Every spring, the Netherlands turns into a living painting filled with color and fragrance. The Tulip Festival Amsterdam 2026 will be celebrated from March 19 to May 10, 2026, welcoming millions of visitors from around the world. This annual event is one of the most photographed festivals in Europe and a symbol of Dutch beauty, creativity, and pride.
Over the weeks, the fields surrounding Amsterdam and its neighboring towns become vibrant with rows of tulip flowers, as far as one can see. From the globally renowned Keukenhof Gardens to the calm countryside of Lisse, there is not a corner of the land that does not resemble a postcard landscape. Whether you are a photographer, nature lover, or traveling for a restful getaway, the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam will provide you with a visual feast you won’t forget.
This complete travel guide provides everything you’ll need to plan your ideal spring trip, including festival schedules, best locations, ticket information, transportation options, helpful tips, and the best time to see the tulips in bloom.
Tulip Festival Amsterdam 2026 Dates and Duration
Tulip Festival Amsterdam 2026 will be from March 19 to May 10, 2026. These dates are based on the spring season in the Netherlands when tulips bloom. The festival is almost 2 months long so you have plenty of time to visit at your own pace.
Although these are not official dates, they follow the Keukenhof Gardens opening period. You can expect flowers from late March to early May, with the best views in the middle of April.
The main events will take place in and around Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, which is about 40 minutes from Amsterdam. The gardens open from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily.
About the Tulip Festival
The Tulip Festival is more than a tourist attraction. It is a proud celebration of Dutch culture and history. Tulips have been part of the Netherlands for centuries and at one time were a significant part of the country’s economy. In the 1600s, one can even refer to a period as “Tulip Mania” when tulips and their bulbs were traded at a higher price than gold.
Today, the festival pays tribute to that legacy while celebrating contemporary horticulture and art. More than seven million tulips bloom in such splendor and artistry each year, just in Keukenhof Gardens. Beyond the gardens, tulips decorate parks, bridges, and places around Amsterdam. It becomes an explosion of color, scent, and celebration.
Best Places to See Tulips in 2026
There are many stunning places to visit during the Tulip Festival. Each place is beautiful in its own way, and they together represent a complete picture of Dutch spring beauty.
Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse
The core of the festival is Keukenhof Gardens, or the Garden of Europe. It has over 30 hectares of land filled with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Each year the garden has a different theme and contains flower exhibits, sculptures, and art displays that highlight the culture of the Netherlands’ landscape.
Guests can stroll peaceful pathways, see live demonstrations, and climb the old windmill for a view of the tulip fields across the road. It is one of the most photographed gardens in the world and a must-see for all festival visitors.
Lisse Tulip Fields
Outside Keukenhof, the countryside of Lisse offers long stretches of tulip fields in full bloom. You can rent a bicycle near the garden gates and ride through scenic routes surrounded by endless color. These open fields allow you to enjoy nature at your own pace, and the cycling paths are safe and easy to follow even for beginners.
Bollenstreek (Bulb Region)
The Bollenstreek, or Bulb Region, lies between Haarlem and Leiden and is one of the most famous flower-growing areas in the world. The region is filled with farms and villages that grow tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. You can drive or cycle through the area following the “Bloemen Route,” which is known for its charming views, windmills, and local cafes serving Dutch treats.
Noordoostpolder Tulip Route
The Noordoostpolder in Flevoland is perfect for anyone looking for a quieter experience. Just under ninety minutes from Amsterdam, this area is home to a self-guided tulip route in the spring. Visitors can drive through quiet farmland with multiple stops along the way to take pictures and enjoy the rural feel.
Amsterdam City Tulip Displays
You can also find beautiful gardens filled with tulips after you pack your bags and head back to the center of Amsterdam. Public places like Museumplein, Vondelpark, Dam Square, and Rembrandtplein will all have flower enstallations during the festival. Then, these places are free and are perfect for those short on time.
