The History of Dutch Tulips

It's no secret that tulips are one of the Netherlands's national symbols. The story began in 1593, when botanist Carolus Clusius brought the first bulbs from Constantinople (now Turkey). Even today, tulips are admired for their rare beauty, but back then, they became a status symbol and a luxury commodity. This led to “Tulip Mania”, the world's first recorded financial bubble, and tulips were even part of the first publicly traded stock in history.

Today, tulips remain a cultural and economic powerhouse, celebrated with festivals and events that honor this natural wonder. But growing them is no easy task, tulips take 7 to 12 years to bloom, and with climate change, their flowering process is more unpredictable than ever.

To keep this tradition alive, we must protect nature and support sustainable farming. Future generations deserve to experience the magic of tulip season! Want to make the most of tulip season? Keep reading for the best tips, must visit spots and everything you need to know about the Amsterdam Tulip Festival 2025.

Tulip season - Best time to visit

Canal cruise

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Art Exhibition in Keukenhof - Carlo A. van Kervel artist

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Music and Flowers

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Garden pathways

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Tulip Festival Amsterdam, taking place in 2025 from March 20 to May 11.

The city transforms into a sea of tulips during spring, with over 880,000 tulips blooming across 85 locations. From Vondelpark and Central Dam Square to the lively museum quarter, the city is filled with color. Just outside, close to Amsterdam, in Lisse, you'll find the world's largest flower garden, where endless tulip fields take your breath away. A great tip? Fly into Amsterdam during this season for a stunning aerial view of nature's grand masterpiece!

Things to do at the festival

The Keukenhof Gardens

Known as the "Garden of Europe", Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world and one of the most incredible places to visit in the Netherlands during this time of year. It is located about an hour's drive from Amsterdam, in Lisse.

Beyond the flowers, Keukenhof Gardens also feature art installations, such as sculptures and impressive structures that have become iconic symbols of Dutch culture.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy inside the park. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

Whisper boat tour around Keukenhof

Take a 45 minute whisper boat tour around Keukenhof and see the stunning flower fields just outside the garden.

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Bike ride through the park

Go for a bike ride through the park and explore the breathtaking bulb fields.

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Oranje Nassau Pavilion

Visit the flower exhibition at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion, where a different floral display is featured each week

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Kid friendly activities at the Keukenhof

Kid friendly activities like the petting zoo, maze, and a free treasure hunt around the park

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Cafés in keukenhof park

Relax with a coffee at one of the cafés, like the one next to the Beatrix exhibition.

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Tip: To avoid crowds, try visiting during off peak hours, such as early in the morning when the gates open or later in the afternoon.

Tulip Barn

A visit to Tulip Barn is a chance to experience a century old family farm up close. This is a true Dutch experience, with stunning tulip gardens designed to help visitors create unforgettable memories.

Wander through breathtaking fields with over 200 tulip varieties and more than a million blooms, an incredible sight you won't want to miss. The scenery is picture perfect, making it a dream spot for photography lovers.

After exploring the fields, relax at the charming greenhouse restaurant, the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the experience.

Book your tickets online and don't miss this unforgettable adventure if you're in Amsterdam or planning a visit.

Bloemencorso

Bloemencorso it's the largest spring festival in the Netherlands and one of the biggest flower parades in the world. Millions of visitors come together to celebrate the beauty of tulips and other blooms in the unmissable spectacle.

The parade stretches 42 km through the Bulb District, accompanied by lively music and breathtaking floral designs.

For three days (April 9-11) hundreds of volunteers carefully place millions of flowers onto the floats. If you'd like, you can even join in and help.

On April 22, the event becomes even more magical with the illuminated parade, as the floats light up and make their way through the charming village of Noordwijkerhout, a truly must see experience.

The final day ( April 13, at 5pm) is your last chance to witness this incredible festival. If you're lucky enough to be there, make the most of it and cherish the unforgettable memories.

Tulip Experience

Tulip Experience Amsterdam was created by a renowned flower bulb grower to share the fascinating story of tulips. Today, it has expanded into a massive 4 hectare exhibition garden, featuring 4 million blooming tulips and over 700 different varieties. With this year's expansion, the season promises to be more breathtaking than ever!

At the Tulip Museum, visitors can explore authentic machinery that showcases the evolution of tulip production over the years, along with detailed storytelling about the history of these iconic flowers. It's also a fantastic experience for children, with fun activities like a treasure hunt, and an authentic cinema where you can watch a film about the history of tulips.

After exploring, you can pick your own tulip bouquet in the indoor garden, admire art displays, and shop for local products, supporting the circular economy.

Recognized for its immersive experience, Tulip Experience Amsterdam was awarded “Best Hidden Gem in the World” by Tiqets at the Remarkable Venue Awards during the Tourism Innovation Summit.

Tulp Festival

Founded by garden designer Saskia Albrecht, Tulp Festival will celebrate Amsterdam’s 750th birthday with the 11th edition. This event will transform the city into a colorful tulip paradise, with hundreds of thousands of tulips blooming across nearly 100 locations in all districts. From streets and squares to parks and bridges, the motto “a tulip for every Amsterdammer” comes to life, creating a stunning spring spectacle.

Join the tradition by participating in the annual Tulip Planting Day in autumn or donating to the campaign, “Plant a bulb for you and me.

Tips

Make the most of this breathtaking season with these must do experiences:

Cycle Through the Tulip Fields

Pedal your way from Haarlem to Leiden, one of the most scenic cycling routes through vibrant flower fields.

Rent a bike here: 24-hour bike rental.

Visit De Tulperij – A Local Tulip Farm

Get a close up view of tulip fields at De Tulperij, open only during the season. Remember to respect the farm rules and avoid stepping on fields unless permitted.

More info: De Tulperij website

Entry: Free

Explore Flevoland – Land Reclaimed from the Sea - For free

Once underwater, Flevoland is now home to stunning tulip fields. The Tulip Experience Field is open daily from 10 AM – 4 PM during the annual Tulip Festival and is free to visit.

Visit Henk van Drie's Tulip Species Garden at Onderduikerspad 11 in Espel for a rare collection of tulips.

More info: Tulip Experience Field

Entry: Free

Take a Boat Tour Through the Tulip Fields

See the tulips from a new perspective by cruising along the flower fields. A peaceful and unforgettable way to experience the colors of spring!

Book a ticket here: Boat tour

Accessibility for Everyone

Many tulip fields, gardens, and attractions offer facilities for visitors with different mobility needs. Everyone is welcome!

Plan your trip, respect nature, and enjoy the magic of tulip season in the Netherlands!

The tulip season in the Netherlands is an experience that goes far beyond just an event – it's a true celebration of nature and the beauty around us. If you ask anyone who has attended the festival, they'll surely share unforgettable stories, describing it as one of the best experiences of their life. The connection with nature and the care we give to it make this event even more meaningful, reminding us of the positive impact we can have on the world. So, if you have the chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event, don't miss it – make the most of it and create memories that will last forever!

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Here's a short tribute to the gardener artists who create this fantastic work.