The Netherlands, often called the “land of flowers”, attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique culture and picturesque landscapes. If you love nature, then this country definitely deserves your attention. In this article, we will talk about why the Netherlands and flowers have become inseparable concepts, and how best to plan your trip to this amazing place. And if you want to please your loved ones with beautiful flower arrangements, then delivery of fresh flowers is a great way to convey a piece of floral charm right home.
The history of the flower market
The Netherlands is one of the world’s leading countries in the field of flower exports. Favorable climatic conditions, fertile soils and centuries-old experience contributed to this. The first flower markets appeared here in the XVII century, when the country was one of the centers of world trade. It was then that “tulip mania” arose — a period when tulips became a symbol of luxury and prosperity.
Tulip fields: a sight worth seeing
If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands in the spring, be sure to visit the famous tulip fields. The best time for this is the end of April — the beginning of May, when the fields are covered with bright carpets of colorful flowers. One of the most popular places for this is the regionKeukenhof. A flower exhibition is held here every year, attracting thousands of tourists. On the territory of the Keukenhof Park you will find more than 7 million flowers, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and many others.
Dutch Flower Exchange
Another interesting place to visit is the famous flower exchange in Alsmer, near Amsterdam. It is the largest flower auction in the world, where millions of flowers are sold daily.
Visiting the exchange allows you to plunge into a unique atmosphere where flowers are sold and bought in real time. This is not only a colorful sight, but also an opportunity to better understand how the flower industry works in the Netherlands.
Flower festivals
In addition to tulip fields and flower auctions, the Netherlands is known for its flower festivals. One of the most striking is Bloemencorso, or “Parade of Flowers”. Parades are held annually in different cities of the country, where huge platforms decorated with floral arrangements pass through the streets, creating a bright and unforgettable sight. The Zundert Parade, for example, is one of the largest flower parades in the world.
Flowers in culture and art
Flowers are playing an important role in Dutch culture and art. This can be seen in the works of famous Dutch artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Jan van Heysem, who often depicted floral still lifes. Modern Dutch people also like to decorate their houses with flowers, and on almost every window in the Netherlands you can see beautiful pots with plants.
How to get there and useful tips
It is easy to get to the Netherlands thanks to the developed transport system. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the largest in Europe and accepts flights from most major cities in the world. It is convenient to travel within the country by trains and buses. If you plan to visit the flower fields, it is best to rent a bike — so you can enjoy the scenery to the fullest.
Travel tips:
- Book in advance. If you are planning a trip to flower festivals or Keukenhof Park, take care of tickets in advance — demand is very high at this time of the year.
- Select the correct time. The best time to visit the flower fields is from the end of April to the beginning of May. However, it is worth considering the weather — spring in the Netherlands can be changeable.
- Use local transport. It is convenient to travel around the Netherlands by trains and bicycles. Many cities offer bicycle rentals, which allows you to explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Conclusion
A trip to the Netherlands is an opportunity not only to enjoy the culture and history of the country, but also to see with your own eyes the incredible flower fields and festivals that have made this country famous all over the world. Plan your trip in advance to get the most pleasure and impressions from visiting this flower country.
