The Best Early Flower Guide: Blooming Beauty for Springtime Joy

Welcome to the First Tour of the Season

Our first tour of the year marks the beginning of spring. Trees start to blossom, and the first spring flowers emerge from the ground. What a spectacular way to start the year! Some days can still feel chilly, as cold winds sweep across the land, yet the flowers bloom beautifully despite the weather.

What Will I See On The Early Flower Tour?

Our tour takes you to the northernmost tip of the Netherlands, in the region of North Holland, just a 40-minute drive from Amsterdam. The country is renowned for its breathtaking flower fields, which are an important part of its national identity and cultural heritage.

The Spectacular Colors of Early Spring

This area lies close to the coast and is home to stunning flower fields that bloom before the famous tulips arrive. You'll experience:

• Hyacinths – Vibrant purple, blue, and pink blooms with an incredible fragrance
• Daffodils – Cheerful yellow fields that stretch to the horizon
• Crocuses – Delicate early bloomers in purple and white
• Other spring flowers – A diverse variety of seasonal blooms and greenery

The fields burst into colors of purple, blue, pink, and yellow—very different from the colors of tulips. You won't see this vivid blue in tulip fields, which makes this experience extra special.

Why Head North?

Sandy Soil and Coastal Climate

We travel north because this region offers the most spectacular fields of daffodils and hyacinths. These flowers thrive in sandy soil, and in the Netherlands, sandy soil is mostly found along the coast. Near the North Sea, there are over 150 flower farms that together cultivate up to 1,000 flower fields. This is the largest coastal flower-growing area in North Holland.

Why North Holland is perfect for early flowers:

• Sandy coastal soil – Ideal drainage for bulbs
• Over 150 flower farms – Up to 1,000 fields in total
• Mild maritime climate – Perfect for early bloomers
• Less crowded – Authentic experience away from mass tourism

While many people think the Bollenstreek (where Keukenhof is located) is the largest flower region, this was historically true, as the history of flower cultivation in the Netherlands began in areas like the Bollenstreek before expanding northward. Over the years, growers explored other areas, and it turned out that northern North Holland is perfectly suited for these early-blooming flowers.

Visitors to the region can also enjoy different forms of flower experiences, such as curated floral arrangement workshops, custom flower events, and collaborative sessions with local floral designers, offering unique ways to engage with the local flower culture.

Why We Don't Go to the Keukenhof Area

The Overtourism Challenge in Keukenhof

Why not visit the Keukenhof area? To access a flower field there, you need permission from the owner. This area is extremely popular—over 1.5 million tourists visit during a 5-week period. There are only about 150 fields, and if visitors enter one field, thousands more try to follow. This prevents growers from maintaining their crops properly.

The problems with the Keukenhof area:

• Fences and barriers blocking field access
• Visitors picking or trampling flowers for photos
• Overcrowded fields with limited viewpoints
• Frustrated growers protecting their crops

A More Authentic Experience in North Holland

In contrast, North Holland's flower fields are far less touristy, offering countless fields to explore. Here, we can visit unique, lesser-known fields, learn about life on a flower farm, and discover how growers cultivate tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Visitors often experience the surprise and delight of discovering these hidden gems, making the visit truly memorable.

What makes North Holland special:

• Access to authentic working flower farms
• Personal interaction with local growers
• Learn about the cultivation process from seed to market
• Countless fields to explore without crowds
• Support sustainable tourism practices

Visitors gain insight into the daily life of growers and see how their products eventually reach supermarkets. Our dedicated team organizes these tours and ensures a personalized experience for every guest.

Did you know? By visiting North Holland instead of the crowded Keukenhof area, you're supporting sustainable tourism and respecting local flower growers.

The Schermerhorn Polder Windmill

Our tour also includes a visit to our favorite windmill in Schermerhorn. We visit one of the most beautiful and oldest windmills in the area around Amsterdam. This windmill helped drain the Schermerhorn polder, pumping water out of the land using only the power of the wind.

How Dutch Windmills Work

A large screw inside the mill moved water from the polder into a main canal, which then carried it to other lakes and eventually to the sea. Of course, this only worked when there was wind. The miller played a crucial role in operating the windmill, ensuring its smooth function and managing the water levels.

Preparation and Safety

Planning your early flower tour in Amsterdam or the wider Netherlands is an exciting journey, whether you're a solo traveler, part of a small group, or traveling with family and friends. To make the most of your trip and enjoy an intimate experience with the world-famous Dutch flowers, a little preparation goes a long way.

Planning Your Visit

Start by researching guided tours that match your interests—many tours are designed for small groups, offering a focused and personal way to explore the city's top museums, historic gardens, and vibrant parks. These tours often introduce you to hidden gems and local culture, making your visit to Amsterdam or the countryside even more memorable.

If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the city's excellent transportation system—trains, trams, and buses—makes it easy to reach every corner, from the bustling city center to peaceful villages in North Holland.

Safety Tips

Safety is always a priority, especially for solo travelers. Amsterdam is known for being a safe city, but it's wise to stay alert in busy areas:

• Stay alert at train stations, top museums, and popular events
• Keep belongings secure in crowded tourist areas
• Consider travel insurance for extra peace of mind
• Book early during busy spring season to avoid last-minute stress

If you're visiting during the busy spring season, when the flowers are at their peak and events like the Tulip Festival fill the city with color, plan ahead by booking tickets and hotels early to avoid last-minute worries.

Weather and Packing

Weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, even in April, June, or August. Here's what to bring:

• Layers of clothing – Temperature can change throughout the day
• Waterproof jacket – Rain is always possible
• Comfortable walking shoes – For exploring fields and villages
• Camera or smartphone – Capture the stunning colors

Don't forget to check the local events calendar—Amsterdam and the rest of Holland host fantastic festivals throughout the year, from art and food events to flower parades and open-air concerts.

Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, Amsterdam offers everything from boutique hotels in the city center to cozy hostels and countryside retreats. Choose a location that suits your style—perhaps a spot near a famous museum, a historic church, or a charming village. Many hotels and offices provide helpful information about local tours, transportation, and tickets for top attractions, making your planning even easier.

Experience Dutch Culture

Finally, immerse yourself in Dutch culture by sampling local food—try fresh cheese, traditional stamppot, or a sweet treat from a village bakery. Enjoy a boat ride along the canals, visit a famous park, or simply relax in a café with friends and watch city life unfold.

With thoughtful preparation and a spirit of adventure, your early flower tour in Amsterdam and the Netherlands will be a fantastic, worry-free experience—delivered with all the detail and care that makes travel in this part of Europe so special. Whether you're discovering the hyacinths of North Holland, exploring top museums, or joining a guided tour through the countryside, you're sure to create memories that last a lifetime.