Netherlands Tulip Gardens | Keukenhof Tour

Tulips in the Netherlands
Tulips and the Netherlands share one of the most iconic relationships between a flower and a country in the world. Here's what makes this connection so special:

Historical Significance
The tulip wasn't actually native to the Netherlands - it was imported from the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) in the 16th century. The flower quickly captured Dutch imagination and became wildly popular among the wealthy elite.

Tulip Mania
During the 1630s, the Netherlands experienced "Tulip Mania," one of history's first recorded economic bubbles. Tulip bulb prices soared to extraordinary heights - some rare bulbs reportedly cost more than houses - before the market dramatically collapsed in 1637.
Modern Cultivation
Today, the Netherlands dominates global tulip production:

The Dutch produce approximately 4.3 billion tulip bulbs annually
Around 2 billion are exported worldwide
The flower industry contributes billions of euros to the Dutch economy

Keukenhof Gardens
Often called the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens, showcasing approximately 7 million flowering bulbs each spring across 79 acres.

Tulip Fields
The most spectacular displays are in the Dutch countryside, particularly in:
North Holland province (especially near Lisse)
Flevoland province
Noordoostpolder

Cultural Symbol
Tulips have become a national symbol, represented in art, celebrations, and Dutch culture. The annual Tulip Festival celebrates this connection with various events throughout Amsterdam and beyond.

Best Time to Visit
Mid-April to early May typically offers peak tulip blooming season, though this varies slightly with weather conditions each year.

The tulip continues to represent Dutch identity, agricultural innovation, and economic ingenuity - a powerful cultural symbol that attracts tourists from around the world to witness the breathtaking floral displays each spring.