Tulips of the Netherlands: a journey that smells like spring.
- Лилия Денисенко
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Sometimes spring looks as if someone decided to transform the earth into a work of art. In the Netherlands, this happens every year—briefly, for just a few weeks. And that's precisely why tulip season here seems so precious: brief as a breath, bright as a promise.
The Netherlands in April is a country where color becomes the landscape. Not individual flowerbeds or "pretty flowers," but entire fields stretching to the horizon. Red, pink, lemon, white, purple—in neat stripes, as if someone had laid them out with a ruler. And amid this impeccable geometry stand windmills and farmhouses that look as if they were deliberately placed there for photographs.
But in reality, these aren't stage sets. This is the real Holland. It's just that it becomes especially beautiful in spring.
Best Time to Visit
Tulip season in the Netherlands typically lasts from mid-March to mid-May. But if you want to see that "perfect Holland," it's best to plan your trip for:
From mid-April to early May.
The exact timing depends on the weather: early spring accelerates flowering, while cooler spring delays it. Therefore, it's worth following official Keukenhof updates and local tourism portals.
The best time of day for strolling through the fields is early morning or late afternoon. Mornings are less crowded and the air seems especially clear, while evenings bring a soft, golden light that transforms any photo into a magazine-quality picture.
Where to find the most beautiful tulips
Keukenhof and Lisse – classics truly worth a visit
If you want to see Europe's most famous flower park, Keukenhof is it. It's located near the town of Lisse and is only open a few weeks a year.
Keukenhof isn't just a garden, but a carefully crafted composition where every path and every color transition is perfect. Millions of flowers are planted here, and everything is designed to make you feel like you're inside a living painting.
But the real magic begins outside the park. The fields around Lisse are the Holland people imagine when they hear the word "tulips." They're best seen by bike or on a short tour.
It's best to buy tickets to Keukenhof in advance during peak season.
Bollenstreek — the "flower strip" between Leiden and Haarlem
This region is called the country's floral heart. It's a long stretch of fields that transforms into an endless gallery of nature in the spring.
If you want to truly experience Holland, the Bollenstreek is a must-see. You can cycle here, stop in a small village, have a coffee, and then continue along the fields again.
Noordoostpolder (Flevoland) — tulips without the crowds
This place is for those who don't like tourist routes and want space.
Noordoostpolder is one of the largest tulip-growing regions in the Netherlands. It has official tulip routes for cars and bicycles, and the fields are especially impressive due to their scale.
If you want to see "fields as far as the eye can see," choose Flevoland.
Julianadorp and Anna Paulowna – Tulips by the Sea
These areas are particularly beautiful because the dunes begin right next to the fields, and the sea air is tangible. In spring, tulips against the sandy landscape look completely different – less postcard-like, but more cinematic.
Where to Stay: The Best Areas to Live
For a comfortable trip, it's important to choose the right city to stay in. Springtime Holland isn't just about fields, but also canals, historic streets, museums, and evening strolls.
Below are the best accommodation options that are convenient to use as a base.
Amsterdam
If you want to combine tulips and culture, Amsterdam is ideal. Here you can spend an evening at a museum, take a morning tour of the Keukenhof, and then return to the canals and cozy restaurants.
A selection of hotels in Amsterdam
Leiden
Leiden is an elegant, tranquil, and very Dutch city. It's conveniently located for trips to the fields, yet less bustling than Amsterdam. It's an ideal choice for those who enjoy the atmosphere of old university towns and leisurely strolls.
Hotels in Leiden
Haarlem
Haarlem is a stylish and beautiful city near Amsterdam, often chosen by those seeking more privacy and less tourist noise. It's an excellent base for exploring the Bollenstreek.
Hotels in Haarlem
Lisse
If your destination is the fields and Keukenhof, then Lisse is the most convenient place to stay. This will allow you to leave early in the morning, before the crowds get too crowded, and see the blossoms at their most tranquil and beautiful.
Hotel selection in Lisse
Noordwijk (sea + tulips)
If you want to combine blooming flowers and the sea, choose Noordwijk. In spring, it's one of the most atmospheric places: tulip fields nearby, and in the evening you can stroll along the coast.
A selection of hotels in Noordwijk
Excursions worth adding to your itinerary
Even if you're planning your trip independently, excursions are sometimes more convenient during tulip season: transportation is already organized, the route is planned, and you don't have to waste time on logistics.
Below are the best options for partner insertions.
Keukenhof Excursion from Amsterdam (transfer + ticket)
A bike tour through the tulip fields
A boat ride along the canals of Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum and Dutch masters
Four-Day Itinerary Idea
To make the trip feel like a complete story, I recommend a four-day itinerary. It's the perfect balance between countryside and city.
Day 1: Amsterdam: canals, stroll, museum, evening city.
Day 2: Keukenhof and the Lisse fields. Bike route through the surrounding area.
Day 3: Leiden or Haarlem. Stroll through old streets, cafes, and small shops.
Day 4: Noordwijk or Zeeland: sea, air, silence. Return to Amsterdam.
Why this trip is worth it
Tulip season in the Netherlands is short-lived. And there's a special beauty to it: you realize you're witnessing a rare phenomenon that can't be transferred to another time of year.
This trip isn't about "checking the boxes." It's about the feeling that the world can be flawlessly beautiful.
And if you're looking for a spring you'll remember for a lifetime, the Netherlands during tulip season is one of the best choices.
Useful travel links
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