Every spring, the Bollenstreek transforms into a living painting. The scent of hyacinths fills the air, tulip fields color the landscape, and thousands of visitors head to the coast to admire the beautiful flowers. Are you planning a trip to the Bollenstreek this spring? Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss.
Flower Parade: April 15–19
The Bollenstreek Flower Parade is the largest spring festival in the Netherlands. During this week, you can enjoy beautiful flowers. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, beautifully decorated floats will travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing through Voorhout, Sassenheim, and Lisse, among other places. You can watch for free along the route, but there are also grandstands with seating and catering at popular spots such as Lisse, Voorhout, and Noordwijk.
On Sunday, April 19, the floats will still be on display in the center of Haarlem, where you can take your time to view them up close and take photos. The floats will be assembled in the days leading up to the parade—from April 15 through 17—and you can watch this process as well. A ticket is required for this. On Friday evening, April 17, there is traditionally an illuminated parade in Noordwijkerhout, marking a particularly festive start to the weekend.
Keukenhof and flower shows
Keukenhof is open again from March 19 through May 10. Here, you can enjoy not only beautiful tulip fields but also various (indoor) flower shows, such as rotating exhibits featuring hyacinths, freesias, and chrysanthemums. From March 27 through March 29, there will be a special Old Dutch weekend at Keukenhof. Or enjoy some traditional Dutch music the weekend before.
Cycling among the flowers
During the flower season, there’s no better way to experience the Bollenstreek than by bike: between Noordwijk, Lisse, and Hillegom, you’ll find polder roads and cycle routes winding through vast fields of tulips and hyacinths that are at their most beautiful in April. During your bike ride, you’ll get that true spring feeling. Rent an electric bike or, for example, an E-chopper, and ride at your own pace past the colorful fields, stop for a photo (from the edge of the field, of course), and maybe even discover a local grower’s stall where you can pick up a fresh bunch of tulips to take home.
