
Everybody knows about our tulips
The tulip came to the Netherlands in the 16th century. The Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius played an important role in this. At the time, Clusius was head of the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden, now the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and where the first tulips in the Netherlands were planted in 1593.

Over the centuries, they have become synonymous with the Netherlands and loved and admired around the world. Tulips need cold nights and a cold winter, which is why they thrive in our country.
Want to know more about tulips and other flowers? We have put together an extensive digital book for you.



Sustainable floriculture
Dutch floriculture is centuries old but that does not mean that we are not constantly working on new techniques or breeding solutions. Today’s rightful emphasis on the importance of issues such as sustainability, CO2 emissions and the preservation of nature, makes the modern cultivation of flowers in the Netherlands a priority.
And that entails much more than just a few solar panels on roofs or other heating techniques. Large universities in Wageningen and Utrecht are collaborating with innovative entrepreneurs to constantly improve cultivation, even at DNA level. We always look at what can and must be improved, with a view to a healthy planet.





The Bollenstreek


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© John Kreukniet via ANP Hollandse Hoogte
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© Ruud Morijn via Nationale Beeldbank
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© Ruud Morijn via Nationale Beeldbank
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© Claire Droppert
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© Claire Droppert

Remarkable flower fields
Remarkable flower tips

Flevoland
In addition to the large cities of Almere and Lelystad, Flevoland is characterised by very active and modern agriculture, including the cultivation of beautiful flowers and plants. The east of this province has particularly stylish flower fields in the spring that are definitely worth a visit.
Zeeland
Zeeland is not really known for it, but this charismatic province also has lovely tulip fields. In particular, there are quite a few gems to be found in and around Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. The easiest way to see them is to travel to Terneuzen, the historic town with a view of the Westerschelde estuary. Rent a bicycle there and peddle along fields near picturesque villages such as Lamswaarde, Graauw and Absdale.

Overijssel
The Vechtdal, a green and wooded area in Overijssel, offers magnificent views of meadows where thousands of flowers bloom in spring and summer. Visit the tulip fields in Dalfsen or go for a walk in Hardenberg.


The Keukenhof

If all this has inspired you to visit the Keukenhof, just keep in mind that it is only open from mid-March to mid-May. You can find the exact dates on the official Keukenhof website.
Did you know?
The Keukenhof first opened to the public in 1950.