The Netherlands is world-famous for its vibrant tulip fields and breathtaking floral shows. Each spring, vacationers flock to this floral paradise to witness the Keukenhof Gardens, discover the Bollenstreek tulip area, and cycle by way of limitless rows of rainbow-colored tulips.
This information offers the whole lot it’s worthwhile to know about visiting the tulip fields within the Netherlands—from the perfect places and bloom seasons to insider suggestions on avoiding crowds and getting that good Instagram shot!
The Netherlands is a small nation in Western Europe famend for its picturesque tulip fields and vibrant springtime blooms. Yearly, hundreds of holiday makers flock to the tulip fields to soak up the sight of vivid, rainbow-colored flowers stretching out throughout the horizon. From biking by way of the tulip fields to exploring the native villages and tulip festivals, there are many methods to immerse your self within the Netherlands’ colourful tulip tradition. On this information, you’ll discover ways to discover the tulip fields of the Netherlands and profit from your go to in Holland!
Whether or not you need to see the tulip fields close to Amsterdam, discover the enduring Keukenhof, or simply see as most of the sensible Dutch tulips as attainable, this submit will show you how to see all of the colourful flower fields!
One thing thoughts blowing occurs each March by way of Could in Holland: straight traces stretching for miles of essentially the most sensible colours you have ever seen come to life. The tulips are in bloom! I knew I needed to see these unimaginable fields and floral arrangements in individual.
I made a plan to move to the Keukenhof in Holland, one of many world’s largest flower gardens in Lisse, The Netherlands. I additionally wished to try to squeeze the tulip fields round The Netherlands in on the identical day.
One did not occur.
However generally the perfect of plans are those that go awry.
Why Are Tulips So Particular in The Netherlands?
The Dutch tulip fields have a fascinating historical past. Tulips arrived within the Netherlands within the sixteenth century, originating from the Ottoman Empire. By the seventeenth century, “Tulip Mania” took over, and tulips turned one of the vital coveted and costly flowers in Europe. As we speak, the Netherlands produces over 3 billion tulip bulbs yearly, making it the world’s largest exporter.
That is why I’ve created the final word information to tulips in Holland in addition to all of the tulip fields round The Netherlands to make sure you make the perfect plan and get to see as many tulips as attainable. On this submit I am going to share with you see the tulips at no cost, when and the place to see them, information to Keukenhof, and extra!
It was a stunningly beautiful day in Central Europe. Dwelling in Heidelberg, Germany, we deliberate to easily drive the 5 and a half hours from our dwelling to the Keukenhof tulip backyard in The Netherlands. Nevertheless, these plans had been foiled when our canine sitter’s bus was over 2 hours late. Regardless of already buying tickets to Keukenhof, it closes at 7:30 and we arrived simply previous 8pm. With the blazing solar setting, we determined as a substitute to move to the tulip fields close by at sundown.
Performing some fast analysis, I discovered that many of the fertile tulip fields had been positioned in Lisse, Flevoland, and Noordoostpolder.
I headed to Flevoland and located an ideal little route of fields stretching for miles which promised miles of tulips. This web site truly offers a helpful route of the place you may cease and admire the tulips as you drive or bike.
I assumed with this beautiful mild and the variety of vacationers coming to see the tulips the fields could be coated with folks. To my delight, we had been the one ones, save for a couple of farmers tending to their tulips, who had been admiring the fields.
The colours of the tulips had been so vibrant it nearly hurts your eyes. Deep saturated reds, vivid pigmented yellow, delicate flamingo pink, and sensible orange in straight as an arrow rows blanket the panorama. I’d seen pictures on-line and thought for positive the photographs had been over-saturated with Instagram filters, however I used to be fallacious. It’s exhausting to seize the wonderful colours in individual. The colours are so wealthy I may stare for hours.
As a result of nobody was round it was simple to snap all the images your coronary heart may want of the actual tulip farm! Remember- there are indicators to not stroll within the fields. We spoke with the farmers and particularly requested how far we may stroll in. They only need to make sure that individuals are not trampling their valuable and delightful livelihood. Ask them questions- they’re pleased to let you know extra about their tulips.
The following day, we received up vivid and early to be a few of the first guests of Keukenhof and once more, beat the crowds.
We went to the fields the Thursday earlier than Easter- one of many busiest instances of the yr. Nevertheless, we dodged the crowds and this final information to the tulips Holland will provide you with some very helpful suggestions.
You’ll be able to frolick to your coronary heart’s content material by way of the free tulip fields throughout The Netherlands. To me, that is the easiest way to stand up shut and private with the fields and actually see how the tulips bloom.
The place Are the Tulip Fields In The Netherlands
While you make your method round The Netherlands, you are prone to see the tulip fields alongside your route all over the place. Nevertheless, there are a couple of particular places that boast dozens of fields, concentrated in a single space. Should you head right here, you might be assured to see tulips throughout the season.
