Spring break 2029
Region North
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Spring break
The spring break 2029 runs from 17 February to 25 February.
The spring break falls in February and lasts one week. Unlike most other Dutch school holidays, the dates are staggered across the three regions Noord, Midden and Zuid.
The holiday is also known as "krokusvakantie" (crocus break), a nod to the first spring flowers that sometimes start blooming in this period. It is traditionally the most popular week for winter sports among Dutch families.
The staggering ensures that not all families head to the ski slopes at the same time, reducing both traffic and crowding at ski resorts.
Activities during the spring break
Many Dutch families head to the Alps or Austria for a short ski trip. Those staying home can enjoy indoor activities, water parks or museums.
In the south of the country, the spring break often coincides with Carnaval, adding extra festivities to the week. Popular ski destinations include Tirol, Salzburgerland and the French Alps.
For families who prefer to stay in the Netherlands, subtropical swimming pools like Tikibad and De Eemhof are a big hit with children. Many cities also organise skating and winter events in February, and if there is snowfall, the hills in South Limburg are perfect for sledding.
Practical info about the spring break
Because the break is staggered by region, roads towards winter sport destinations are less congested than they would be if everyone left at the same time. Always check which week applies to your region, as parents with children at schools in different border areas can sometimes be caught off guard.
Ski resorts in Austria and Switzerland raise their prices during the Dutch holiday weeks, so booking early pays off. Flights to Innsbruck, Salzburg and Geneva tend to be more expensive and sell out faster in this period.
Note that schools in special education sometimes follow different holiday dates. The ANWB publishes an annual traffic congestion forecast for each holiday week.
Did you know this about the spring break?
The staggering of the spring break across three regions was introduced to spread traffic on highways and reduce crowding at holiday destinations. This system is similar to Germany's staggered Schulferien approach.
The Netherlands has approximately 2.5 million students in primary and secondary education, so without staggering, traffic towards winter sport areas would be overwhelming. The order of the regions rotates each year, ensuring no single region always goes first or last.
Carnaval, which is celebrated exuberantly in the provinces of Noord-Brabant and Limburg, draws millions of revellers each year.