As winter fades, the Netherlands transforms into a vibrant, colourful paradise. Spring is here. Honestly, this March month made me, and everyone else in the country, very happy. We hope the sun keeps on shining until September at least. Ok, I know it is too much to ask, but a girl can dream, can’t she?
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to experience in this country. Flower fields burst into bloom, parks come alive, and the Dutch embrace the outdoors after the colder months. In fact, no matter if it is not properly warm yet, if it is sunny, ‘Dutchies’ are all out, sitting in the terraces, enjoying their gardens or the parks – sometimes even putting just some chairs on the sidewalk next to their front door and talking to the neighbour. I literally love it!
There is one word that we all have in mind when it is about spring and the Netherlands: TULIPS! And there’s no better place to witness their beauty. The famous Keukenhof Gardens, open from mid-March to mid-May, showcases millions of tulips and other flowers in breathtaking displays.
But you can see tulips also without paying a ticket: head to the tulip fields in Lisse, Noordoostpolder or Goeree-Overflakkee. These vibrant fields stretch for miles, making them ideal for cycling or photography. If you’re in the Netherlands in April (9-12 in 2025), don’t miss the Flower Parade (Bloemencorso) Bollenstreek – a spectacular event where giant floral floats travel through Dutch towns. Many towns have their own local version.
The Dutch love a good celebration, and spring is packed with events, the most known being King’s Day (usually 27 April 27, but in 2025 it’s on the 26th), which is the biggest party of the year! The entire country turns orange in honour of the King’s birthday, with street markets, live music and boat parades in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht. Everyone can sell anything on that day, therefore parks, sidewalks and entire streets become markets where kids play instruments or sell lemonade for a few cents, while the parents sell toys and clothes or anything they have found in their attics and sheds. It is fun!
Less famous but very traditional is the National Mill Day (10-11 May). With the tulips and the canals, the windmills are third other typical Dutch symbol and this is a fantastic opportunity to visit some of the country’s historic windmills, which open to the public on this day.
Every country has a Liberation Day and in the Netherlands it’s on 5 May. It marks the end of World War Two and is celebrated with music festivals and events throughout the country. You might not know that, although the celebration of this day happens every year, it is a public holiday only once every 5 years, and finally 2025 is one such day (the previous one was during the pandemic, not a fun one). On 4 May at 8 pm, the nation remembers the fallen with 2 minutes of silence – which is taken seriously, so be quiet when you’re in public.
These are only three events, but the list is long. In fact every city hosts festivals, concerts and street markets. Besides the official events which you can find on many websites, spring opens the seasons of picnics and barbecues, at home and in the parks.
Rent a boat and explore the country, or hop on your bike and visit a pretty natural area, many of which are close to the cities. Do like the Dutch do: enjoy the nice weather and the long days! I would recommend an umbrella or a raincoat nevertheless, as the weather is still very unpredictable.
There’s something special about this time of year, so embrace everything Dutch springtime has to offer!
Written by Rossella Davì