The history of the Tulip in the Netherlands and spring activities in North Holland

The tulip is perhaps Holland’s most iconic flower. Every spring, endless fields in North Holland turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, pink and purple. But how did the tulip end up here, and what tulip- and flower-related activities can you experience in spring in North Holland? In this blog, we take you on a journey through history as well as give tips for a colorful day out.

The Tulip History: From Turkey to the Netherlands

Although today the tulip is inextricably linked to the Netherlands, the origin of this flower lies in Central Asia and the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey). In the 16th century, the tulip was brought to Europe by the diplomat Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq. The flower ended up in the botanical gardens of Carolus Clusius in Leiden, where it laid the foundation for later Dutch tulip cultivation.

The 17th century saw a veritable “tulip mania. Tulip bulbs became so valuable that they sometimes cost more than an Amsterdam canal house! This speculation bubble broke in 1637, but the love for the tulip remained. Today, Holland is the world’s largest tulip grower and exporter, and North Holland plays a key role in this thriving industry.

Spring activities in North Holland: Discover the Floral Splendor

Every year, from March through May, North Holland is in full bloom. There are plenty of activities and events where you can admire the colorful tulip fields and floral displays. Here are some highlights:

1. The Flower Days in Anna Paulowna (April)
   The village of Anna Paulowna, located in the Kop van Noord-Holland, hosts the Flower Days every spring. Streets and squares are decorated with beautiful flower mosaics made of thousands of hyacinth flowers. A unique and fragrant experience! More information: Flower Days.
2. Tulip Bike and Car Routes
   One of the best ways to explore the tulip fields is by bike or car. There are several tulip routes, including:
   • The Flower Bulb Route in the Kop van Noord-Holland – A beautiful ride along the vast tulip fields near Callantsoog, Julianadorp and Breezand. More information: Bloembollenroute.
   • The Tulip Route in the Bulb Region – Although officially located in South Holland, the Bulb Region is nearby and well worth a visit. More information: Tulip Route Bollenstreek.
3. Hortus Bulborum in Limmen
   For those who want to learn more about the history of flower bulbs, a visit to Hortus Bulborum in Limmen is highly recommended. This unique garden houses more than 4,000 historic varieties of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, some of which are centuries old! More information: Hortus Bulborum.
4. Bloemencorso Bollenstreek (April)
   One of the largest flower events in the Netherlands is the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, a parade of floats decorated with millions of flowers. The parade attracts thousands of visitors each year and follows a route from Noordwijk to Haarlem. More information: Bloemencorso Bollenstreek.
5. Tulip fields from the water
   Would you like to admire the tulip fields in a unique way? Then step aboard a whisper boat or canal cruise in the Schagen or Alkmaar region and enjoy a colorful cruise along the tulip fields. More information: Tulip cruise.

The tulip has a rich history in the Netherlands and remains an enchanting spectacle each spring. North Holland offers countless opportunities to experience this floral splendor, from bicycle routes and boating tours to flower parades and historic gardens. So head out and immerse yourself in the color feast of spring!

Have you been to North Holland during tulip season? Check out our lodging locations and plan your perfect spring getaway!