One of the symbols of Holland is the beautiful flower, the tulip. This flower may be seen in many places around the country in a variety of different bright colors. Fields filled with tulip bulbs provide a carpet of color that produces amazing sights both for locals and for travelers. Spring and early summer is the best time to enjoy the splendor of these flowers.



During the months April to September, visitors to Holland will find wonderful flower parades in different locations around the country. The largest such flower parade is in Bollenstreek and occurs annually at the end of April. Floats that are worked on for several months are created out of different flowers, producing an impressive and attractive display.

Keukenhof hosts what is known as the most famous gardens in Holland. Keukenhof prides itself on beautiful colorful blooms during the flower season and is believed to be the biggest flower garden in the world. This park opens for visitors for eight weeks in the year, usually between mid March to mid May. It is interesting to note that in this park millions of flower bulbs are planted on top of one another in layers in order to produce continuous blooms during the season. Keukenhof boasts different varieties of flowers in addition to tulips such as crocuses and daffodils ensuring an impressive display of color. This park also contains various works of art including sculptures and paintings to complement the gardens of flowers perfectly. For visitors who are staying in Amsterdam, this provides a good day out.

It is interesting to note that some visitors to Holland travel to this country with the aim of viewing tulips and other flowers in all their glory. Tourists will find that different types of accommodation are available around the country. For top hotels, guest houses and vacation rentals during peak visiting periods, it is recommended to book rooms in advance. In this technological age, room reservations in many cases may be reserved over the Internet. This is a useful and convenient way of placing a reservation and pictures of various types of lodging are often presented.

In accordance with Holland's fascination and love of tulips, the city of Amsterdam even has its own tulip museum. Although a small and private museum, this site portrays the history of tulips in the country and also has a small shop that sells tulip bulbs. Flower markets are located in different places around the country. Holland's major flower market is the floating flower market of Amsterdam. This market was first introduced in 1862 on the Singel canal and is today a very popular and colorful site.

It has to be noted that beautiful though the blooming fields, gardens and flower markets are, Holland does offer a great deal more than tulips and flowers. Filled with Dutch tradition and unusual places, Holland is well worth a visit.