It’s a perfect date… going Dutch! And nothing could be more Dutch, more perfect, than a care-free bicycle adventure! Holland is regarded as the world’s most bike friendly country – boasting three times as many bikes than cars! By viewing Holland on two wheels, you’ll have easy access to see what this extraordinary country has to offer. Pure Adventures’ Holland – Dutch Highlights Bike Tour winds through the picturesque countryside and we even redesigned the tour last year to take advantage of prevailing winds at your back!
In addition for its fame as a bike-friendly country, Holland is also renowned for her flowers. As such, spring is perhaps the best time to visit around Holland. The beauty of the flowers, especially the tulips in bloom, is truly breathtaking!
There are several places and ways to experience the sights and smells of spring in Holland. Here are Pure Adventures’ top picks for tulip travel.
Tulip Festival
Did you know the municipality of Noordoostpolder northeast of Amsterdam has the most tulips in the entire country? Naturally, this is where the tulip festival happens! There are several cycling routes where you can ride among these acres of colorful flowers. Our self-guided cycling holiday starts in Amsterdam, making planning a tulip tour easy. We can suggest accommodations to fit your budget.
Keukenhof
If you’re interested in seeing other flowers in addition to tulips, visit Keukenhof Park where more than 7 million flower bulbs are planted every year. The park is probably the best place in Holland to see tulips (yes, even better than the Tulip Festival!). Keukenhof is only open 8 weeks of the year, with more than 800,000 visitors flocking to the park. By visiting Keukenhof by bike, you can avoid much of the traffic congestion that occurs when the garden opens in late March. Check Keukenhof’s Facebook page or website for blooming status and ticket information.
Flower Parade
Hundreds of thousands of people line the 42 kilometer Flower Parade route between Noordwijk and Haarlem each year. Boasting millions of flowers woven into the design of 20 floats and 30 cars, the Flower Parade is a visual spectacle you need to see to believe. The parade lasts more than 12 hours, passing Keukenhof in the late afternoon – it’s best to pick your spot on the parade route wisely and be there early.
Floating Flower Market
If your travel plans don’t allow for a spring trip to Holland for the Tulip Festival or Keukenhof, don’t worry! The Floating Flower Market, open daily in Amsterdam, allows travelers the opportunity to find their favorite bloom away from the bustle of the festivals. The market dates back to 1862, when flowers where shipped from Holland on barges along the Singel canal. Though modern day deliveries are made with vehicles, the historic floating flower market remains the most colorful spot in all of Amsterdam. Weekdays 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. Sundays 11 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.