Should you’re seeking to discover tulip fields within the Netherlands, the best choice is to go to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. This is among the largest flower gardens on this planet, protecting an space of 32 hectares, and it’s dwelling to a formidable number of tulips. The gardens are solely open for a couple of weeks annually – normally from late March till mid-Could – so it is very important plan forward if you wish to go to. Different locations you will discover tulips within the Netherlands embody Noordoostpolder and Flevoland, in addition to the bulb fields of the North Holland province.
You’ll see fields scattered all through all of Holland, however notably in Bollenstreek, which is called the “Bulb Area” with tulip farms in most of the cities and in addition close to Keukenhof. Noordoorstpolder is a beautiful space dotted with many tulips within the northern a part of The Netherlands.
The principle fields of tulips are positioned in Noord-Holland (North Holland, Flevoland), Zuid-Holland (South Holland), and Bollenstreek close to Keukenhof. Keukenhof is about half-hour from Amsterdam.
Some cities with tulip fields in or close by are Lisse, Noordwijk, Noordwijkerhour, Leiden, The Hague, Haarlem, and Katwijk.
This map reveals the place all of the completely different tulip fields are and offers updates of blooms.
Yow will discover out when the bulb flower parade takes place (normally mid April).
How To Get To The Tulips
The very best and best approach to see the fields is to drive. You’ll be capable to see tons of fields and get away from the crowds. After all, biking can also be an possibility. You’ll be able to take a bus from Amsterdam Airport on to Keukenhof. You’ll discover locations all over the place to hire bikes however Keukenhof additionally presents bikes close to their fields.
Finest time to see the tulips
The tulip season goes from mid March to the top of Could. Sometimes, and this modifications relying on the season, the perfect time of the yr to go is mid April.
That is after we went and it appeared just like the tulips are in full bloom with out dropping their luster or petals. When planning your journey I counsel going early or later within the day, in the direction of sundown. The enchanting colours of the petals appear to come back to life because the solar units. After all, you may go any time all through the day and nonetheless keep away from the crowds. Should you see a subject, maintain wanting, there are extra doubtless extra close by if you would like a subject all to your self.
The fields current a patchwork quilt of beautiful colours that blanket the fields. It is an incredible sight to see and one thing everybody ought to add to their bucket record! Spring is a gorgeous time to go to Europe normally, wisteria is rampant, daffodils are popping up, and a wide range of flowers will intoxicate your senses.
There’s additionally a competition of tulips that takes place in mid April known as the Bulb flower parade. You can too attend the flower market known as Aalsmeer which is the biggest on this planet!
When is the Finest Time to See Tulips in The Netherlands?
The tulip season runs from mid-March to mid-Could, however the finest time to go to is usually mid-April, when tulip fields attain their peak bloom.
📅 Tulip Bloom Calendar: ✔ Mid-March – Early April: Early bloomers (crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths) ✔ Mid-April: Peak tulip bloom 🌷✨ ✔ Late April – Early Could: Fields begin getting lower for bulb harvesting
🌅 Finest Time of Day to Go to:Early morning (avid crowds!) or sundown for essentially the most magical views and finest pictures lighting!
Why tulips within the Netherlands?
As a result of this space of The Netherlands is 4 meters under sea stage, it is properly fitted to the cultivation of the tulips. A few of the land, comparable to in Flevoland, is reclaimed land, so it truly was once a part of the ocean. These are prime circumstances to develop tulips so far as the attention can see.
Information to Keukenhof
Annually, tens of millions of vacationers flock to Keukenhof to see the magnificent show of tulips of each shade possible. 7 million bulbs make Keukenhof one of the vital well-known locations to see tulips. Nicknamed the “Backyard of Europe” it is no shock that guests are intoxicated by the great thing about the this lovely, meticulously created panorama of tulips in each form and dimension.
The easiest way to expertise Keukenhof is to get there early, and if in any respect attainable, keep away from the weekends. That is when it is exceptionally busy. We occurred to go on the Thursday earlier than Easter, so it was packed. However getting there at opening time meant there have been little crowds and site visitors. Additionally, parking was simple.
You will see essentially the most number of tulips right here – flamingo pinks, deep purples, feathered edges, tulips the scale of each your palms, and plenty of extra.
Enable for a minimum of a couple of hours to take pleasure in Keukenhof. There are many issues to do. You’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat, discover the varied tulips, and loosen up indoors on the market corridor. You’ll be able to even buy tulips.
Value – Costs for Keukenhof begin at €17 for adults, €8.50 for teenagers, and in case you’re in a big group they’re €14.75 every.
Parking – You’ll be able to park on web site and I counsel that you simply purchase parking forward of time. Parking is €6 and once more, I counsel that you simply buy this forward of time.
Prime Locations to See Tulips in The Netherlands
1️⃣ Keukenhof Gardens 🌸
📍 Location: Lisse, South Holland ⏳ Opening Dates: March – Could 💰 Entry Price: €17 (adults), €8.50 (children)
Keukenhof is one of many largest flower gardens on this planet, spanning 32 hectares with over 7 million bulbs in bloom. The backyard options distinctive tulip varieties, picturesque windmills, and vibrant flower exhibitions.
🚲 Insider Tip: Hire a motorbike outdoors Keukenhof and cycle by way of the encompassing tulip fields!
