The Netherlands is a country that is well-known for its stunning tulip fields, which bloom during springtime. This is a time when the weather is warm and sunny, and the tulips are in full bloom, stretching out in all colors, like a beautiful watercolor painting.
As a result, it has become a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors coming from all over the world to see the tulips in full bloom.
The best time to visit the Netherlands to see the tulips is between the last two weeks of April and the first week of May. However, due to unpredictable weather patterns, it is difficult to accurately predict when the flowers will bloom.
Sometimes daffodils can even bloom as early as January, while at other times, the local canals may still be frozen in March. Generally speaking, the end of April is the safest time to see them, unless there is unusually hot or cold weather.
To make the most of your trip, it is recommended that you visit the tulip fields on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, as there are fewer visitors and traffic is smoother during these days. Visitors can reach the tulip fields by bus, train, or car, and many routes take you past some of the most picturesque fields in the country.
One of the most popular places to visit during springtime in the Netherlands is Keukenhof, which is located in the central city of Lisieux. Keukenhof is the largest tulip park in the world, covering 32 hectares of land.
It was originally the seat of Countess Jacob's Hof, where she hunted and grew vegetables and herbs for kitchen meals. The name "Keukenhof" is said to have originated from this practice. The park opened in 1949 and is a must-visit location for the annual flower parade.
Keukenhof is surrounded by colorful fields of flowers and is a spectacular piece of old parkland. The park is home to over 6 million flowers of all kinds, including many rare species. Visitors can also rent bicycles from the park's entrance and ride along the bicycle paths and winding field paths through the Dutch bulb flower fields, enjoying the beautiful sea of flowers.
The Dutch love bicycles and there are more bicycles in the country than people, making cycling a popular and environmentally friendly way to explore the area.
In addition to the colorful outdoor flowers, the park's annual themed flower show is also a major attraction. From 1949 until 2006, Keukenhof held flower shows, but a new tradition was started in 2007 where each year, a special theme is chosen.
Some of the themes in recent years include the Romance of Flowers in 2018, Dutch Design in 2017, Golden Age in 2016, and Van Gogh in 2015, which commemorated the 125th anniversary of Van Gogh's death. Other themes have included Poland, The Romance of Chopin in 2012 and the UK, Great Garden Land in 2013.
The Netherlands is a beautiful country to visit during springtime, especially for those who love flowers. The tulip fields and parks, such as Keukenhof, are a sight to behold and should not be missed. It is recommended that visitors plan their trips for the end of April, take advantage of the less busy days, and consider renting a bicycle to fully experience the beauty of the area.