After a cold and wet winter, Spring has now officially started! As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, the Netherlands comes alive with blooming tulips, buzzing outdoor markets, and lively festivals. Whether you’re a newcomer or have been here for some time, Spring offers an array of fun activities and cultural experiences to enjoy. Join us as we explore our top 4 Spring activities in the Netherlands!
Keukenhof in Lisse
One of the highlights of Spring in the Netherlands is visiting Keukenhof, the world’s second-largest flower garden. With around 7 million flower bulbs planted each year, Keukenhof is a sight to behold! It’s open for visitors from mid-March to mid-May and is the perfect place for taking pictures with the famous Dutch tulips. In 2024, Keukenhof opens its doors from March 21st to May 12th. On March 29th and 30th, Keukenhof transforms into an Old-Dutch-themed paradise with traditional Dutch clothing, music, and even Gouda cheese tasting. If you book your tickets online, you’ll get a discount of €3,50! Be sure to check out this train combi-ticket for a convenient way to get there.
Flower Parade
Another must-see event during Spring is the Flower Parade in Lisse. This is a huge celebration of Spring if we ever saw one! This annual parade has amazed visitors for the past 76 years and features stunning floats decorated with fresh flowers. The parade covers a distance of over 42 km, passing through beautiful flower fields and ending in the historic city of Haarlem. There are several official Grandstands in Noordwijk, Lisse, Voorhout, Sassenheim, Hillegom, and Heemstede from which you can admire the parade. The parade also passes by Keukenhof, but it gets crowded. Book your tickets early if you plan to combine these activities! For more info and tickets, visit the website of Tulip Festival Amsterdam.
King’s Day
On April 27th, the Netherlands turns orange to celebrate King Willem Alexander’s birthday. You’ll find festivities pretty much everywhere in the Netherlands. Most of the activities are completely free! The celebrations begin on the evening of April 26th, known as ’King’s Night’. On King’s Day itself, you’ll find flea markets, live performances, and open-air festivals across the country. Many streets and city centers are blocked off and only accessible on foot.
Cycling Routes
Finally, Spring is the perfect time to explore the Netherlands by bike. The temperature is ideal – especially on sunny days – and there are many routes to explore. You can plan your own route using numbered signs along the road or explore pre-planned routes available online. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, cycling in the Netherlands during Spring is a lovely experience.
We hope you enjoy these suggestions for Spring activities in the Netherlands and have a fantastic time exploring! Don’t have a car? Check out our blog about public transport in the Netherlands for tips on how to get around.