9 Surprising Facts About Tulip Season in the Netherlands
Last Updated on March 9, 2025 by Lauren Allen
Hoping to witness tulip season in the Netherlands? Lucky you! It’s one of the best times to visit this incredible country. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you stroll through the lush flower fields of Lisse and beyond.
Each spring, millions of tourists from across the globe head there to see these vibrant gardens for themselves. As stunning as they are, first-time visitors are unaware of the reality behind social media posts and the challenges they may face.
Exploring these world-famous gardens is on many bucket lists and proper planning makes all the difference. With plenty of firsthand experience travelling through the Netherlands, these insider tips and insights will ensure you’re fully clued up for your upcoming trip.
The truth about tulip season in the Netherlands
Here are some things you may not know about tulips in the Netherlands:
1. Tulips actually originate from Central Asia
You may be surprised to learn that tulips first grew in the mountains of Kazakhstan in Central Asia, but some people believe they originated in Turkey. This is because the Turks were the first to cultivate this iconic flower many years ago.
Tulips arrived in the Netherlands in 1594 when renowned botanist Carolus Clusius planted bulbs that his friend gifted. Some people loved them so much that they stole them from his garden! From there, the popularity of the tulip went through the roof.
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2. Tulip Mania was a huge deal
Tulip mania hit its peak in the 17th century and they quickly became a national obsession. Some bulbs sold for the same price (or more) as an Amsterdam canal house. How wild is that?
These days, not much has changed. Although the bulb market crashed in 1637 and people are no longer buying tulip bulbs for extortionate prices, tourists fly from all over the world to admire these beautiful blooms. There are countless tulip gardens in the country and Keukenhof alone receives over one million annual visitors!
3. Timing matters more than most people realise
The dates of tulip season change each year. This means you have to time your trip perfectly to see them in peak bloom. While tulip gardens like Keukenhof are one of the first to open their doors at the end of March, it’s not necessarily a good time to visit.
Depending on the variety, the tulips may still be growing if you go too early. Likewise, going at the end of tulip season in May can be somewhat risky, too.
From personal experience, I’ve found that mid-April is the best time to visit Dutch tulip fields. However, it’s worth noting that some have limited access. Find out more in my guide to the prettiest tulip fields in the Netherlands.
The point is, you should wait for the dates of tulip season to be announced before booking your flower-focused getaway. I’d hate for you to miss out due to poor planning!
4. Some tulip fields on social media are not real
Unfortunately, the rise of AI means that much of what you see on social media is fake. Others are altered to add unrealistic landscapes or remove crowds. As a photographer, I’m all for creatives slightly editing their work, but some take it too far.
I’ve seen this firsthand as a member of several Netherlands-focused Facebook groups. This can lead to unrealistic expectations as you go in search of things that simply don’t exist. For example, you will never find rows and rows of colourful tulips in front of the windmills in Zaanse Schans. These photos are either edited in Photoshop or AI-generated.
Not every photo or video clip you come across will be fake, but it’s something to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip.
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5. Most tulip fields are private property
While there are plenty of tulip fields across the Netherlands, most of them are private property. They belong to farmers who grow the flowers for the bulb industry, not for tourism. Walking into them without permission is considered trespassing and you could damage the bulbs.
Make sure you stick to places like Keukenhof Gardens and other tulip farms that allow visitors. Some of these attractions even allow tulip picking so you can leave with a special souvenir. You can do this at spots like Tulip Experience Amsterdam and De Tulperij.
6. Dutch weather is unpredictable
Even in spring and summer, rain is extremely common in the Netherlands. I’ve always been quite lucky weather-wise when visiting the tulip gardens, with sunshine and blue skies every time, but this isn’t guaranteed.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather and bring layers, a rain jacket and comfortable waterproof shoes just in case.
However, it’s also worth checking your weather app once you arrive in the country. Use this to plan ahead and visit the tulip gardens on the nicest day. If you can, go on a day when rain is less likely. Even if it rains for the rest of your trip, you can easily keep yourself occupied (and dry) by hitting up museums and crazy attractions in Amsterdam.
7. There are thousands of tulip varieties
Believe it or not, there are thousands of officially registered tulip varieties in nearly every color imaginable. Some of the most impressive and unique varieties include:
- Golden Parade – A striking yellow tulip with a classic and elegant shape.
- Violet Beauty – A soft lilac tulip that adds a nice touch to any garden.
- White Triumphator – A graceful, long-stemmed white tulip that’s perfect for bouquets.
- Flaming Parrot – One of the most dramatic varieties with fiery red and yellow streaks and ruffled petals.
If you’re on a springtime trip to Amsterdam, Keukenhof is one of the best places to see a diverse selection of tulips in full bloom. With millions of flowers planted each year, the gardens showcase both iconic and rare varieties, offering the chance to see a range of tulips up close.
Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or simply looking for a stunning backdrop for photos, Keukenhof is a must-see for nature lovers.
8. Traffic can be a huge issue in Lisse
Lisse is home to the ever-popular Keukenhof Gardens and several other tulip fields. While this makes it a dream destination for flower lovers, it also means that traffic can be a nightmare during peak season, especially on weekends and holidays. I’ve personally witnessed heavy traffic, full parking lots, long lines and a whole lot of other tourists!
To avoid this, try going early in the morning or on a weekday. Or, you could skip the traffic altogether by renting a bike to get from A to B. In fact, this is a great way to see the tulip fields from a new perspective. Cycling gives you access to quieter areas where you can enjoy the tulips away from the crowds. How blissful!
9. There are tourists everywhere
Exploring the tulip fields is one of the top bucket list experiences in Europe, but as I’ve touched on briefly already, this typically comes at a cost.
Regardless of what you may see on social media, these places are usually full of tourists. If you’re expecting serene, empty fields, you may be in for a surprise.
Social media can be misleading. Some content creators wake up at sunrise or use clever angles and editing to make it seem like they have the fields to themselves. I’m not against this, but it’s important to set realistic expectations so you’re not caught off guard when you arrive.
If you’d prefer to go somewhere with fewer tourists, consider visiting De Tulperij and Fam Flower Farm. They’re far less crowded than the likes of Keukenhof.
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Final thoughts
I strongly believe that everyone should experience tulip season in the Netherlands at least once. There’s something so special about being surrounded by tulips in a kaleidoscope of colours. It’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a sunny day!
However, proper planning can make a huge difference. From navigating traffic in Lisse to setting realistic expectations about crowds, being informed will help you make the most of your trip.
Whether you choose to visit Keukenhof Gardens or lesser-known spots, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the magic of Dutch tulips. Just remember to respect the hard work of farmers and only go to dedicated attractions.
With these insightful tips, you’re sure to have a blast on your upcoming flower-focused getaway – have fun!
Heading to the Dutch capital in April? Read my guide for events, attractions and activities that you can’t miss.
