The Best Time to Visit the Netherlands

<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:350/244;height:auto;width:0px;" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/NLDBS_20150419_SVI_172-350px-DUTCHGUIDES-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="244">Every time I fly back home to the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/netherlands">Netherlands</a> from a trip, there is a little ritual I never fail to partake in. When my plane begins to make the descent to Amsterdam airport, ready to touch back down on home soil, I peek out the window and marvel at the familiar sights down below. (I’m sure my fellow Dutch guides may feel the same way!)First, I note the flatlands of Zeeland; then the port of Rotterdam; the flickering orange lights indicating the greenhouses of Westland; windmill-dotted meadows; long stretches of beaches and the few high-rises of The Hague, before we descend towards Schiphol.On the drive back to my hometown, the ‘royal town’ of Den Haag (The Hague), I’m always amazed at what my little country has to offer, especially in late April, the best time of year to visit. I’m proud to be from The Hague, and it’s one of my favourite things to show travellers firsthand what it’s like to ring in the biggest party of the year: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koningsdag">Koningsdag</a>, King’s Day.

<h2>A royal tradition</h2>The tradition of King’s Day (or Queen’s Day, depending on the reigning monarch), is one that stretches back to 1885. It has always, for the most part, celebrated the monarch’s day of birth. Amusingly, this tradition began on August 31, 1885, as a way to distract citizens from the&nbsp;unpopularity of King William III; Prinsessedag (Princess Day) was created to give the country something to celebrate (instead of calling for the king’s head, as it were).Princess Wilhemina, much more popular than her father at four years old, was thus feted every year on her birthday, continuing on as she became queen. This practice continued through to 1948, with a pause during the Second World War in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/germany">German</a>-occupied Holland, when the celebration was banned.

And so, through the years, since all the monarchs until the present day have been queens, we have spent most of our lives celebrating&nbsp;Koninginnedag, Queen’s Day. In the post-war era, the holiday moved to April 30th in honour of Queen Juliana’s birthday. When the next in line to the throne, Queen Beatrix, stepped up to claim her crown in 1980, she kept the April 30th date intact, as her actual birthday, January 31st, was much too cold to hold outdoor festivities.All of this, of course, brings us to the current era. In 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated the throne in favour of her son, our current King Willem-Alexander, and moved the holiday to honour his birthday on April 27th…which brings us to the parties! Here in The Hague, we are well-known for our celebration the night before King’s Day—Koningsnacht (King’s Night), a large open-air music festival.<h2>The biggest day of the year</h2><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:350/243;height:auto;width:0px;" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/NLDBG_042010_54-350px-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="243">But, the whole country is in anticipation for the fun of the day itself: excitement ramps up all day, as each Dutch town slowly begins to dress itself up in the traditional Dutch royal colour, orange.As we say, let the ‘oranjegekte’ (orange craziness) begin! As the colour begins to adorn everything in the town, you’ll see orange street lanterns, decorations on trees, and small Dutch flags all over streets and houses. The lawns and streets are embellished with stretches of colourful tulips at this time of year, as spring blooms begin to appear once more.All the shops sell orange products: orange chocolate, orange bread, candy and even orange liquor, ‘oranjebitter’. Everyone dresses up in orange clothes, often topped with orange hats and feather boas; the very best street party is about to kick off. Imagine a sea of orange all around you and barges on canals filled with happy partygoers of all ages.Here’s just how important King’s Day is: our schools are closed for two weeks(!) beginning the week of the King’s birthday so that everyone in the country can participate and celebrate together. In fact, it’s more than just a big street party across the country.<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:350/233;height:auto;width:0px;" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/NLDBS_20150419_SVI_140-ladies350px-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="233">Just about everyone takes part in the famous Dutch vrijmarkt, a flea market/garage sale of sorts where everyone sets up stalls to get rid of their extra items. You’ll also find live music, beer stands, street fairs and even a big Ferris wheel or other carnival rides set up in nearly every city and village.So next time you consider making your way to Holland, mark April 27th on your calendar. It’s the most wonderful time to visit, hang out with the locals, and get a real feeling of our Dutch traditions: celebrating, dancing, and having fun all together in a very amicable way. Everyone is invited to participate; no matter where you are from, we welcome you with open arms, so just let go and join the party!&nbsp;King's Day is just one reason to love the Netherlands. Join our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/netherlands-biking">Netherlands biking</a> trip or go fully tailored with a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/netherlands-belgium-bespoke">bespoke</a> trip.

Experience the Netherlands at its most vibrant during King’s Day in late April—when tulips bloom, canals fill with music and the entire country celebrates in a sea of orange.

Netherlands

In the land of windmills, tulips and legendary paintings, many live below sea level—but the highs are everywhere. Meander along endless towpaths, bike paths, polders and dykes that dot this charming landscape. Explore picturesque cities, towns and remarkable coastal dunes. Your journey will be, quite simply, a masterpiece.

