Spring has sprung and so have most of its flowers. If you’re living in the countryside, you’ve probably already noticed the explosion of colours in nature all around you. And, if you haven’t, there’s no better time than the present to go outside and explore all the beautiful flowers. Species highly depend on where you’re living but if you’re in the Netherlands or visiting anytime soon, this is the moment to go and explore the tulip fields for which the country is so famous. Here are 5 spots you shouldn’t miss.
1. Keukenhof, Lisse, South Holland
The best-known tulip spotting location is without a doubt Keukenhof. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, the enormous park boasts around 7 million tulips, each and every one of them planted by hand. The peak season lasts for about eight weeks so although there isn’t much time to enjoy this spring experience, there sure is a lot to see and to be done. From picnics to boat rides: let loose your inner child and enjoy.
2. Noordwijk, South Holland
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxed tulip experience, a visit to Noordwijk and Noordwijkerhout might be the best option for you. Here, you don’t have to worry about admission times nor prices; the only thing you ideally need is a bicycle. Cycling through the seemingly never-ending tulip fields is an activity you won’t soon forget and one you can do entirely on your own.
3. Noordoostpolder Tulip Route, Flevoland
If you’re not big on cycling and you’re more of a road trip person, the 100-kilometre long Noordoostpolder Tulip Route in the province of Flevoland is the perfect weekend activity. Other than colourful tulip fields, you’ll find a wide array of photo spots, galleries and other tulip-centred activities on the route. You could choose to do the whole 100 kilometres in just a day but making a weekend out of it, including a stay-over in one of the small villages, might be an even better idea.
4. Annemieke’s Pluktuin, Hillegom, South Holland
Most of the times, picking any tulips when visiting the fields is not allowed. Don’t forget, after all, these flowers are someone’s way to earn money. However, if you or your children would like to actually pick some flowers and make a beautiful bouquet, visiting a flower picking farm is a great way of spending a couple of hours amidst nature. Annemieke’s Pluktuin is one of those flower picking locations where you can take as many flowers as you want – you just have to pay for them afterwards.
5. Hortus Bulborum, Limmen, North Holland
Those who are interested in the history of the tulip, a flower that played a very important role in the history of the Netherlands, are at the right place at the Hortus Bulborum. Their collection includes 4,500 varieties of historical spring bulbous plants, from tulips to daffodils to hyacinths. Some of the greatest pieces in the collection include the Fritillaria Persica, dating back all the way to 1557, and the 16th-Century tulip Duc van Tol Red and Yellow.
