Springtime in the Netherlands
Springtime in the Netherlands - The flowering season
Ah, spring, one of my favourite seasons in the Netherlands, and for good reason! Nature transforms from bland and colourless to an explosion of vibrant hues. The first light green leaves start budding on the trees, tiny buds peek out between the leaves on the branches, and the first rays of sunshine bring ultimate happiness. Many Dutch are heading out again and enjoying the beauty the country has to offer. Check out my guide to springtime in the Netherlands!
Tulip fields in the Netherlands during springtime
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Netherlands is its stunning tulip fields, bursting into full bloom during springtime. Depending on the year, they can be seen between April and May. Make sure to seek out these gorgeous tulips during these months.
Dutch countryside in spring
To see the beautiful tulip fields without an overflow of tourists, it is fun to embark on your own exploration. Head out to the Dutch countryside! Throughout the Netherlands, you will find plenty of tulip fields where you can follow several tulip routes. At the top of this article, you will find a map showing where to find these fields across the country.
Locations of tulip fields in the Netherlands during springtime
- The Bulb Region (De Bollenstreek): As the name suggests, this is the most famous region in the Netherlands, where you will also find the Keukenhof. Along the coastal area between the provinces of South and North Holland, you will find an abundance of tulips, as well as other colourful flowers.
- North Holland Peninsula (Kop van Noord-Holland): If you want to spot the most contiguous flower bulb fields, head to the North Holland Peninsula. Situated in the northern part of the province of North Holland.
- Northeast Polder (Noordoostpolder): A popular spot in the Netherlands, with the most tulip farms, is the Northeast Polder, located in the north of Flevoland. Here, you can visit several tulip picking gardens and pick your own tulips for a small fee.
- Flevopolder: Just below the Northeast Polder lies the Flevopolder. If you drive along the highway, look around, as you will obviously find many tulip fields all around you.
- Goeree-Overflakkee: At the very southern tip of South Holland, you will find an island called Goeree-Overflakkee, where you can also follow a fantastic tulip route.
- Zeelandic Flanders (Zeeuws-Vlaanderen): If you sink a little further into the country, you will arrive in the east of Zeelandic Flanders, where you will find many beautiful tulip fields.
Tulip tours along the Dutch countryside
Skip the crowds: Discover tulips the better way!
Why battle the crowds at Keukenhof when you can experience the magic of Dutch tulips in a more peaceful setting? Instead, book a tulip tour that takes you off the beaten path! Ready to explore? Here are some hidden gems in the countryside waiting for you!
Blossom season in Holland
In addition to all the gorgeous tulips, you can find an abundance of other flowers in Holland. For example, take a walk on a heath field in the Netherlands, where you can sometimes come face to face with a Scottish Highlander. Some wonderful heath fields in Holland include the Veluwe, Schoorls duinen, Gooise heide, and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Obviously, you will come across lovely blossoms in any of these places.
Gooise heath
My favourite field is the Gooise heath. Surrounding areas like Bussum, Naarden, Huizen, Laren, and Hilversum offer vast expanses of heath fields and forests. Perfect for a day of relaxation amidst serene surroundings. Moreover, the Gooi region is a gem in the Netherlands, with its many lovely towns and nature reserves.
Cows, lambs and birds - Springtime in the Netherlands
During spring, newly born lambs joyfully leap across the meadows, accompanied by cows finally let out to pasture after a long winter. All the animals revel in the season, and the birds happily serenade you awake in the morning. If you visit the Netherlands during springtime, it is highly recommended to stay in the countryside, close to a nature reserve. This way, you can fully experience the beauty of nature without the hustle and bustle of the city.
Springtime photography spots in the Netherlands
The forests, heath fields, blossoms, and all other nature reserves form a photographer’s paradise. Capture the most stunning shots and showcase the wonderful spring colours. In short, as a (hobby) photographer, you can indulge yourself completely in Holland during spring.
Springtime activities in the Netherlands
When the sun is shining, you can enjoy delightful outings in the Netherlands. As mentioned, you can go walking or cycling. Many Dutch people love nothing more than relaxing on a terrace with a drink, which is why many terraces are packed at the first rays of sunshine. People also love to rent a boat in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Den Bosch. Although renting a boat on the Loosdrechtse Plassen or the Frisian lakes is also an experience in itself. Additionally, a visit to a botanical garden, such as the Botanical Garden in Utrecht, is a great idea; here, everything is in full bloom.
King's Day Amsterdam
One of my favourite days in the Netherlands is King’s Day! This is celebrated in a very big way, when the whole of the Netherlands turns orange and cities like Amsterdam are in full party mood! King’s Day is celebrated every year on 27 April, so definitely another reason to come to the Netherlands during spring 🙂 If you want to know more about King’s Day in Amsterdam, have a look at my article.
Cycling routes in the Netherlands
If you wish, you can hop on your bike like a real Dutchie to cycle around the country. A tourist route could take you through the Bulb Region (Bollenstreek), while lesser-known cycling routes include the Hanzeroute, North Sea route, or a round IJsselmeer. Here are some additional tours you can book in the Dutch countryside.
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Last update: 20-03-2025 © Doris Leone
‘Un abrazo’ and maybe we will see each other one day; Doris Leone
