Bloemencorso 2026: Everything You Need to Know

TL;DR: Every April, millions of flowers transform into moving masterpieces during the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek parade between Noordwijk and Haarlem. This isn’t your average flower show—it’s 40km of elaborate floats covered in hyacinths and tulips, live music, street parties, and the kind of Dutch celebration that makes you wonder why you’ve been wasting your spring breaks anywhere else. Best viewing spots book up months ahead, so plan accordingly.

Listen, you’ve probably seen those iconic photos of Dutch tulip fields stretching to the horizon in perfect rows of pink, red, and yellow. Beautiful, right? But here’s what most travelers don’t know: there’s one weekend each spring when those flowers don’t just sit there looking pretty—they parade through the streets on elaborate floats that would make Rose Parade organizers jealous.

Welcome to Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, the flower parade that’s been stopping traffic (literally) in the Netherlands since 1947.

What Exactly Is Bloemencorso Bollenstreek?

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t just a few decorated cars driving through town. We’re talking about massive floats—some reaching 10 meters long—completely covered in thousands upon thousands of fresh flowers. Hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, and other spring blooms are individually placed by hand to create intricate designs, portraits, and elaborate scenes.

The parade typically happens on the last Saturday of April (occasionally the first Saturday in May), when bulb season peaks in the Bollenstreek region between Leiden and Haarlem. About 20 floats make the journey from Noordwijk to Haarlem, covering roughly 40 kilometers and passing through towns including Noordwijkerhout, De Zilk, Sassenheim, Lisse, Hillegom, Bennebroek, and Heemstede.

Each float represents months of planning and literal days of flower placement. Volunteers work through the night before the parade, attaching flowers to chicken-wire frames with a precision that borders on obsessive. The result? Moving art installations that smell incredible and photograph even better.

Why This Parade Deserves Your Time

Sure, you could just visit Keukenhof Gardens (which is stunning, don’t get me wrong). But Bloemencorso offers something different—it’s participatory, it’s celebratory, and it feels authentically Dutch rather than tourist-packaged.

Here’s what makes it special:

The floats are genuinely impressive feats of design and engineering, each telling a story or representing a theme through flowers alone. You’ll see everything from Dutch windmills to space exploration, all rendered in petals.

The parade route passes through multiple towns, each hosting its own street festivals with food vendors, live music, and dancing. It’s less “stand quietly and watch” and more “grab a stroopwafel and join the party.”

Unlike many tourist attractions in the Netherlands, this event still feels primarily aimed at locals. You’ll be celebrating alongside Dutch families who’ve been attending for generations, which gives the whole experience an authentic energy you can’t fake.

When to Go (And Why Timing Matters)

The parade happens once a year, typically the last Saturday in April. In 2026, expect it to take place on April 25th, though dates are confirmed by organizers roughly six months in advance—check the official website closer to spring.

Parade timing on the big day:

• Noordwijk (starting point): 9:15 AM
• Noordwijkerhout: 9:45 AM
• De Zilk: 10:15 AM
• Sassenheim: 10:45 AM
• Lisse: 11:30 AM
• Hillegom: 1:00 PM
• Bennebroek: 2:30 PM
• Heemstede: 3:30 PM
• Haarlem (ending point): 5:00 PM

The day after the parade (Sunday), the floats are displayed statically in Haarlem’s city center, which is actually a fantastic alternative if you prefer less chaos and better photo opportunities without crowds jostling you.

Weather considerations: April in the Netherlands means layers. Temperatures range from 8-15°C (46-59°F), and rain is always possible. Bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes for standing, and sunglasses for those surprise sunny moments.

Best Viewing Spots (From Someone Who’s Actually Been There)

Not all parade spots are created equal. Here’s the real scoop:

Noordwijk (9:15 AM start): If you’re an early riser, this is where you’ll get the freshest-looking floats and smallest crowds. The flowers are pristine, the energy is high, and you can actually move around. Plus, Noordwijk is a beach town—you can combine parade viewing with seaside breakfast.

Lisse (11:30 AM): The sweet spot for most visitors. You’re close to Keukenhof, the town has good facilities and restaurants, and the timing means you don’t need to wake up at dawn. Arriving by 10:30 AM should secure you a decent viewing position.

