All flowers are beautiful, but tulips have a special place in our hearts. And most Dutch people feel the same. The bud has become a symbol of The Netherlands, thanks to the country having the perfect climate for them to flourish, and thousands flock each year to see them.
Spring 2023 got off to a slow start, but now that that chill in the air is lifting, the tulips are coming out to play.
Keukenhof Gardens, just 20 miles south of Amsterdam, is the most famous place to take in the blooms. Known as the Garden of Europe, the park has 7 million flowers across its 79 acres.
Dating back to the 15th century, Keukenhof opened to the public in 1949. That year, more than 200,000 visitors came to see the tulips. 74 years later, over one million visitors are expected for the season.
“The first tulips and hyacinths are already flowering. Visitors can enjoy a colourful park from day one,” the gardens stated. “In autumn, Keukenhof’s gardeners planted 7 million flower bulbs by hand. Across the Bollenstreek [bulb growing region] the fields are starting to bloom.”
The season runs from now until May 14, with flower lovers able to visit the park from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day.
