I fly into Amsterdam on my way to see the grandchildren. I would like to time my spring trip to when the tulips will be in bloom.
I know weather can be a factor. Any helpful hints of places to see or do in tulip season? Retired so time is flexible, budget not as much.
Posted by
26 posts
Keukenhof Garden is open from March 23 to May 21. This is their website http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/
It is just outside of Amsterdam and easy to get to
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
The railway line between Haarlem and Leiden goes through the bulb fields. Wonderful sight when they're in full colour. But, as said, it all depends on the weather.
Posted by
Denver, CO
731 posts
Definitely visit Keukenhof - it is spectacular!! Check out tulipsinholland.com. Nienke is a photographer that has created this website about all things tulips. You can sign up for her newsletter to get on the ground updates about the status of the tulips at Keukenhof (she lives nearby). You're right that every year will be different, but in general the last two weeks of April are a good time to go.
Posted by
Tucson
4154 posts
I've been to Keukenhof twice. Both times the weather had been so bad that the tulips were barely blooming. But I thoroughly enjoyed the greenhouses with all the varieties and colors and the rest of the park.
I saw the Blumencorso (Flower Parade) both those times. It usually happens on a weekend in the middle of April. I loved it, even without many fresh tulips decorating the floats. There's nothing like the scent of hyacinths as they go by.
The parade is like any other small town parade with marching bands and baton twirlers and fire engines -- except for the flowers. The roads are narrow, and where I watched from the people are spread out. We were able to sit or lean against benches and we were literally within 20 feet of all the action.
I highly recommend it if you can manage to go. It's free. BTW, parking for it is easy and also free. We parked on a road to a sports facility and walked about 2 blocks to our chosen viewing point.
Posted by
Liberty, Missouri
265 posts
The last weekend of April in 1974 and 2005 they were WOW amazing at Keukenhof. May 15th of 2014 the season was on its last blooms. Still not bad on May 15th but not as great as the late April visits.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
I'll be there the last week in April and looking forward to the tulips. Finding flights and hotels is difficult for that time of year so I would book as soon as possible.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7286 posts
You may not know that the corner of Keukenhof has a very reasonable view of some actual tulip fields. So you may not be required to plan a separate excursion for that. It's hard to do on public transportation on the same trip, but the weekday morning flower auction at Alsmeer is very worthwhile for plant lovers. Read their website carefully.
You cannot get a reliable climate forecast in the time frame necessary to buy international air tickets. Check prices and availability, and make a decision. Keukenhof is very crowded, so try to go on a weekday and not a holiday.
You don't make clear whether you wish to see Amsterdam at all on the trip. What country are the grandchildren in? How many days in the Amsterdam area? What country are you coming from? Are you completely able-bodied? (I'm also retired, and 65. That's why I ask.)
Posted by
Olympia, Washington
238 posts
Ooooh, we booked our accommodations yesterday for the second half of April. I have a couple of things saved in my Netherlands folder that may be of some help.
This is from the Tulips in Holland site, I found it useful for planning: http://tulipsinholland.com/faq-tulips-and-keukenhof/weekly-tulips-and-flower-update/
I think this is the parade discussed: https://www.bloemencorso-bollenstreek.nl/nl/ The route is included on the website.