Tripsite’s Guide to King’s Day in the Netherlands

King’s Day At A Glance

When?

King’s Day 2027: Tuesday, April 27
King’s Day 2028: Thursday, April 27
King’s Day 2029: Friday, April 27

What?

A celebration of King Willem-Alexander’s birthday and Dutch national culture, marked by festivities in streets, canals, and pubs across the Netherlands.

As a family-run business founded in the Netherlands, Tripsite knows just how much King's Day means to the Dutch, as well as what an unforgettable experience it can be for travelers who happen to be there at the right time.

We also know that King’s Day can mean crowds, road closures, and changes to normal opening hours. If your tour coincides with the festivities, a little planning goes a long way!

So, what exactly is King’s Day, how should you celebrate it, and what do you need to know if you’re traveling in the Netherlands at the end of April? Read on to get Tripsite’s tips and tricks.

What is King’s Day in the Netherlands?

King’s Day – or ‘Konigsdag’ in Dutch – is a national holiday celebrating the birthday of the Netherlands’ reigning monarch, King Willem-Alexander.

King’s Day has developed into a nationwide celebration of Dutch culture, identity, and community. From the largest cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague to the smallest towns and villages, people take to the streets for markets, concerts, parties, and local festivities.

The Dutch Royal Family also participates in the celebrations. Each year, the King visits a different municipality, giving local communities the chance to showcase their particular traditions, culture, and music.

When is King’s Day?

King’s Day normally takes place on April 27 – King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. If April 27 falls on a Sunday, however, the official celebration moves to the Saturday.

For travelers planning ahead:

King’s Day 2027: Tuesday, April 27
King’s Day 2028: Thursday, April 27
King’s Day 2029: Friday, April 27

It’s also worth knowing that festivities frequently begin the evening before the King’s birthday, on King’s Night (Koningsnacht). If you’re arriving in the Netherlands on April 26 or 27, it’s definitely worth checking your transport arrangements before you travel.

From Princess’s Day to King’s Day: A Brief History

King’s Day dates back all the way to 1885, when the Netherlands celebrated the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina on August 31. Known as Princess’s Day (Prinsessedag), the celebration was intended to promote a sense of national pride and identity. When Wilhelmina became queen, the occasion evolved into Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag).

The celebration date changed when Queen Juliana succeeded her mother in 1948. From 1949, Queen’s Day was celebrated on Juliana’s birthday – April 30.

When Queen Beatrix took to the throne in 1980, she chose to keep the April 30 date in honor of her mother, and it was with Queen Beatrix that the tradition of the royal visitation began.

In 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated and Willem-Alexander took to the throne, becoming the first Dutch king in more than 120 years. In 2014, Queen’s Day became King’s Day, moving to Willem-Alexander’s birthday on April 27.

Why Does Everyone Wear Orange?

On King’s Day, the Netherlands is awash with orange! Orange shirts, hats, wigs, glasses, face paint, and flags are everywhere. But the color isn’t on the national flag. So why orange?

It comes from the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch Royal Family. The connection stretches back to William of Orange, one of the central figures in the creation of the independent Netherlands. Over time, orange became closely tied to the Dutch national identity.

But on King’s Day, ‘oranjegekte’ – literally meaning ‘orange madness’ – reaches a completely new level. Everything is orange as far as the eye can see!

How Do the Dutch Celebrate King’s Day?

There isn’t one single way to experience King’s Day, and that’s part of its charm. In larger cities, you can expect streets packed with crowds, concerts, DJ sets, food stalls, and parties in cafes and bars. Amsterdam in particular takes things to another level as decorated boats pack the canals.

In the smaller towns and villages, celebrations can feel much more local, with community events, traditional music, children’s games, and smaller gatherings.

One tradition you’re likely to encounter is the ‘vrijmarkt’, or ‘free market’, where people set up stalls and blankets in streets, squares, and parks to sell all kinds of items, from secondhand clothes, books, and toys to delicious homemade food.

Don't Forget King’s Night

The evening before King’s Day is known as King’s Night (Koningsnacht), with festivities beginning in many cities as soon as the sun goes down on April 26.

If your tour begins on or immediately after King’s Day, King’s Night can be an exciting introduction to the celebrations – although travelers with an early start the next morning may want to enjoy it in moderation!

What Does King’s Day Mean for Your Tripsite Tour?

If your bike tour coincides with King’s Day, don’t think of it as something that’ll get in the way of your vacation – think of it as an unexpected bonus. There are fewer better opportunities to experience Dutch culture!

You may find yourself cycling through decorated villages, local markets, and an orange fiesta of celebrations along your route. If you’re enjoying a bike and barge tour, you can see the festivities from an entirely different perspective as you cruise the country’s waterways.

Exactly how King’s Day might affect your tour depends on the itinerary and location. Where necessary, your tour leader will make adjustments to accommodate festivities.

Will King’s Day Affect Your Travel Plans?

Potentially – and this is the part worth planning around. King’s Day is an official Dutch public holiday, so transport and normal daily life can be affected. The extent of the disruption varies considerably by location, with Amsterdam experiencing some of the biggest changes.

If you’re traveling around King’s Day, you may encounter:

• Very busy trains and stations, particularly around major cities
• Altered tram and bus routes in city centers
• Road closures and traffic restrictions
• Large crowds making some areas difficult to cycle through
• Different opening hours in shops
• Busy hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public spaces

If your tour begins in Amsterdam around King’s Day, allow significantly more time than usual to reach your hotel, boat, or meeting point. Don’t assume that taxis, trams, trains or buses will be operating normally.

How to Make the Most of King’s Day

If you’re lucky enough to be in the Netherlands during King’s Day, embrace the opportunity to join the festivities. Here are a few tips:

• Wear orange: You don’t need an elaborate costume. Just an orange t-shirt, hat, scarf, or accessory is enough to join in.
• Explore a vrijmarkt: Browse the stalls to see what unusual Dutch treasures you can find.
• Try some Dutch food: Look out for street food and local specialities.
• Don't just stick to Amsterdam: Amsterdam hosts the Netherlands’ most famous King’s Day party, but smaller cities, towns, and villages offer an alternative, more local experience.
• Expect crowds: If you’re heading into a major celebration, travel light and give yourself plenty of time.
• Plan journeys in advance: This is especially important if you’re meeting your boat or catching a flight or train.
• Check locally for information: Your tour information, hotel reception, tour leader, and local tourism websites can provide the most up-to-date information about the festivities.

But most importantly, don’t let concerns about potential disruption get in the way of enjoying the glorious celebration itself!

Should you change your tour dates because of King’s Day?

If your tour starts or takes place around King’s Day and you’re wondering ‘Should I reschedule or cancel my tour?’ the answer is an emphatic ‘No!’

It’s certainly the case that you may need to plan your inbound or outbound journey more carefully, and you may encounter more orange than you ever expected to see in one place...

But if your travels happen to coincide with April 27, you haven't picked the wrong day to visit the Netherlands. You've arrived just in time for the party!