Smell the tulips!

Tulips are one of the most iconic symbols of the Netherlands, and their history in the country is as colorful as the flowers themselves. While tulips originally come from Central Asia and were introduced to Europe through the Ottoman Empire, they found their home in the Dutch soil during the 16th century.

By the 17th century, tulips had become so popular in the Netherlands that a period known as “Tulip Mania” occurred. At the height of this frenzy, tulip bulbs were traded at extremely high prices, sometimes worth more than a house. Although the market eventually collapsed, the Dutch love for tulips endured, and they remain a national symbol of beauty and the beginning of spring.

Today, the Netherlands is the largest producer of tulips in the world, exporting billions of bulbs each year. Tulip season typically runs from March to May, and during this time, fields across the country bloom with vibrant colors. One of the best places to experience this spectacle is the Keukenhof Gardens, known as the "Garden of Europe," where you can walk among millions of tulips and other flowers.

Tulip festivals are also held throughout the Netherlands, with the most famous taking place in the Noordoostpolder, home to one of the largest tulip fields in the country. Many people take part in cycling or driving routes through these colorful landscapes.

For a truly Dutch experience, visiting the tulip fields or attending one of these festivals is a must. Whether you’re admiring their beauty in nature or bringing some home from a local market, tulips are a vibrant reminder of the Netherlands' rich horticultural heritage.