Discover tulips in the Netherlands
From late March to mid-May, the Netherlands is transformed into a vast palette of gorgeous colours. Strips of red, yellow and purple slice through the flat landscape, with dikes, farms and a sky that always seems just a little prettier in spring. A time when the country is in full bloom. All thanks to the tulip. In this episode of Orange Horizons, we step into the middle of tulip season, perhaps the most iconic and photogenic time of the year in the Netherlands.
- Discover the world's largest flower bulb region.
- Get practical tips for your visit in April.
- Combine tulips, history and beautiful landscapes.
🎧Listen to the episode about tulips in the Netherlands.
Fields awash in colour
Tulips and the Netherlands seem to naturally belong together. Yet the story began elsewhere. The flower travelled from the Ottoman Empire to Western Europe in the 16th century, where it found fertile ground – literally and figuratively. During the Tulip Mania in the 17th century, some bulbs were traded for astronomical sums and the tulip became a status symbol and a commodity.
That speculative fever has long since subsided but what remained is something quite tangible: fields full of colour gracing our landscape every spring. Tulips bloom for only a few weeks a year, so those who want to witness the colour spectacle should get there on time. In this podcast, we will tell you exactly where to find all those beautiful tulips.
The flower season builds up gradually. Crocuses are the first to appear in March, followed by daffodils and hyacinths. Most tulips are in full bloom around mid-April, making it the perfect time for a long visit. The historic Bollenstreek region, between Haarlem and Leiden, is the most famous backdrop. Near the town of Lisse, the Keukenhof opens every spring and showcases more than seven million flower bulbs.
But tulips are not limited to this region. In the Noordoostpolder, Overijssel and in the Kop van Noord-Holland region, the fields also stretch for kilometres in tightly-formed, colourful patterns.
In Aalsmeer, the international flower trade runs year-round at Royal FloraHolland, the world's largest flower auction. Because although tulips bloom for only a few weeks a year, the industry behind them never stops.
Admire with respect
Important to know: most fields are privately owned and fully operational work sites. Unfortunately, visitors cause damage every year by walking between the rows for photos. Therefore, please admire the flowers from the edge of the field and stay on the established paths. Those wishing to walk around freely and take extensive photographs can visit the Tulip Experience Amsterdam in Noordwijkerhout, where visitors are particularly welcome on the site.
Wondering how tulips became an iconic cultural symbol and how to make the most of the season? Listen to the episode using the player above or via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Podimo and Pocket Casts.
