Looking for a getaway trip this spring? Then you have found the right place. The enchanting beauty of the Netherlands is waiting for you. The blooming tulip season should be on your bucket list.
Considering myself a frequent traveler, I will share my experience and suggestions with you. In this article, you will find all the necessary information, from when are tulips in season to tulip festivals in the Netherlands.
Don’t forget to take notes as you reach the end of this article. You can also check out things to do in Amsterdam in September. However, let’s begin our journey to the tulip season now.
Key Takeaways:
- The history of tulip fields in the Netherlands.
- In spring, tulips are on their best display.
- Best time to visit Amsterdam for blooming tulips
- The tulip field is quite far from the Dutch capital.
- How to Make plans and fill up that bucket list.
- The Tulip Festival in Amsterdam is one of the prettiest things to see in the world.
- Other Attractions on Tulip Festivals to Visit in Spring in Amsterdam.
The History Behind the Tulip in the Netherlands
While carrying beauty, the Tulips have a rich history to tell. This flower was mainly a wild queen in central Asia. Later, in the 16th century, it was brought to the Netherlands. The name tulip comes from the Turkish word “tulband.”
However, the people of the Netherlands always appreciated exotic things. When they were first introduced to this flower, its uniqueness made the flower an item of luxury. As the popularity of this flower increased, so did its value.
Eventually, the tulip market, particularly the tulip mania, crashed because of its increasing value. Normal people couldn’t afford the luxury, and the speculators would sell these flowers at a 10 times higher price than usual.
But the love for tulips stayed the same, and the commercial value of these flowers brought them back to town. Now, the Netherlands’ tulip fields are the world’s largest flower fields.
When are tulips in season in the Netherlands?
Most tulips are grown in the field for their bulbs, mainly. After 2 to 3 weeks of bloom, they are trimmed. It allows the bulb to generate more energy than the flower itself.
The tulips in the Keukenhof garden and the show garden remain uncut, so they bloom there until mid-May. However, the tulip season starts at the end of March and continues until the middle of May.
You will see the best tulip flowers throughout April. More than 7 million tulip flowers bloom in Holland every year. Visiting the tulip field might be one of your romantic things to do in Amsterdam for a couple’s trip.
What is the best time to visit Amsterdam for blooming tulips?
There are many reasons for visiting Amsterdam, and the blooming tulips are one of them. The vibrant colours of the tulips attract many tourists every year. But when is the best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips? Here’s your answer,
Last year, I visited the Dutch capital in April. The weather blessed me with a clear sky and lovely sunshine. Luckily, I got to know from the locals about the tulip season. According to them, April is the very best time to visit Amsterdam to witness the blooming tulips.
Along the way to the tulip fields in Keukenhof, I discovered many types of tulips. The breathtaking view kept me spellbound for hours. With my experience, I suggest visiting the paradise of tulips in April-mid and May-mid.
To discover the best kind of tulips, this is the best time to visit the Dutch capital. Don’t forget to take a cycle ride to explore the tulip fields.
How far is Amsterdam from the tulips?
While visiting the flower paradise, you should remember that it’s outside of the capital. Aside from the Rijksmuseum, most of the tulip fields are far from the Dutch capital. The most famous Keukenhof tulip field is 40 kilometres away from Amsterdam.
You can take public transport, a bus, or a train. It will take you around two hours to reach the destination. You also have the option to rent a car, for a private trip. Having a car to yourself makes the trip more comfortable and saves a lot of time.
If you decide to rent a car, then you will need an hour of driving to visit the tulip fields. This option is my personal favourite. It saves time, and you can stop on the road to relax a little. It makes it easier to explore the neighbourhood.
Celebrate Spring with a Tour of the Netherlands
What are you planning for your next spring getaway trip? Flowers everywhere, the sun glowing, and the sky at its best view call for a trip to the Netherlands. Here’s what you can do,
- Visit the Netherlands tulips blooming in the field. During spring, the field dances with vibrant tulips. Why not explore it this time?
- Go to the amusement park and enjoy your ride.
- Why not hit the Dutch beach? On your trip from Scheveningen to Zandvoort, you will come across this lovely sandy beach in the Netherlands. During spring, this is in its most lively form, with beach clubs and tourists.
- Don’t miss the canal cruise in Amsterdam. As the city of canals, Amsterdam’s city canal cruises are an adventure to look forward to.
- Enjoy the festivals and fairs in Amsterdam. Filled with artistic views, the city holds many fairs and festivals for tourists across the world.