Tickets and Entry Details
Every year, tickets for Keukenhof Gardens and tulip tours are generally made available for sale early in January. Prices slightly vary by date, but most visitors can expect the following:
- Adult ticket: approximately €19–€25
- Child ticket (4–17 years): approximately €9
- Parking: approximately €6 per vehicle
You can get tickets via the official Keukenhof website. There are combo tickets available where the entrance ticket includes transportation from Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport. It’s always worth it to book your tickets online in advance, especially in April when the crowds will be at their highest.
For a more comfortable experience, you can book your private tour of the Tulip Festival, which includes pickup, transfers, and tour scheduling and is easy to change during your visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse fields, and the countryside.
How to Reach the Tulip Festival
Reaching the festival from Amsterdam is simple. From Amsterdam Central Station, take a train to Schiphol Airport, which takes about fifteen minutes. From there, you can board the Keukenhof Express Bus 858, which runs frequently during the festival season and takes about half an hour to reach the gardens.
For those who enjoy flexibility, renting a car is a great option. The drive from Amsterdam to Lisse takes about forty minutes, and you will have the freedom to explore nearby villages, tulip fields, and scenic viewpoints along the way.
If you are coming from Leiden, The Hague, or Haarlem, there are direct regional buses that connect to Keukenhof. Public transport in the Netherlands is reliable, clean, and easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
Best Time to See Tulips Bloom in 2026
Tulips start to bloom in late March, peak in mid April and are in bloom until early May. Weather plays a big role in the exact timing of the bloom.
| Period | Bloom Stage | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Late March | Early Bloom | Early visitors and photographers |
| Early to Mid April | Full Bloom | Most colorful and popular time |
| Late April to Early May | Late Bloom | Warm weather and relaxed visits |
The best time to visit for vibrant fields and pleasant weather is between April 10 and April 25, 2026.
Where to Stay During the Tulip Festival
Book early as accommodation fills up fast, especially in April. Here are a few areas to consider:
- Lisse: Close to Keukenhof Gardens, perfect for early morning visits and quiet surroundings.
- Noordwijk: A coastal town with tulips and beach views.
- Haarlem: A lively city with good food, history and close to the tulip fields.
- Amsterdam Center: For those who want nightlife, museums and easy access to Keukenhof.
Book by December 2025 to get the best rates and most options.
Top Attractions Near the Tulip Festival
If you happen to have additional time, there are several very pleasant destinations in the region, aside from the tulip fields.
Zaanse Schans: A traditional Dutch village with windmills, cheese and wooden clogs that reflects history and craftsmanship in the country.
Giethoorn: Known as the Venice of the Netherlands, this small, quaint village is known for its canals and boat rides. It’s a lovely, nice day trip after exploring the tulips.
Bloemenmarkt: This floating flower market is in Amsterdam and is a great place to buy tulip bulbs and souvenirs to take home.
Countryside Cycling Routes: Rent an e-bike or standard bicycle and experience the rural appeal of the Netherlands. The Bollenstreek region has amazing cycling routes lined with flowers, small Dutch villages, and local bakeries.
Conclusion
The Tulip Festival Amsterdam 2026 will be the most beautiful of the spring season. From March 19 to May 10 millions of tulips will bloom in gardens, parks and fields. The festival combines nature with Dutch culture, perfect for travelers, families and photographers.
Whether you walk through Keukenhof Gardens, cycle past the tulip fields of Lisse or simply have a coffee surrounded by tulips in Amsterdam, every moment of this trip will be magic. This is the essence of the Netherlands.
If you’re going to the Tulip Festival Amsterdam 2026, start planning early, book your tickets in advance and visit in mid April when the tulips are at their best. It’s not just a festival, it’s an experience that marks the start of spring in the most fun way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The festival will be celebrated from March 19 to May 10, 2026. These are estimated dates based on previous years, as official announcements are yet to be made.
The main location is Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, located about forty minutes from Amsterdam.
Tickets are usually priced between €19 and €25 for adults, and about €9 for children. Parking costs around €6.
The most colorful period is generally between April 10 and April 25, depending on the weather.
Yes, many public fields in Bollenstreek and Lisse are open for viewing from nearby paths and roads.
Yes, the garden is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM during the festival season.
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