Where to see the most beautiful tulips in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the iconic sight of vibrant tulips emerging from the winter ground is deeply ingrained in the culture. As the world's leading exporter of these enchanting flowers, the Dutch hold tulips in high esteem.
During the transition from chilly winter to blossoming spring, the country's landscape becomes adorned with colorful rows of tulips, particularly in the renowned Bollenstreek or "Bulb Region." Spanning between Haarlem and Leiden and extending toward the North Sea, this region showcases the breathtaking beauty of tulips, attracting tourists eager to witness the blooms firsthand.
We interviewed Nienke Panis-Ringersma, the creative force behind the popular Dutch-centric tulip photography blog, Tulips in Holland, to uncover the ultimate tulip bloom experiences in the Netherlands. Panis-Ringersma, whose captivating images and tulip trivia garner millions of likes monthly on Facebook, describes the Dutch as grounded individuals accustomed to the presence of flower fields. She humorously notes that the influx of tourists during peak season is evident when roads become congested with inexperienced cyclists.
Despite the familiarity with tulip fields, Panis-Ringersma's passion for the iconic bulb flower has driven her to make it her profession. She attributes this passion to the excitement that builds up starting from December, when tulips become available in florist shops. The third weekend of January marks National Tulip Day, an event where around 300,000 tulips are displayed on Amsterdam's museum square against the backdrop of iconic landmarks like the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. This event kicks off numerous tulip festivals leading up to spring, creating a magical atmosphere that Panis-Ringersma adores. She expresses her love for the flower's uniqueness, fragrance, and the captivating stories each tulip tells.
Here are Nienke Panis-Ringersma's favourite ways to experience tulip season in the Netherlands
1. Best overall: Keukenhof
According to Panis-Ringersma, the absolute top destination for tulip enthusiasts is Keukenhof Gardens. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, Keukenhof Gardens is undeniably the premier tulip experience in the Netherlands. Its meticulously landscaped "inspirational" tulip gardens and picturesque windmills attract over a million visitors annually during its eight-week season.
Panis-Ringersma highlights that approximately 7 million bulbs are planted by hand each year, emphasizing the dedication and craftsmanship involved. Her passion for tulips was sparked during her childhood visits to Keukenhof, where her grandfather served as a volunteer ticket taker. She fondly describes Keukenhof as the most exquisite spring garden in the world.
At Keukenhof, visitors can indulge in a diverse range of activities, from enjoying picnics amidst vibrant flower displays to embarking on educational "whisper boat" tours through the gardens, where contemporary art sculptures embellish the landscape. However, it's crucial to plan ahead due to Keukenhof's limited opening period, typically spanning just two months from the onset of spring until early May, contingent upon weather conditions.
Pinpointing the optimal time to visit can be challenging, as it varies annually; nevertheless, according to Panis-Ringersma, the middle of April seems favorable for this year, particularly given the unusually warm winter.
2. Best cultural experience: Catching the Bloemencorso Flower Parade
To fully immerse yourself in the excitement of tulip season, don't miss out on the Bloemencorso Flower Parade. This vibrant festival, as described by Panis-Ringersma, features around 20 intricately decorated floats, accompanied by marching bands, lavishly adorned cars, and a jubilant atmosphere filled with street entertainment.
The parade, held annually on the third Saturday of April, follows a route from Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing through the picturesque Bollenstreek region and by Keukenhof. Panis-Ringersma recommends experiencing the parade from Noordwijk for a less crowded and more enjoyable view.
Arriving early in the morning allows you to savor Dutch delicacies like Stroopwafel cookies or dine at Hudson Restaurant while eagerly awaiting the procession. With markets bustling in every town, the Bloemencorso Flower Parade promises an unforgettable experience for visitors to the Netherlands.
3. Best interactive experience: Visiting a tulip farm
For those eager to get up close with the tulips rather than just viewing them from a distance, Panis-Ringersma recommends visiting a tulip farm, as accessing the fields directly is usually prohibited. Her top three farm picks are all situated in the heart of the Bollenstreek region and operated by experienced bulb growers, offering hands-on experiences.
At the family-owned Tulip Experience in Noordwijkerhout, visitors can explore nearly 1 million tulips, with the chance to wander through fields showcasing over 700 different tulip varieties. The farm also hosts a tulip market featuring a variety of products ranging from tulip-infused beverages like beer and vodka to tulip-scented soap, vases, and more.
Alternatively, just a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam, Tulip Barn in Hillegom boasts 750,000 tulips spread across its gardens and production field, catering to a younger audience with a focus on creating Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
For a more educational experience, Panis-Ringersma recommends De Tulperij in Voorhout, where visitors can join the bulb grower in the fields, learn about tulip cultivation, and even witness the process of digging up tulip bulbs. This immersive environment offers insights into the growth cycle of tulips and the efforts involved in their cultivation.
Website: https://tulipexperienceamsterdam.nl
Address: Delfweg 37, 2211 VK Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands
Phone: +31651368784
Instagram: @tulipexperienceamsterdam
4. Best for kids: Tulip picking
For families with restless kids and access to a car, Panis-Ringersma suggests indulging in tulip picking in the Bollenstreek region. Rather than picking from the standard fields where you can only admire, she recommends visiting a designated picking farm where visitors can choose their own tulips. Among the options in the area, Panis-Ringersma particularly favors Annemieke's Pluktuin, a tulip nursery located in Hillegom and managed by the couple Annemieke and Pieter.
The term "Pluktuin" translates to "picking garden," emphasizing the hands-on experience it offers. Tulip picking at Annemieke's Pluktuin is described as a fantastic activity, especially enjoyable for children, who can wander into the fields, select tulips along with their bulbs, and bring them back home or to their hotel as souvenirs.
Website: https://www.annemiekespluktuin.nl
Address: Haarlemmerstraat 15A, 2182 HA Hillegom, Netherlands
Phone: +31653839979
Instagram: @pickinggardenholland
5. Best for tulip aficionados: Hortus Bulborum
For Panis-Ringersma, whose love for tulip photography spurred her into becoming a tulip horticulture expert, the Hortus Bulborum historical bulb garden in Limmen holds a special place of reverence. Described as a "living museum," it preserves tulip bulbs dating back to the 16th century, offering a rare glimpse into the history of tulip cultivation in the Netherlands.
With over 4,500 varieties of historical spring bulbous plants, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, the Hortus Bulborum showcases specimens rarely seen in modern cultivation. Among its treasures are bulbs like the Fritillaria Persica, dating back to 1557, and the Duc van Tol Red and Yellow tulip from the 16th century.
Despite its compact size, the garden offers a rich experience for visitors. Panis-Ringersma recommends indulging in their delicious apple pie while exploring the diverse array of flowers on display. So, make sure to visit, enjoy some coffee and apple pie, and marvel at the incredible variety of historical blooms.
Website: https://hortus-bulborum.nl/en/
Address: Zuidkerkenlaan 23A, 1906 AC Limmen, Netherlands
Phone: +31617291643
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hortusbulborum/
