherlands makes it very easy to cycle with the many dedicated cycle paths that will take you through many scenic routes.
If you are not a fan of cycling then you can also take leisurely walks through the tulip fields. Many farms and gardens are open to the public during the tulip season and many also offer guided tours through the fields. Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the history and the cultivation process of tulips in the Netherlands.
A boat tour through the canals is also a popular way to see the field. It gives you a different perspective, and you will feel like you have been transported into a painting seeing the fields from afar, it is definitely a unique experience. Many of the boat tours depart from Amsterdam and other cities, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.
Where to visit
Keukenhof Gardens are one of the most famous locations to see the tulips in the Netherlands. Located in Lisse, the gardens feature 7 million bulbs that include tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. This park is only open during tulip season, so plan accordingly.
Lisse is a small town located in the province of South Holland. It is also known for its beautiful tulip fields and the town hosts an annual flower parade which takes place in late April.
Noordoostpolder is located in the province of Flevoland and is home to some of the largest tulip fields in the country. This area hosts an annual tulip festival.
Amsterdam offers great opportunities to see the tulips during the season. There are many parks throughout the city where you can find tulips, but the city also offers opportunities to travel to areas where you can see the fields.
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