From vibrant flower parades to immersive farm visits, Nienke Panis-Ringersma – tulip photographer and founder of Tulips in Holland – shares her favourite ways to experience tulip season in the Netherlands.
1. Best Overall: Keukenhof Gardens
Located in Lisse, Keukenhof is the ultimate tulip destination. Often called “the most beautiful spring garden in the world,” it features over 7 million hand-planted bulbs and draws over a million visitors during its brief spring window.
- Why visit? Landscaped gardens, iconic windmills, flower exhibitions, art sculptures, and whisper boat cruises.
- Best time to visit: Mid-April (varies by year based on weather).
- 2025 Dates: 20 March – 11 May
- Website: keukenhof.nl/en
- Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse
- Instagram: @visitkeukenhof
Tip: Don’t walk into commercial fields – it’s illegal and harmful to crops!
2. Best Cultural Experience: Bloemencorso Flower Parade
Held each third Saturday in April, the Bloemencorso is a spectacular flower parade featuring elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and festive towns. The parade travels from Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing through Bollenstreek and Keukenhof.
- Don’t Miss:
- Night Parade (Friday) in Noordwijkerhout: floats are beautifully lit up.
- Construction Days (Wed-Fri): watch floats being decorated.
- Sunday: final float display in Haarlem.
- Pro tip: Watch from Noordwijk for fewer crowds and a seaside vibe.
- Website: bloemencorso-bollenstreek.nl/en
- Phone: +31 (0)252 428 237
- Instagram: @bloemencorsobollenstreek
3. Best Interactive Experience: Visit a Tulip Farm
Skip the restricted flower fields and instead visit one of these legal, immersive tulip farms:
Tulip Experience Amsterdam (Noordwijkerhout)
- Nearly 1 million tulips and over 700 varieties.
- Try tulip-themed products: vodka, soaps, napkins, wallets.
- Website: tulipexperienceamsterdam.nl
- Address: Delfweg 37, 2211 VK Noordwijkerhout
- Instagram: @tulipexperienceamsterdam
Tulip Barn (Hillegom)
- 750,000 tulips and highly “Instagrammable” setups.
- Appeals to a younger, photo-savvy crowd.
De Tulperij (Voorhout)
- Guided tours with bulb growers explaining tulip farming secrets.
- A unique educational experience.
4. Best for Families: Tulip Picking Farms
Great for kids and hands-on visitors, tulip picking farms allow you to select your own blooms. These are specially designated areas – not commercial fields – so you’re encouraged to pick, photograph, and enjoy.
Panis-Ringersma’s tip: “Don’t pick from regular fields. Go to a picking farm instead!”
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Read moreBonus: Tulip Road Trip Map
Planning to explore the Bollenstreek by car or bike? Nienke has you covered:
- Green square: Keukenhof
- Yellow stars: Flower fields
- Pink line: Scenic flower field route
- Blue line: Route to the beach
No matter when you go during tulip season, you’re bound to find breathtaking views.
From world-famous gardens to small-town parades and hands-on farms, the Netherlands offers unforgettable tulip experiences. Thanks to Nienke Panis-Ringersma’s passion and guidance, you can enjoy these floral wonders both beautifully and responsibly.
Ready to chase the tulips?
