Spring in the Netherlands (2026): The Ultimate Guide for International Students

Spring in the Netherlands hits differently.

After months of grey skies, short days, and cycling against the wind, the country suddenly transforms. Parks fill up. Terraces reopen. Tulip fields explode with colour. And before you know it, everyone is wearing orange and celebrating in the streets.

If you're an international student in 2026, this is your season to explore.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of spring in the Netherlands - from iconic Dutch traditions to affordable day trips and relaxed weekend plans.

Quick Overview: Why Spring Is Special in the Netherlands

• Tulip season runs from mid-March to mid-May

• King’s Day 2026 is on Monday, 27 April 2026

• Warmer temperatures (10–18°C on average)

• Fewer tourists than peak summer

• Longer daylight hours

• Ideal season for biking, picnics, and short trips

The Struggle: Spring FOMO Is Real

Many international students:

• Stay inside after winter out of habit

• Don’t know where to see tulip fields legally

• Miss King’s Day plans because they didn’t prepare

• Think beach trips are “only for summer”

• Assume travel around the Netherlands is expensive

Spring passes quickly here. Planning even a little bit ahead makes all the difference.

Let’s fix that.

1. Tiptoe Through the Tulips (The Right Way)

Tulip season is one of the most iconic Dutch experiences.

But here’s what many students don’t realize:
You cannot walk freely into commercial tulip fields. They are private property and stepping into them can damage crops and lead to fines.

Best Ways to See Tulips in 2026

1. Keukenhof (Lisse)
Open from mid-March to mid-May 2026.
It’s touristy, yes — but it’s also the easiest and most responsible way to see millions of flowers in bloom.

2. Bollenstreek (Flower Strip)
Cycle between Leiden and Haarlem through designated bike routes. Stay on paths and respect signage.

3. Tulip Festival Amsterdam
Throughout April 2026, tulips appear across the city in public spaces.

Pro tip: Rent a bike for the day and turn it into a full spring cycling adventure.

2. Cheese Tasting (Because It’s Practically Cultural Research)

You cannot live in the Netherlands and not properly understand cheese.

Spring is perfect for:

• Outdoor cheese markets (like Gouda Cheese Market, seasonal reopening)

• Cheese tastings in Gouda, Alkmaar, or Amsterdam

• Local markets selling fresh Dutch products

Popular experiences:

• Gouda Cheese Experience

• Alkmaar Cheese Market (seasonal, Fridays from late March)

It’s affordable, social, and surprisingly educational.

3. King’s Day 2026: Orange Everywhere

Date: Monday, 27 April 2026

King’s Day (Koningsdag) is the biggest street celebration in the Netherlands.

What to expect:

• Entire cities turn orange

• Outdoor stages and DJs

• Street markets (vrijmarkt)

• Boat parties in Amsterdam

• Festivals in nearly every student city

Student Tips for King’s Day

• Buy your orange outfit early (SoLow, Action, or thrift stores)

• Decide your city in advance (Amsterdam is chaotic; cities like Utrecht, Nijmegen, or Rotterdam are slightly calmer)

• Bring cash for street markets

• Stay with friends — cities get crowded

It’s loud, messy, and uniquely Dutch. You’ll talk about it for years.

4. Spring Picnics in Dutch Parks

As soon as the sun appears, the Netherlands collectively decides to go outside.

Best picnic spots for students:

• Vondelpark (Amsterdam)

• Kronenburgerpark (Nijmegen)

• Máximapark (Utrecht)

• Kralingse Bos (Rotterdam)

• Noorderplantsoen (Groningen)

What to bring:

• Stroopwafels

• Fresh bread and Dutch cheese

• Hummus and snacks from Albert Heijn

• A blanket (Dutch grass can still be damp in March/April)

Low budget. Maximum vibes.

5. Canal Cruises — But Make It Fun

A canal cruise doesn’t have to be a boring sightseeing tour.

Options in 2026:

• Student boat parties in Amsterdam

• Pancake Boat Nijmegen

• Leckers op de Maas (Rotterdam area)

• Smaller private boat rentals with friends

Spring weather makes canal cruising far more comfortable than winter — and far less crowded than peak summer.

6. Beach Trips (Yes, Even in Spring)

You don’t need 25°C to enjoy the Dutch coast.

Best spring beach towns:

• Scheveningen (The Hague)

• Zandvoort (near Amsterdam)

• Bloemendaal aan Zee

• Domburg (Zeeland)

Why spring is actually better:

• Fewer tourists

• Easier train access

• Relaxed atmosphere

• Beach cafés reopen

You might not swim in the North Sea (it’s cold), but beach walks and seafood lunches are worth it.

7. Budget Road Trips & Spring Break Ideas

Spring is perfect for a mini-vacation.

Affordable Dutch day trips:

• Giethoorn (the “Dutch Venice”)

• Brielle

• Maastricht

• Haarlem

• Delft

International weekend trips:

• Belgium (Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent)

• Germany (Cologne, Düsseldorf)

• Paris via train deals

Use:

• NS off-peak tickets

• FlixBus

• Group train discounts

• Student travel cards

Spring travel is often cheaper than summer — especially if booked early.

Common Mistakes International Students Make in Spring

• Entering tulip fields illegally

• Underestimating King’s Day crowds

• Forgetting sunscreen (yes, really)

• Not checking train maintenance schedules

• Waiting too long to book spring break transport

Small preparation = much smoother experience.

Glossary

Koningsdag (King’s Day): National holiday celebrating the Dutch King’s birthday on April 27.
Vrijmarkt: Free market where people sell second-hand items on King’s Day.
Bollenstreek: Flower-growing region famous for tulip fields.
NS: Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch national railway company).

Sources

• Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions

• Keukenhof Official Website

• Dutch Government (Rijksoverheid) – Public Holidays

• NS Dutch Railways

Final Thoughts

Spring in the Netherlands is when student life feels lighter.

It’s when you stop surviving winter and start actually enjoying where you live.

Whether you’re cycling past tulips, celebrating King’s Day in orange, relaxing at the beach, or planning a spontaneous road trip — this is your moment to explore beyond your classroom.

Don’t let the season pass you by.

Make it a spring you’ll remember.