Haarlem (5:00 PM arrival): The grand finale brings festival atmosphere and easier public transport connections, but crowds peak here. If you choose Haarlem, consider skipping the parade route entirely and viewing the static display on Sunday instead—seriously, it’s less stressful and you can examine each float properly.

Pro tip: The best viewing spots along the route are near town squares where floats slow down or pause. Arrive at least two hours before the parade reaches your chosen spot, especially in larger towns.

Getting There Without Losing Your Mind

The Bollenstreek region sits conveniently between Amsterdam and The Hague, making access relatively straightforward—though parade day does test the Dutch public transport system.

From Amsterdam (45-60 minutes): Take a train to Haarlem, Leiden, or Noordwijk, then catch a bus to your chosen viewing town. Expect extra buses on parade day, but also expect them to be packed.

From Schiphol Airport (30-45 minutes): Direct trains run to Leiden and Haarlem. If you’re flying in specifically for this, Schiphol makes an excellent base.

By car: Possible but not recommended on parade day—parking becomes a competitive sport and roads close for the parade. If you must drive, park in a neighboring town and walk or bike in.

Cycling: This is the Netherlands, so obviously biking is an option. The region is flat, bike paths are excellent, and many locals cycle between viewing spots along the route. You can rent bikes in most towns.

Where to Stay

Book accommodation early—like, three-to-six-months-early kind of early. Hotels in the region fill up faster than tulips bloom.

Noordwijk and Noordwijkerhout: Beach resort towns with plenty of hotels, from budget to luxury. You’re right at the parade start, and the North Sea provides excellent backup entertainment.

Lisse: Smaller town, fewer hotels, but you’re walking distance from Keukenhof Gardens and centrally located on the parade route.

Haarlem: Charming city with the most accommodation options, excellent restaurants, and attractions worth visiting even outside parade weekend. The parade ends here, and you can easily reach other viewing spots.

Leiden: Beautiful university city slightly off the main route but with good transport connections. Often cheaper than Noordwijk or Haarlem, with equally good facilities.

Amsterdam or The Hague: If everything else is booked, these cities work as bases—you’ll just need an early start on parade day.

Beyond the Parade: Making a Weekend of It

Smart travelers extend their visit beyond parade day. Here’s why:

Keukenhof Gardens (late March to mid-May): Since you’re already in the bulb district, skip the day-trip crowds and visit Keukenhof early morning or late afternoon. Seven million flowers across 79 acres—it’s basically tulip Disneyland.

Flower field cycling routes: Rent a bike and follow the designated routes through working bulb fields. The Bollenstreek Bloemenroute (Flower Route) offers various distances from 15-60km, all spectacularly colorful in April.

Beach time in Noordwijk: After the parade, walk off your stroopwafels on the wide sandy beaches. The North Sea might be too cold for swimming, but the seaside promenade is perfect for sunset strolls.

Haarlem exploration: This city deserves a full day—Frans Hals Museum, Grote Markt square, countless brown cafés, and architecture that rivals Amsterdam without the tourist density.

Aalsmeer Flower Auction: About 30 minutes away, this is the world’s largest flower auction. Morning tours let you watch millions of flowers being bought and sold in a fascinating blur of commerce.

Practical Tips You Won’t Find in Standard Guides

Bring cash: Many street vendors still prefer cash, and ATMs get long queues on parade day.

Pack snacks and water: Food stalls exist but lines get ridiculous. A backpack with supplies means you can hold your viewing spot without abandoning it.

Dress in layers: Morning starts cool, midday can warm up, and you’ll be standing outside for hours.

Charged phone + backup battery: You’ll take more photos than you think, and you need your phone for transport apps and communication.

Learn basic Dutch phrases: “Excuse me” (pardon), “thank you” (dank je wel), and “beautiful” (mooi) go a long way with locals who appreciate the effort.

Download the NS (Dutch Railways) app: Real-time public transport updates are crucial on parade day when schedules go sideways.

What to Eat and Drink

Parade day means street food paradise. Look for these Dutch essentials:

Stroopwafels: Thin waffle cookies with caramel filling, best when fresh and warm from street vendors.

