Tulip Fields & Flower Culture
The tulip is the symbol of the Netherlands — although it originally comes from the Ottoman Empire (the first bulbs arrived in Leiden around 1560). In the 17th century, the famous Tulip Mania (tulip bubble) occurred — the first documented speculative crash in history. A single rare tulip bulb sometimes cost as much as a canal house in Amsterdam!
The Bollenstreek
The flower bulb region (Bollenstreek) between Haarlem and Leiden transforms into a sea of colors every spring: stripes of red, yellow, pink, violet, and white stretch to the horizon. The blooming season:
- Crocuses: Mid-March
- Daffodils & Hyacinths: Late March – Mid-April
- Tulips: Mid-April – Early May (peak: last week of April)
Besides the Keukenhof (see North Holland), there's a wonderful alternative: Exploring the flower fields by bicycle. The Bollenstreek cycling route (35 km) leads through the fields — free, without crowds, and often more spectacular than the park. Note: The fields belong to farmers — do not walk into them!
The Netherlands and Flowers Today
The Netherlands produces 80% of all flower bulbs worldwide and exports flowers worth over 6 billion euros annually. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction (FloraHolland) near Schiphol is the largest flower auction in the world — in a building as large as 200 football fields. Visitors can observe the auction from a gallery (from 6 a.m.!).
