It’s that time of the year! Tulips are growing, and the landscape will soon transform into a colourful patchwork: tulips season in Holland is on its way ! Commuting between Leiden and Amsterdam, I can tell you that I am looking forward to that magnifcient scenery, and I know I’ll spend less time looking at my phone when I am in the train.
Hyacinths close to Leiden ©Gabrielle Dauby
When thinking of tulips in the Netherlands, you think of the Keukenhof, but there’s another way to enjoy the blooming flowers, with less tourists, and above all cheaper! Follow our guide to the tulips season in Holland.
Daffodils close to Leiden ©Gabrielle Dauby
1. Where to go?
The best place to enjoy the tulips is in the Bollenstreek, the Bulb Region – it says it all! The Bollenstreek is the area between Leiden, The Hague and Haarlem, with the cities of Lisse, Hillegom, Katwijk, Noordwijk, Noordwijkerhout and Teylingen, where the floral industry is at its peak.
However, for quieter areas, head to the countryside between Hillegom and Warmond. That’s where you’ll find amazing flower fields, from blue to white, and from purple to orange. True rainbow-carpeted flower fields are awaiting!
Hyacinths close to Leiden ©Gabrielle Dauby
2. When to go?
The season begins with the crocuses in March, followed by hyacinths, narcissus/daffodils and tulips at the end of the month. The tulips season extends until the end of May, when the Keukenhof closes. Mid-April is probably the best time to go as most of the flowers will be in full blossom! For a detailed flower updates, look here.
Tulips in Hillegom ©Gabrielle Dauby
3. How to go?
From Leiden, I would recommend to go for a day of cycling in the flower fields. We’re in the Netherlands after all, and the best way to explore the area remains the bicyle. Take the direction of Noordwijkerhout, and come back via Sassenheim and Teylingen. You’ll be able to go through amazing fields, with windmills, for a complete scenery!
If you’re not much of a bicyle fan, hop on the train to Hillegom for an easy walk around the station. You won’t have to go far to find the fields, as they are easily accessible. The fields and the tulips are absolutely amazing!
Tulips fields in Hillegom ©Gabrielle Dauby
4. Floral events
A magical event is the Bloemencorso, or the Bulbflower Parade, that takes place every year. This year it’ll go from Noordwijk to Haarlem on Saturday 23 April. Make yourself a free spot on the route of the parade and admire the beautifully decorated floats – this year’s theme is ‘Flowers & Fashion’. Hyacinths, tulips and daffodils will be at their best!
Bloemencorso in Hillegom 2015 ©Gabrielle Dauby
Another floral experience is the flower market in Aalsmeer; the international trading platform for plants and flowers in Aalsmeer is the largest in the world. Bur you’d better have to wake up early to see it. The auction is open to the public only from 7am until 9 or 11am during the week. The perfect way to look at the behind-the-scenes and witness the hustle and bustle of the market, where each day 19 million flowers and 2 million plants are sold.
Bloemencorso in Hillegom 2015 ©Gabrielle Dauby
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