Poffertjes: Tiny fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar—basically happiness in portable form.

Haring: Raw herring with onions and pickles. It’s a Dutch tradition, and parade day is as good a time as any to be brave.

Oliebollen: If you’re there for an early parade, some vendors sell these doughy, fried balls of deliciousness typically associated with New Year’s but available at festivals.

Dutch cheese: Gouda, obviously. Street vendors sell aged varieties that pair perfectly with local beer.

Craft beer: The Netherlands has embraced craft brewing. Look for local options beyond the ubiquitous Heineken.

Budget Breakdown

Free: Watching the parade from public streets costs nothing.

€10-15: Street food per person for the day.

€20-30: Return public transport from Amsterdam or The Hague.

€100-200: Mid-range hotel per night in the region (parade weekend).

€25: Keukenhof Gardens entry (if you visit).

€15-25: Bike rental for a day.

A reasonable budget for a weekend visit (Friday-Sunday) runs €300-500 per person including accommodation, transport, food, and activities. Luxury travelers can easily spend more on boutique hotels and fine dining in Haarlem.

Accessibility Considerations

The parade organizers make efforts to accommodate everyone, with designated wheelchair-accessible viewing areas in most towns along the route. However, crowds make navigation challenging, and cobblestone streets in older town centers can be difficult for mobility devices.

Contact specific town councils ahead of time to arrange optimal viewing spots—they’re generally helpful about reserving spaces. Public transport accessibility varies; buses have low floors, but crowding on parade day may require patience.

Photography Tips

Those Instagram shots don’t happen by accident. Here’s how to nail them:

Golden hour isn’t parade hour: You’re photographing in full daylight, so work with what you’ve got. Bright overheads mean you’ll need to watch for harsh shadows.

Get low or get high: Shooting from ground level looking up creates drama. Alternatively, second-floor café windows offer elevated views above the crowds (arrive very early to claim these spots).

Details over everything: Wide shots of floats are nice, but close-ups of individual flower arrangements and the craftsmanship tell better stories.

People make the scene: Include Dutch families celebrating, kids on parents’ shoulders, and the joyful chaos. These shots capture the spirit better than flowers alone.

Static display on Sunday: If you’re serious about photography, Sunday’s static display in Haarlem offers optimal lighting control, no crowds blocking shots, and time to compose properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating crowds: This parade draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. Early arrival isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Wearing uncomfortable shoes: You’ll stand for hours on cobblestones or pavement. Fashion takes a backseat to function here.

Forgetting sun protection: April sun might seem weak, but hours of exposure add up. Sunscreen and hats are smart.

Missing the static display: Sunday’s flower display in Haarlem often gets overlooked, but it’s genuinely brilliant for anyone who prefers contemplating the floats without jostling crowds.

Not checking the official schedule: Timing estimates are approximate. Floats can run early or late depending on various factors.

Final Thoughts

Bloemencorso Bollenstreek won’t show up on most Amsterdam weekend itineraries, and that’s partly what makes it special. This is a Dutch tradition that happens to welcome visitors rather than a tourist attraction pretending to be authentic.

Yes, it requires planning. Yes, you’ll compete with crowds. But where else can you experience millions of fresh flowers parading through historic towns while locals dance in the streets and the smell of hyacinths mixes with stroopwafel sweetness in the spring air?

If your idea of travel involves chasing unique cultural experiences rather than checking off famous landmarks, this parade delivers. Just book your accommodation now, set multiple alarms for parade day, and prepare for spring in the Netherlands to completely reset your expectations of what flowers can be.

Quick Reference Checklist:

• Book accommodation 3-6 months ahead
• Confirm parade date (typically last Saturday in April)
• Download NS app for public transport updates
• Pack layers, comfortable shoes, phone charger, snacks, water
• Arrive at viewing spot 2+ hours before parade
• Consider Sunday static display as alternative/addition
• Combine with Keukenhof visit and flower field cycling
• Bring cash for street vendors
• Check weather forecast and pack accordingly

Now get out there and experience why the Dutch have been celebrating spring with flower parades for over 75 years. Your Instagram followers can thank us later.