The smell of flowers fills the air, the sun is shining warmly, and bees buzz all around. It’s the kind of perfect spring day in the Netherlands that you shouldn’t miss.
Situated in North-Western Europe, the Netherlands is famous for its fields that burst into bloom in the spring, making it an ideal destination during this season. Here are several reasons why you should visit the Netherlands in the springtime.
First and foremost, the flower paradise during the spring is absolutely breathtaking. From mid-March to mid-May, a large part of the Netherlands transforms into a vast ocean of flowers. The long spring season, with its cool nights and well-drained soil in the polders, creates the perfect conditions for tulip cultivation. It starts with crocuses in March, followed by hyacinths and daffodils. Then, from mid-April to mid-May, tulips display their vibrant colors. For the best flower views, it’s recommended to visit around mid-April.
Keukenhof, known as the Garden of Europe, is the ultimate spot to experience the magnificent Dutch tulips in full bloom. Located in Lisse, just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, it is the second largest flower exhibition in the world. The garden features more than 7 million flower bulbs, with 800 varieties of tulips alone. Keukenhof also hosts various flower-related events, such as lily and rose shows. Visitors will be overwhelmed by the stunning colors and delightful fragrances of this garden.
The Netherlands is renowned for its cycling culture, with locals using bikes for everything, from daily commuting to transporting furniture. Cycling is the best way to soak in the authentic Dutch spirit. Whether you want to explore big cities or discover the scenic countryside, you can do so easily on a bike. There are 32,000 kilometers of cycling paths waiting to be explored.
Spring is an especially wonderful time for cycling because of the endless flower fields and the birth of baby animals. It’s the season when calves, lambs, bunnies, and chicks are born. If visiting a petting zoo doesn’t interest you, cycling through the blooming tulip fields is an extraordinary experience you must not miss. The vibrant colors of the flowers stretch out in all directions like a painter’s palette.
On 27 April, the Netherlands turns into one big party for King’s Day. From the largest cities to the smallest villages, people celebrate by dressing in orange to show their pride for the Dutch Royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. Bands play, markets pop up on every corner, pubs serve beer outdoors, and people dance in their orange attire. While it may not be a quiet, serene spring event, it is a lively spectacle worth experiencing if you’re visiting at the end of April.