Soft-news reporter Jasmine Lin explored this year’s tulip season in the Netherlands, a time of year that never fails to charm and attract visitors from around the world.
As the last tulip petals flutter to the ground and neatly lined fields fade from bright hues back to lush green, the Netherlands begins to wind down from another spectacular tulip season. From the polished gardens of Keukenhof to the sprawling agricultural landscapes of Lisse and the quiet charm of Hoorn, tulip season 2025 has painted the country in a palette of reds, pinks, yellows and purples. Visitors from around the world flocked to witness this fleeting miracle of nature, filling trains, bike paths and social media feeds with floral moments. Farmers, gardeners and tourism boards alike revelled in the attention, marking another successful season where flowers and culture bloomed side by side.
Every year, this seasonal transformation turns entire regions into a living artwork, where tulip fields serve not only as a natural spectacle but also as a cultural celebration. While Keukenhof remains the star attraction for first-time visitors, seasoned flower fans know that the true magic often lies beyond the park’s borders. This year, nearby Lisse offered immersive countryside experiences, and the northern town of Hoorn captured hearts with its scenic fields and a nostalgic tulip train that transported travelers back in time.
Keukenhof, located in Lisse, once again lived up to its reputation as the most celebrated floral exhibition of its kind. Known internationally for its meticulously curated gardens and breathtaking bulb displays, the park boasts over 7 million planted bulbs across expansive, themed landscapes. This year, it welcomed thousands of daily visitors throughout March, April and early May. Though the peak came in mid-April, late-blooming varieties like alliums and shaded tulips kept sections of the garden vibrant into early May. Visitors lingered near the ponds and forested corners, where cool temperatures extended the floral show. The garden will officially close its gates on May 11, 2025, concluding a season that many have described as one of the most photogenic in recent years — thanks in part to mild weather and clear skies that made for ideal photo conditions, many were surprised to find so many flowers still flourishing so late in the season.
A little insider tip from seasoned tulip-chasers: while many rely on the Keukenhof Express bus from Schiphol or Amsterdam RAI, sharing a taxi proved a surprisingly smooth and cost-effective alternative. For small groups, the shared ride often saved time and avoided queues, offering direct access to the entrance gates, especially during peak weekends.
Just beyond Keukenhof, the surrounding Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) offered a more immersive and affordable experience, where rows of tulips stretched to the horizon. Here, the tulip fields aren’t confined to manicured plots; they run freely across farmland, stretching along narrow dikes and country roads. Although commercial growers began topping the tulips in late April (a process that redirects energy to the bulb), early- and mid-April visitors still enjoyed postcard-worthy views by bike or on foot.