Guide to Visiting Flower Auctions in Holland

Holland, renowned for its vibrant flower industry, hosts some of the world’s largest and most famous flower auctions. Visiting these auctions offers a unique glimpse into the global floral trade, where millions of flowers are traded daily. This guide covers the essentials for planning a visit, including key locations, what to expect, and practical tips.

Why Visit a Flower Auction?

Flower auctions in Holland are a spectacle of logistics, commerce, and beauty. They showcase the country’s role as a global hub for flowers, with iconic blooms like tulips, roses, and orchids changing hands in a fast-paced environment. Visitors can witness the famous Dutch auction system (reverse auction), where prices start high and drop until a bid is made or the lot is withdrawn.

Top Flower Auctions to Visit

1. Royal FloraHolland Aalsmeer

• Location: Aalsmeer, near Amsterdam (Legmeerdijk 313, 1431 GB Aalsmeer)

• Overview: The world’s largest flower auction and a must-visit. It handles millions of flowers and plants daily, with a trading floor the size of 200 football fields.

• Visitor Experience:

  • Self-Guided Tour: Walk along an elevated walkway above the auction floor and warehouse. Watch buyers in the auction rooms and workers moving carts of flowers.

  • Opening Hours for Visitors: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–11:00 AM (arrive early for peak activity).

  • Cost: €9.50 for adults (as of 2025; check the official website for updates).

  • Highlights: The auction clocks, bustling warehouse, and informative displays about the floral industry.

  • Tips:

    • Book tickets online in advance via the Royal FloraHolland website.

    • Wear comfortable shoes; the walkway involves significant walking.

    • Photography is allowed, but drones and tripods are prohibited.

• How to Get There:

  • By Car: 20–30 minutes from Amsterdam; parking available (€5/day).

  • Public Transport: Bus 357 from Amsterdam Central Station to Aalsmeer (30 minutes).

2. Royal FloraHolland Naaldwijk

• Location: Naaldwijk, near The Hague (Middel Broekweg 29, 2675 KB Naaldwijk)

• Overview: A major auction site, though smaller than Aalsmeer, specializing in both flowers and potted plants.

• Visitor Experience:

  • Guided Tours: Available for groups (minimum 15 people) by appointment. Includes a presentation and a tour of the auction and packing areas.

  • Opening Hours for Visitors: Monday–Friday, by appointment only.

  • Cost: Varies; contact Royal FloraHolland for group pricing.

  • Highlights: More intimate than Aalsmeer, with a focus on potted plants and regional growers.

  • Tips:

    • Pre-booking is essential; individual visitors may need to join a scheduled group.

    • Check for seasonal events or special tours during peak flower seasons (spring and fall).

• How to Get There:

  • By Car: 15 minutes from The Hague; parking available.

  • Public Transport: Bus from The Hague Central Station to Naaldwijk (20–25 minutes).

3. Plantion Ede

• Location: Ede, near Arnhem (Wellensiekstraat 4, 6718 XZ Ede)

• Overview: A smaller, modern auction focusing on flowers, plants, and decorative greenery, ideal for a less crowded experience.

• Visitor Experience:

  • Guided Tours: Available for groups by reservation, offering insights into the auction process and logistics.

  • Opening Hours for Visitors: By appointment, typically Monday–Friday mornings.

  • Cost: Contact Plantion for pricing (usually €5–€10 per person).

  • Highlights: A quieter alternative to Aalsmeer with a focus on sustainability and local growers.

  • Tips:

    • Ideal for visitors staying in eastern Holland or those seeking a less touristy experience.

    • Combine with a visit to nearby Keukenhof Gardens (open March–May) for a full flower-themed day.

• How to Get There:

  • By Car: 15 minutes from Arnhem; free parking.

  • Public Transport: Train to Ede-Wageningen Station, then a short taxi or bus ride.

What to Expect

• The Auction Process: Buyers bid using electronic clocks in real-time, with prices dropping rapidly. The atmosphere is intense, with multiple auctions running simultaneously.

• Logistics in Action: Observe the massive warehouses where flowers are sorted, packed, and shipped globally within hours.

• Educational Displays: Learn about flower varieties, Dutch horticulture, and the global supply chain.

• Gift Shops: Most auctions have shops selling flowers, plants, and souvenirs, though visitors cannot bid in the auctions.

Practical Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) for tulip season or early mornings for peak auction activity.

• Dress Code: Wear layers; warehouses can be cool due to flower preservation.

• Accessibility: Aalsmeer and Naaldwijk are wheelchair-accessible; confirm with smaller auctions like Plantion.

• Language: English-language tours and signage are common, especially at Aalsmeer.

• Combine with Other Attractions: Pair your visit with nearby sites like Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam’s flower market (Bloemenmarkt), or Zundert’s Flower Parade (first Sunday in September).

• Sustainability Note: Royal FloraHolland emphasizes eco-friendly practices; ask about their sustainability initiatives during tours.

Planning Your Visit

• Book in Advance: Especially for Aalsmeer and group tours at Naaldwijk or Plantion.

• Check Websites: Visit www.royalfloraholland.com or www.plantion.nl for updated schedules, ticket prices, and booking details.

• Budget: Expect €5–€10 for entry, plus transport costs. Guided tours may cost more.

• Duration: Plan for 1–2 hours per visit, longer for guided tours.

Fun Facts

• Royal FloraHolland Aalsmeer trades over 20 million flowers daily.

• The Dutch flower industry contributes €6.2 billion annually to the economy.

• Holland’s auctions pioneered the “Dutch auction” system, now used globally in various industries.

Visiting a flower auction in Holland is a unique way to experience the country’s floral heritage and cutting-edge logistics. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or curious about global trade, these auctions offer an unforgettable experience.