Top 10 reasons to visit the Netherlands in the spring

Our favourite thing to do in the Netherlands in springtime is to wander the tulip fields at Keukenhof. But there’s even more things to do in Holland during spring than you’d expect. Celebrate King’s Day with the locals in Amsterdam, travel to Texel Island, relax on the beach, and so much more. Keep reading to start planning the best trip to Holland!

Discover even more fun things to do in the Netherlands on our map.

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1. See the beautiful tulips

From April to May in spring, Holland is transformed into a beautiful land of tulips. You’ll see other flowers like daffodils from March, but the Netherlands is known for its stunning tulip fields. The best place to see the tulips is definitely Keukenhof. Keukenhof has over 7 million flower bulbs across its fields. Though Keukenhof is the best and most popular, the Netherlands has plenty of other fields to explore in the spring.

Read more about Keukenhof here 👇

2. Travel to the Frisian Islands

Apart from the popular tulip fields, there’s tons of other sights to see in the Netherlands in spring. One of the most underrated places to go is the Frisian Islands just off the coast of the Netherlands. Texel Island is unknown to most tourists, and has a stunning 30 km long beach. Get up to the top of the lighthouse to get a stunning view of the Wadden Sea.

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Where to Stay on Texel

Sea you soon - This quaint bed and breakfast comes with a dining area, a kitchenette with a fridge, and a cable flat-screen TV for a lovely getaway.

22up Bed & Koffie - A bicycle rental service is available here, and the staff speaks German, English and Dutch, willing to help at any time of the day at the reception.

Hotel Brasserie Rebecca - Within reach to this hotel, you will find the beaches of Texel, as well as dunes, forests and bird reservations.

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3. Take an Amsterdam boat tour

Spring is the best time to visit Amsterdam! Enter the city and enjoy blue, clear skies and scenic moments. The city is surrounded by tulip fields, but there’s plenty to do in the heart of Amsterdam. Boat tours are a must-do while you’re in the capital. Sit back and enjoy the view as you glide along the canals of Amsterdam.

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Where to Stay in Amsterdam on a budget

ClinkNOORD Hostel - This hostel is an old 1920’s laboratory with a bright and spacious atrium, many lounge areas and a cafe to hang out in. My favourite spot is the in-house library!

Via Amsterdam - Guest have acces to a spacious shared kitchen as well as bike rental (do as the locals do!), a cinema room and relaxing areas are available at Via Amsterdam.

Durty Nelly's Inn - This inn is in one of the most prime locations in all of Amsterdam, being in the heart of the Red Light District of Amsterdam where you can walk everywhere easily.

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4. Cycle across Holland

The Netherlands is one of the most cyclist-friendly countries in the whole world. Spring is the perfect time to pedal your way across Holland. Explore the tulip fields and cycle some of the best cycling routes in the country. While you can stick to the cities and see the canals in a new way, we love cycling around the beautiful parks nearby!

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5. Have fun at the amusement park

The Netherlands has tons of theme parks to visit this spring. Soak in the sun and get up on those roller coaster rides. The best theme park to visit is Efteling. It’s completely fantasy inspired! Watch the biggest water show in Europe, go on a rollercoaster ride, watch shows with the kids, and enter the haunted house (if you’re brave enough). If you want more of a Wild West feel, check out Slagharen - it has all the rides you need for a day out, plus American themed live shows.

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6. Don’t miss the national parks

Some seasons just make nature shine. Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit the national parks of the Netherlands. Here you’ll see beautiful heathlands, flowers, wildlife, and so much more. It’s tough to choose from all of the national parks, but one of top picks is De Biesbosch - where you can cycle and hike around the stunning fresh water park.

Read more about De Biesbosch here 👇

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7. Check out the windmills

What’s more Dutch than exploring the tulip fields? Visiting all the windmills! There’s windmills everywhere you look in the Netherlands from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the Hague. Kinderdijk is the best place to see the windmills this spring in Holland. The village is surrounded by nature reserves and windmills, making it an iconic place in any season. But its beauty really shines in the springtime. Kinderdijk is stunning, but very well-known. If you’re looking for an authentic hidden gem, check out Delften Molen De Roos - it’s the last windmill in Delft.

Read more about Kinderdijk here 👇

Read more about Delften Molen De Roos here 👇

Where to Stay nearby

BenB de Walvis - You'll feel right at home in this accommodation that provides great personal attention and friendly hospitality.

Theetuin Onder de Pannen - This quaint historical accommodation comes with free bikes so you can explore the countryside like a true Dutch!

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant de Witte Brug - In the heart of the quiet polder countryside lies this farmhouse style abode with rooms that have direct access to its own private pool and garden.

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8. Celebrate King's Day

Known as Koningsdag to the locals, King’s Day is a massive party day in the Netherlands where the Dutch people come together to celebrate the king’s birthday. Held every year in April, the festival gives everyone the day off. Visiting Amsterdam on King’s Day is a whole other experience. The capital comes to life in the spring with flea markets, street parades and parties. Join the locals and party the day away!

9. Relax on the beach

Some of the best cities in the Netherlands are just a quick trip away from the beach. Why wait for the summer sun? Get ready for a game of volleyball, beach walk, and much more. The coastline is full of fun and unique things to do. You can even watch seals return to the sea at a rescue centre or enjoy local food at a former shipyard in NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam.

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10. Visit the flower gardens

We all love the tulips, but let’s give the other spring flowers some love this season at the gardens. Some of the best places to wander the flower gardens are the botanical gardens of Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam and Hortus Haren in Groningen.

Hortus Botanicus is one of the most well-known gardens in the country, thanks to its gorgeous sights and easy to visit location in Amsterdam. The butterfly garden house is one of the best parts! If you’d like to go further out from Amsterdam this spring, Hortus Haren is the top choice. The Chinese-inspired garden here is a must-see.

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That’s it for our favourite places to experience spring in Holland. The Netherlands has some of our fave flower gardens, but don’t underestimate its next door neighbour. If you’re hungry for more flowers, check out our Belgium spring guide.

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See our Netherlands guide for even more fun things to do this spring season.