Tulip Festival in Amsterdam
Amsterdam and Keukenhof celebrate spring with a grand gesture. The city will be decorated with tulips, and you will see floating boats filled with colourful tulips.
The city dances with joy on the arrival of spring each year. Many tourists come from across the world to see the city decorated with blooming tulips.
Parks including Vondelpark, Rembrandtpark, and Amstelpark arrange festivals. They aim to display the tulips and their variety.
Plan your next spring in Amsterdam. Enjoy the tulip festival and be a witness to the majestic beauty of tulip fields.
Other Attractions on Tulip Festivals to Visit in Spring
Tulips are a symbol of unconditional love. And many places celebrate the tulip season. But you don’t have to look around to learn about these festivals. Here is some information about tulip festivals and other attractions for your spring trip.
The Keukenhof Tulip Garden and Festival
It is the largest tulip garden in the world. This garden produces roses, lilies, orchids, carnations, daffodils, hyacinths, and many other flowers. Millions of flowers bloom here, making it a paradise of flowers.
This place is almost 40 kilometres away from Amsterdam. It’s a one-hour drive from the city. If you decide to go on public transport, you will need two hours to reach.
The 79-acre tulip garden becomes the playground of creativity for many artists. They design the place in a new avatar each year. With its unique design, the garden attracts millions of tourists from every country.
The festival opens for 7 days per week and continues for 7 weeks until the tulips are in their best display. The tulips are the main attraction for the people. Until the blooming tulip season, the festivals continue.
Insider Tip for Keukenhof Tulip Garden
There is one more attraction here if you want to check it out. Keukenhof Castle is known for its history. This 17th-century-constructed building was built for the Dutch East India Company. Later, in 1860, this building got a gothic makeover.
If you visit the Netherlands during the off-season, don’t forget to pay a visit here. The classical interior and paintings of the Golden Era will make your journey worth it.
The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Flower Parade
Have you ever heard about the floating flower parade? The Netherlands can surprise you in many ways. This is one of the things that you will only experience here.
The 26-mile water parade starts from the beaches in the Noordwijk and ends in Haarlem. It can last up to 11 hours. Since 1947, this floral parade has succeeded in catching the attention of people all over the globe.
This parade is free for visitors to watch. Although many people might pay a little to get a seat in the grandstands and protection from the sun. So, note it down and add it to your bucket list for spring.
Flevoland Tulip Field
The 5000 hectares of growing tulip fields are situated in Flevoland, in the Netherlands. With the annual flower festival hosted each year, this place is another thing to see in the Netherlands.
You will find a lovely field of tulip production there. The vibrant colours of the flowers will keep you hypnotized. So make sure to pay a visit to Flevoland.
Why Should You Visit the Amsterdam Tulip Festival?
The question is, why shouldn’t you? The tulip fields are one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world. The festivals, the colours, and the sweet smell of spring keep you hooked up.
When I visited the Netherlands, the tulip field was on my checklist. And trust me, you will not regret a bit about going to the tulip field. Tulip season in the Netherlands should be on your to-do list.
The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek parade, the paradise of tulips in Keukenhof will make it a memorable journey. You can also do other activities during the festivals. From enjoying the cruise to learning about tulip bulbs, it’s a full package.
So don’t just think, make it real and experience the surroundings. You surely don’t want to miss the best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips.
Can you bring or ship tulip bulbs home?
As a visitor, if you want to bring or ship tulip bulbs, then there are some rules and regulations. Before buying any bulbs, make sure to check the privacy policies. Talk to your vendor for all the necessary documents and the regulations for bulbs to be imported into your homeland.
You have to follow the rules and regulations for importing any item to your address. Be sure about your purchases and their rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What months are tulips in season?
Ans: From the end of March till May-mid are the months for the tulip season.
How long do tulips last in?
Ans: If the tulips are handled properly, they will last 5 to 10 days in a vase.
Do tulips need sun?
Ans: Tulips need direct sunlight to bloom perfectly. You will only get the best of tulips if they are kept in the sun for 6 hours straight.
What do tulips represent?
Ans: Tulips are classic flowers, and through the centuries, they have been known as the symbol of unconditional love.
Can I see tulips in June?
Ans: The full-bloom tulips remain for two to three weeks in April. Unfortunately, if you want to see tulips in June, then, it won’t be possible.
Final thought
Ultimately, visiting the Netherlands during the spring season allows you to see Mother Nature at its best. The amazing blend of vibrant nature and cultural activities makes this place heaven on earth.
From the history of tulip flowers to the festivals and activities, the tulip season explained how resourceful nature is! To plan your spring tour, make sure to note every detail in your notebook.
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