Discover Netherlands

Discover the beauty of Dutch heritage and the land of canals

Cycle tulip fields, canal towpaths and windmill polders on small group or private bespoke trips through the Netherlands, with boutique hotel stays since 1966.

Netherlands Bike Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Strolling is the perfect pace for those who want to stop and smell the tulips, or wander Holland’s bucolic countryside, historic cities, and tranquil canals. Experience UNESCO Kinderdijik’s 19 windmills, taste the fare at a local oyster farm and hit the museum to marvel at the Dutch masters.

Local Connections

Great Walks

Unique Gastronomy

Stroll your way from tulip fields to Flemish fairytales, pausing for oysters, Old Masters, and the occasional wedge of Gouda. Wander The Hague’s arty side, stroll canal-laced towns, and dive into Bruges’ medieval charm. Along the way, meet our friends—cheesemakers, bulb whisperers, art buffs—who turn every step into a story. Walking shoes required, wanderlust guaranteed.

Windmills and flower fields

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designers

Strolling is the perfect pace for those who want to stop and smell the tulips, or wander Holland’s bucolic countryside, historic cities, and tranquil canals. Experience UNESCO Kinderdijik’s 19 windmills, taste the fare at a local oyster farm and hit the museum to marvel at the Dutch masters.

Tilt at windmills as you pedal the picturesque coast that inspired the Dutch Masters. Not many get to ride in Zeeland! Savour fresh oysters at a picnic aboard a fishing boat. Drool over traditional savoury&nbsp;pannekoeken&nbsp;(pancakes). Soak up the local&nbsp;jenever&nbsp;(gin). And pedal into Belgium to visit our favourite family of chocolatiers.

Incredible Rides

Insider Access

Pedal from Holland’s blooming bulb fields to Belgium’s chocolate-scented streets, where windmills spin, oysters chill, and jenever flows. Cruise past North Sea dunes, tranquil lakes, and through Het Zwin’s wild beauty. In Bruges, meet our favourite chocolatiers (and your sweet tooth's new favourite people). With pancake stops and postcard views, this ride proves flat terrain can still bring major highs.

See what inspired the Dutch masters

Tilt at windmills as you pedal the picturesque coast that inspired the Dutch Masters. Not many get to ride in Zeeland! Savour fresh oysters at a picnic aboard a fishing boat. Drool over traditional savoury&nbsp;pannekoeken&nbsp;(pancakes). Soak up the local&nbsp;jenever&nbsp;(gin). And stay at the 12-room Manoir Inter Scaldes (replete with a 3 Michelin-star restaurant). *Descriptions below are based on our spring departures. For details on fall and summer departures, please download the corresponding detailed itinerary.&nbsp;

Spend 6 nights cycling the Netherlands in a small group. Keukenhof tulip fields, North Sea dune trails and windmill-lined canals you won't see from a tour bus.

Netherlands Bike Tour: Tulip Fields, North Sea Dunes & Windmill Waterways

A Sweet Escape

Exclusive Access

In the Netherlands and Belgium, flat roads lead to big adventures—through tulip fields, designer cities, cobbled towns and canals. Bike past windmills, sip Trappist beer in medieval squares and snack your way from stroopwafel to moules-frites. With world-class cycling, rich culture and the best fries on Earth, this duo punches way above its weight.

Bike from Amsterdam to the Belgian Ardennes on a custom itinerary. Flemish masterpieces, world-class beer and coastlines most visitors never reach.

Netherlands & Belgium Private Tours: Amsterdam to Bruges & the Ardennes

Thanks to our friends at Uniworld and their splendid ship, the S.S Antoinette, you only have to unpack once as you explore Germany, Switzerland, France and The Netherlands in style and comfort. Live the river from both bike and ship as you take in stately cities, towering castles, terraced wine regions, and historic battle sites along one of Europe’s most iconic waterways.Please note the 2025 ship: S.S. Elisabeth

Floating Hotel

Diverse Landscapes

Think river cruise, but make it B&amp;R. Glide down the Rhine in full luxury, hopping off for vineyard-lined rides, fairy-tale villages, and Black Forest trails. With fine local bites, Alsatian sunsets, and a riverboat that redefines “floating hotel,” this isn’t a cruise—it’s Europe’s greatest hits, served with wine and two wheels.

In partnership with Uniworld

Thanks to our friends at Uniworld and their splendid ship, the S.S Antoinette, you only have to unpack once as you explore Germany, Switzerland, France and The Nederlands in style and comfort. Live the river from both bike and ship as you take in stately cities, towering castles, terraced wine regions, and historic battle sites along one of Europe’s most iconic waterways.

Spend 5 nights cycling the Rhine through four countries in a small group. German vineyards, Swiss Basel, Alsatian wine villages and Dutch waterways — Europe

The Best Time to Visit the Netherlands

By Alice Van der Voort

Netherlands

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