It is hard to believe that the Netherlands in the North is famous for various flower markets. How did it become known for tulip fields and one of the leading exporters of tulip bulbs?
In 1599, Carlus Clusius, a botanist, came to Leiden University to work. He brought a tulip collection, which the Austrian Ambassador delivered from Turkey.
Sand soil was perfect for tulips. The Dutch citizens also liked the flowers very much, which is how the tulip epoch started. New tulips appeared, the trade grew, and the business even grew to auctions.
The flower business became one of the main income sources for the Dutch citizens at that time. They grew tulip flowers, orchids, iris, roses, and hyacinths.
Today, the Netherlands is the world’s number one exporter of tulips, and its flower market is known worldwide.
What are the three major flower markets in Holland?
Holland’s three major flower markets are the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the Flower Market in Amsterdam, and the Flower Market in Rotterdam.
The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the world’s largest flower market and the central hub for international flower trading.
The Flower Market in Amsterdam is the oldest in the country, and the Flower Market in Rotterdam is the largest in the Netherlands.
Each of these flower markets offers a wide variety of fresh-cut flowers, bulbs, and plants and is a wonderful place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
How to visit tulip fields in the Netherlands?
To see the tulip fields in the Netherlands, here are some tips and best practices to make the most of your visit:
- Best Time to Visit:
- The tulip season in the Netherlands generally lasts from the end of March until mid-May, with peak blooming around mid-April. This is the best time to visit if you want to see the fields at their most vibrant.
- Locations:
- Keukenhof Gardens: Located in Lisse, this is one of the world’s most famous and extensive tulip gardens. It’s a showcase for the Dutch floral industry, featuring over 7 million bulbs.
- Lisse and Surrounding Areas: Outside of Keukenhof, the areas around Lisse, Hillegom, and Noordwijkerhout have vast commercial tulip fields. Driving or biking through these regions can provide stunning views.
- Flevoland: This province has the largest tulip fields in the Netherlands, particularly around Dronten, Lelystad, and Zeewolde.
- The Kop van Noord-Holland: Another area known for its extensive flower fields north of Amsterdam.
- Transportation:
- Public Transport: From Amsterdam, you can take a train to nearby cities like Haarlem, Leiden, or Alkmaar and rent a bike or take a local bus to the fields.
- Car: Renting a car allows you more flexibility to explore the countryside and stop at various fields at your leisure.
- Bike Tours: A popular way to see the fields is to join a guided bike tour or rent a bike to explore independently. Routes between Haarlem, Leiden, and Lisse are particularly scenic.
- Tours:
- Consider booking a guided tour. These tours can provide transportation, insightful commentary, and access to some of the best spots for tulip viewing that you might not find on your own.
- Photography and Etiquette:
- While visiting, respect private property and do not trespass on the fields. Stick to the edges and do not walk amongst the flowers to avoid damaging them.
- Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography and fewer crowds.
- Local Festivals:
- Look out for local festivals and events, especially in towns in major tulip-growing regions.
These tips should help you have a memorable and beautiful experience exploring the tulip fields of the Netherlands!
What is the biggest flower market in the Netherlands?
The biggest flower market in the Netherlands is the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest flower auction in the world.
The auction is held daily and features a variety of flowers from around the world. It is a must-see for any tourist visiting the Netherlands!
Why you should visit flower auctions in Aalsmer
It is interesting to know that the biggest flower auctions are organized in the city of Aalsmeer, which is not far from Amsterdam. During the five work hours of the auctions, more than 19 million flowers are sold and bought. And this is not everything that can be purchased at the flower auction; they also sell around 2 million plants daily.
The process is taking place in one of the most significant commercial buildings, which has a total area of about 1 million square meters. The center’s modern equipment allows it to demonstrate the items for sale on giant screens and assure the sellers that they are in contact with buyers worldwide.
They bargain from the top price, which goes down to the first acceptable application for purchase.
There is no restriction on visiting the auction – it is open to entrepreneurs and anybody willing to attend a flower auction.
Getting to Aalsmeer
To get to Aalsmeer, you can take bus number 172, which departs every half hour from the central station of Amsterdam in the direction of Kudelstaart. The stop you need is VBA Hoofdingang.
Visiting Holland during spring is something you will remember for ever – thousands of tulips all around the country, isn’t that impressive? They say more than 3 billion tulip bulbs are grown in the country each year.
Most are exported from the Netherlands to other parts of the world. Don’t hesitate to buy tulip bulbs if you are still considering what souvenir to bring from your trip to Holland. This is how you can recreate the incredible beauty of this country in your garden.
Bloemenmarkt flower market
Are you going to Amsterdam and not planning to visit the flower market Bloemenmarkt? Then you should reconsider your plans because Amsterdam’s flower market has history, traditions, and many plants for sale.
Years ago, the city was located in a tiny area, and there was not enough space for the market in Amsterdam. That’s why flower sellers who came to the town by water sold the flowers from boats floating along the canals of Amsterdam.
Things changed, and in the 19th century, the flower market moved to barges parked in the Singel canal between Muntplain and Koningsplein. Because of the numerous barges, visitors need plenty of time to see everything offered for sale here. You can buy anything for the garden, from plants to baskets for decorating.
Bloemenmarkt, among other places, is great for buying flora in Amsterdam. Other markets in the city sell flowers, food, art, shoes, and clothes.
If you bring tulips from Amsterdam, you can buy bulbs at the flower market for approximately 3 Euros. They are beautifully packed, and there is a photo of how the flower will look after it is planted.
For those who do not have enough gardening experience, the package includes brief instructions advising the best time to plant.
What day is the flower market in Amsterdam?
The flower market in Amsterdam is held every day from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
The market is located in the city center on the Singel Canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein.
You can find various beautiful flowers and plants, as well as some souvenirs and other items.
What to buy at Amsterdam Flower Market?
Amsterdam Flower Market is a great place to buy various flowers and plants! You can find colorful tulips, sunflowers, roses, lilies, and more.
There are also a variety of succulents, indoor plants, herbs, and even bonsai trees.
If you’re looking for something special, you can also find unique handmade pottery, seasonal decorations, and other specialty items.
No matter what you’re looking for, you will find something special at the Amsterdam Flower Market!
What flower is the Netherlands known for?
The Netherlands is known for its tulips! Tulip cultivation began in the Netherlands during the 16th century, and the country is now world-renowned for its vibrant fields of colorful tulips.
The Netherlands produces millions of tulips each year and is home to one of the largest flower auctions in the world.
Where are the flower fields in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands’ flower fields are located in the South Holland province, specifically between Haarlem and Leiden.
The most famous flower field is the Keukenhof, the most extensive flower garden in the world.
Additionally, many smaller flower fields are located throughout the Netherlands, like the tulip fields of North Holland and the daffodil fields of Flevoland.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, visit the flower fields in the Netherlands!
What is the flower that is sold the most in the Netherlands?
The flower most sold in the Netherlands is the tulip, which has been popular since the 16th century, when tulip bulbs first arrived in the country.
Tulips are now a national symbol and one of the most recognizable symbols of Dutch culture. Tulips are sold in markets, florists, and gardens throughout the Netherlands.