Tulip Wonderland

Every spring, the iconic Flower Strip attracts admirers from around the world as millions of eye-popping tulip bulbs burst into bloom. One of the biggest attractions is Keukenhof, the world’s most extensive flower gardens, home to more varieties of tulips than you could imagine. Real flower bu s should also pay a visit to Museum De Zwarte Tulp, which examines the region’s horticultural history, the Flower Art Museum and Royal FloraHolland to get a proper grasp of the industrial scale of the region. Or explore numerous garden estates, such as Keukenhof Castle and the Historical Garden Aalsmeer, home to quaint tearooms and various opportunities for a scenic stroll. Elsewhere, the reclaimed polder landscape is dotted with villages such as Lisse and Hillegom, along with fascinating monuments such as the Cruquius pumping station and Aalsmeer Water Tower, which tell the story of the Dutch struggle against water.

Keukenhof

Nowhere is the Dutch cult of the tulip celebrated in a more glorious fashion than at Keukenhof, ‘the most beautiful spring garden in the world’. With a staggering seven million owers planted across a 32-hectare park, it is open for just eight weeks each year in accordance with the owering season.

UNTIL 14 MAY, KEUKENHOF.NL

Tulip Fever

The new myth-busting exhibition Tulip Fever at Museum

De Zwarte Tulp breaks down the reality of what happened in the 17th century: nd out about how the tulip evolved from a collector’s item to a commercial product and what happened (and didn’t happen) when the market crashed.

UNTIL 27 AUGUST, MUSEUMDEZWARTETULP.NL

Flower trip

‘The Flowers of Amsterdam are breathtaking, and there’s no better way to experience them than by biking through the bulb region. As you pedal towards Aalsmeer, where the largest ower auction in the world is located, you’ll be surrounded by vast elds of tulips, hyacinths and da odils. As a photographer, I love capturing the beauty of the ower elds up close, but it’s crucial to be respectful of the delicate plants. Stick to designated paths and avoid stepping on any owers so that others can enjoy the elds too. Biking through the bulb region is a must-do activity for anyone who appreciates natural beauty. Rent a bike, soak up the fresh air, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. You won’t be disappointed!’ @CHICHIZZHANG

Chichi Zhang

How to

There

minutes). Royal FloraHolland: Take bus 357 from Amsterdam

Elandsgracht bus station to bus stop FloraHolland ( 55 minutes)