The Land of Tulips

When thinking of, or planning a tour to a country famous for its flowers, the first country I think of, is Holland (that is apart from the Sakura Cherry blossoms in Japan). The flower markets in Holland are famous all over the world and certainly, the most famous garden in the world, Keukenhof, is definitely worth a visit.

Starting with those impressive fields of tulips, you might then ask: “Where do I find the flower markets, and is it worth a visit?” Here are some places we think you would love:

As flowers are a huge part of the Dutch culture, so have flower markets been part of their culture for generations and centuries

In fact, the biggest flower market in the world is definitely in Holland. Royal Flora Holland is one of the largest digital/online flower auction companies in the world (if not the biggest), with headquarters in Aalsmeer, and locations in Naaldwijk, Rijnsburg, and Eelde.

However, if you want the experience of walking amongst beautiful flowers in a street in Holland, there are 3 places you might want to visit:

Utrecht:

Janskerkhof Bloemenmarkt (Location: Neude Janskerkhof en Domplein, 3512 JE Utrecht on Saturdays). Here you can by everything from bulbs to plant pots.
Oudegracht (Location: Oudegracht 133, 3511 AH Utrecht)
Leeuwarden Flower market (Bloemetjesmarkt) Every year on Ascension Day, Leeuwarden traditionally organizes a flower market – Holland’s longest market with a sea of flowers as far as the eye can see. (Location: right through the city’s center on the Nieuwestad, Wilhelminaplein, Ruiterskwartier, Wirdumerdijk und Schavernek.)

What is the best time to see the tulips in Holland?

In Holland, Tulips are at their best during mid-April and tulip season runs from January till mid-May. Tulips are still available later in the year as well.

Take a guided tour in Amsterdam

Keukenhof and the Flower Parade

In 2022 Keukenhof Gardens will be open from 24 March to 15 May, including the Easter weekend, King’s Day (27 April), and Liberation Day (5 May).

Keukenhof– The most beautiful world-famous flower gardens. Although it is not a “Flower Market” we just had to give it honorary mention as one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.

Travel Tips for visiting Keukenhof and important dates:

We do advise that you buy your tickets online well in advance. Always consult Keukenhof’s direct web page for the most updated information. You can walk the gardens on your own, but if you love a bit of extra information, fun trivia, and being part of a fun group, do book with one of the trusted tour operators. (Refer to the easy booking links below.)
Also, try to attend the Keukenhof Flower Parade (Bloemencorso Bollenstreek). You can view the flower parade from the Keukenhof part of the route and combine the parade with a visit to the gardens. In the afternoon the Flower Parade will pass Keukenhof Gardens on the Keukenhof boulevard. As this parade is world famous it is wise to plan well in advance.
Year Parade Day
2022 Saturday 23 April
2023 Saturday 22 April
2024 Saturday 20 April
2025 Saturday 12 April
National Tulip day is an exceptional experience in itself. Every year, Dutch tulip growers get together to build a huge garden from tulips. Dam Square in Amsterdam transforms into the biggest garden and a sea of color. People come from all over the world to pick a bouquet of flowers. This usually takes place on the third Saturday in January.

Accommodation near Keukenhof - Where to stay

Where to stay near Keukenhof

(all less than 3 km) The place on the photo is De Groene Bollenschuur (very cute)

Search and Book

Keukenhof is wheelchair accessible and you can rent manual wheelchairs at the ticket office as well.

More Travel Tips:

The flying of drones over or around the park is not permitted.
You may take your own food and drinks, however, there are restaurants.
Tickets can be bought via www.keukenhof.nl. Tickets can only be purchased online. The tickets are valid on a specific date during the opening season with arrival expected during a predetermined timeslot.
Best time to visit? It is less busy before 10:30 and after 16:00. It is also less busy on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday than on the other days of the week.
Luggage: Smaller items can be stored in the lockers located next to the main entrance.
You can rent bicycles at the car park, next to the main entrance. This is a great idea to explore the surrounding area by bike before or after your tour.

Is Holland and Netherlands the same thing?

People use ‘Holland’ when they refer to all of the Netherlands. Actually, there are two provinces namely Noord and Zuid Holland, which together form Holland. So this can be very confusing. The official name of the country is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Therefore referring to the Netherlands as Holland is totally correct and accepted worldwide.

The Dutch people refer to themselves as ‘Nederlanders‘ and Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. I think whenever you think of tulips the words “tulips from Amsterdam” come up automatically. Touring the Netherlands and experiencing the tulips in flower, is an exceptional experience. Something that definitely needs to be on your travel bucket list.

The safest, easiest, and I would almost say, the best way to explore the Netherlands and make sure you see all the tulips: is to book a multi-day holiday tour. Have a look at the fabulous Tours & Trips available in the Netherlands. (Travalgar link below)