Tulip fields

Cycling the tulip fields in the Netherlands

Holland and tulips is synonymous. The first tulip bulbs were brought to the Netherlands several centuries ago from Turkey and Iran. They immediately became very popular, and when the tulip become a sort of status symbol, and very expensive, demand outstripped supply, the prices sky-rocketed. In Dutch history this is known as Tulipomania, and reached its peak in 1630. Prices eventually came back to earth and today tulip cultivation is an important part of the horticultural industry. In springtime, the famous Dutch bulb fields are at their best, providing a dramatic display of more than 8 million tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in bloom. The prime growing region lies between Haarlem and Leiden, just 20 km/12 mi southeast of Amsterdam. Cycling this region during the blooming season (best from second week of April till the first week of May) is quite an experience!