Real sensory therapy: 6 magical sights and smells of the Netherlands in spring
Why spring is the best time to visit Amsterdam (photo: Getty Images)
The Netherlands in spring is a true sensory therapy. When the country awakens from its winter slumber, it transforms into a giant impressionist canvas, where every shade of tulip has meaning.
RBC-Ukraine shares 6 reasons why your next trip should be to Amsterdam, and this spring in particular.
From March to May, the Netherlands reveals its true character, impossible to experience at any other time of year. Spring arrives here earlier than in Ukraine—and it doesn’t just arrive, it bursts in at full speed.
Magic at Keukenhof
This is the ultimate “must-see.” The royal Keukenhof flower park is open only 8 weeks a year (from late March to May). Over 32 hectares, more than 7 million flower bulbs are planted.
These are not just flowerbeds, but intricate landscape compositions that take your breath away. Seeing it in person at least once in a lifetime is a must for every traveler.
Endless tulip fields
Beyond the parks, the real magic begins. Huge swaths of red, yellow, and purple tulips stretch all the way to the horizon in the Bollenstreek region.
The best way to experience them is to rent a bike and ride the route between Leiden and Haarlem. This is one of those rare moments when reality looks better than any Instagram filter.
The Netherlands in April impresses like no other country (photo: Freepik)
King’s Day (Koningsdag)
On April 27, the entire Netherlands explodes in orange. This is the biggest national holiday, when city streets turn into one massive party, Amsterdam’s canals fill with boats, and every resident brings items to sell (street vending is allowed on this day). It’s a unique chance to experience Dutch energy and hospitality firsthand.
Biking without the heat
Spring is the perfect season for cycling tours. Temperatures are a comfortable 12–18°C, ideal for long rides between authentic villages and windmills (for example, in Zaanse Schans). You won’t sweat in the heat or shiver from the cold winter sea winds.
Tulip season – a breathtaking spectacle that will touch your heart (photo: Freepik)
Asparagus and herring season
Food lovers will appreciate spring for the white gold – this is how fresh white asparagus is called in the Netherlands, with the season starting in April.
In May, the young herring season (Hollandse Nieuwe) begins. Tasting it straight from a street food truck while holding it by the tail is a must-do ritual for experiencing Dutch culture.
Flower Parade (Bloemencorso Bollenstreek)
In the second half of April, a grand procession of giant figures made entirely of hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips takes place.
Dozens of floats cover a 42 km route from Noordwijk to Haarlem. The fragrance accompanying the event can be smelled for kilometers.
Sources: Official data from the Visit Netherlands 2026 tourism office, Keukenhof park events calendar, travel reports from Lonely Planet.
