Flower lovers and influencers flock to tulip views in an emblematic Dutch park

By Molly quell and Michele Novaga

Smooth, Netherlands (AP)-Nestled among the tulip fields not far from Amsterdam, the world-renowned Keukenhof garden opened its doors, welcoming visitors brandishing cameras in its land increasingly suitable for self -galizers.

On a sunny day, the paths, park benches and cafes are crowded with tourists taking photos and selfies with one of the most emblematic products in the Netherlands – Tulip. These types of photos, published on social networks, are what attracted Austrian lawyer Daniel Magnus.

“Each time you see the kind of photos that have been taken to an influencer, they do something with you. You get a new impression of new locations, traditions, people, etc. … You also want to be there,” Magnus told the Associated Press.

Magnus had just finished her own photos on a small boat, organized in one of the park’s channels so that visitors take their own Instagrammable images.

The staff plants and feed 7 million bulbs of flowers to ensure that visitors who flock to Keukenhof around the world can all see a vibrant show during the eight weeks of the garden.

In recent years, the garden has increasingly responded to the thirst for the content of public media of the public and has created spaces where customers are encouraged to pose.

Selfie stains include flower arches, pink velvet sofas and another Dutch classic – oversized wooden hooves.

Keukenhof’s own social media networks have some suggestions on the best locations and the Dutch Tourism Board even advises how to obtain the perfect tulip selfie.

“Get your image and place the subject of your photo slightly out of the center.

Keukenhof’s garden is more than a million expected visitors does not need encouragement to take photos among the tulips, the hyacinths, the jaws and the myriad of other flowers. Blossoms are meticulously held in industry in its lawns well maintained by a small army of gardeners.

“There is always something flowering. I think that is the reason why everyone is happy. There is also something to do,” said gardener Patrick Van Dijk at the AP.

Not everyone is satisfied with tourists who take photos. Some flower producers have put panels and obstacles to dissuade grass influencers from trampling on tulips in neighboring fields.

Italian tulips

The Tulilip Champs have started to become a popular draw elsewhere in Europe. Dutchman Edwin Koeman, who comes from a family of Bulbs Tulip traders, started growing the flowers after moving to an area north of Milan with his family.

“The earth here is good. It is the more the climate that is very different from Holland,” said Koeman in an interview on his land in the small Italian town of Arese. “Here, winter is a little shorter, we have more sun. But for our work, it’s good because it rains just enough in winter and spring. And now in the spring, most of the time, it is sunny, so people like to come on our field.”

Last year, his domain had a record of 50,000 visitors, many of whom like the possibility of choosing tulips themselves to fill their baskets. They started to arrive this year and, on April 1, Viola Guidi was one of those who chose the field of Koeman.

“Each year, I come here with my friends, even several times,” she said. “Usually, we have to hurry, because the best flowers are all chosen in a few weeks. We managed to get closer to the opening, a week later. This time, it worked very well for me.”

Italy cultivates 43 million tulips, by exporting nearly a third of them, according to Nada Forbici, national coordinator of the Co -Citretti Fliculture Council. Exports mainly target northern Europe, especially the Netherlands, she said.

Novaga reported to Arese, Italy.

Originally published: April 3, 2025 at 4:58 p.m.