2️⃣ Bollenstreek (Bulb Area) – Holland’s Most Well-known Tulip Fields
📍 Location: Between Haarlem and Leiden 🚲 Finest Technique to Discover: By bike or automotive
Bollenstreek is the most iconic tulip-growing area, identified for its limitless rows of colourful tulips. The annual Bloemencorso Bollenstreek (Flower Parade) in mid-April is a must-see!
🚗 Really useful Routes:
Leiden to Haarlem – 40 km of breathtaking tulip fields 🌷
Lisse to Noordwijkerhout – Finest for pictures 📸
3️⃣ Noordoostpolder – The Largest Tulip Fields in The Netherlands
📍 Location: Flevoland (1.5 hours from Amsterdam)
Not like Bollenstreek, Noordoostpolder presents wide-open tulip fields with fewer crowds. That is the finest place for immersive tulip subject experiences with farm excursions and strolling trails.
🌟 Native Spotlight: The Tulip Route Flevoland, a 100 km drive by way of essentially the most scenic tulip fields!
4️⃣ Amsterdam & The Floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)
📍 Location: Amsterdam Metropolis Heart 📆 Open Yr-Spherical
Should you can’t go to the tulip fields, Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt is the following neatest thing! This historic floating flower market sells recent tulips, bulbs, and souvenirs all yr lengthy.
🏡 Go to Tulip Fields Respectfully?
Tulip fields are personal property owned by farmers. Right here’s take pleasure in them responsibly: ✅ Keep on designated paths – Do NOT stroll between rows 🚷 ✅ Don’t decide the tulips – They’re grown for bulbs, not bouquets ✅ Ask permission – Some farms enable guests inside for a small payment ✅ Help native farms – Purchase tulip bulbs or go to farm cafés
✨ Tip: These occasions appeal to giant crowds, so e book tickets prematurely!
🚗 Get to the Tulip Fields?
🚄 By Public Transport
✔ Keukenhof Specific (Bus 858) – Direct from Schiphol Airport ✔ Practice + Bike Combo – Take a practice to Leiden, Haarlem, or Almere, then hire a motorbike 🚲
🚘 By Automobile (Finest for Flexibility!)
✔ Bollenstreek Route: 30 min from Amsterdam ✔ Noordoostpolder: 1.5 hours from Amsterdam
🚲 Finest Various: Hire a motorbike close to Keukenhof or Haarlem for a gradual journey expertise!
🏨 The place to Keep Close to the Tulip Fields?
🌟 Price range-Pleasant: ✔ Stayokay Haarlem – Inexpensive & near tulip fields ✔ The Flying Pig Noordwijk – Close to Noordwijk tulip fields
🌟 Mid-Vary: ✔ Van der Valk Resort Sassenheim – 10 min from Keukenhof ✔ Boutique Resort Leiden – Nice location + canal views
🌟 Luxurious Stays: ✔ Resort De L’Europe (Amsterdam) – 5-star class ✔ Mainport Resort (Rotterdam) – Waterfront tulip getaway
📸 Finest Instagram Spots for Tulip Images
📍 Keukenhof Windmill – Basic Dutch vibes 📍 Lisse Tulip Fields – Gorgeous rows of multicolor tulips 📍 Noordoostpolder Route – No crowds, solely flowers! 📍 Schiphol Airport Tulip Area – Free & good for layovers
🌷 Remaining Suggestions for an Unforgettable Tulip Expertise!
✅ Go to in Mid-April for peak bloom ✅ Go Early within the Morning to keep away from crowds ✅ Hire a Bike for an genuine Dutch expertise ✅ Costume in Layers – Dutch climate is unpredictable! ✅ Respect the Fields – Persist with pathways & take solely photographs 📸
🌸 Whether or not you go to Keukenhof or the hidden tulip fields of Noordoostpolder, it is a bucket-list expertise that can depart you in awe!
What different forms of flowers might be present in tulip fields within the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is famend for its lovely tulip fields, with vibrant colours popping up in springtime. However do you know there are different forms of flowers within the Dutch tulip fields? Along with their signature tulips, the Netherlands is dwelling to a number of different forms of flowers, together with daffodils, irises, hyacinths, and lilies. Moreover, a few of the extra decorative varieties, comparable to alliums, fritillarias, and muscari, can be discovered rising within the flower fields. The mix of those various and delightful blooms create a very beautiful sight that may’t be discovered wherever else on this planet.
How giant are the tulip fields within the Netherlands?
The tulip fields within the Netherlands fluctuate in dimension relying on the place they’re positioned. Many of the bulb fields are discovered within the province of Noord-Holland and measure wherever from eight to twenty acres in dimension. Nevertheless, a few of the bigger fields such because the Keukenhof Gardens positioned in Lisse, Netherlands, can measure as much as seventy acres.
Are there any particular occasions within the Netherlands associated to tulip fields?
After all! The Netherlands is well-known for its tulip fields and there are a number of particular occasions associated to them all year long. Probably the most well-known is the annual Keukenhof Tulip Competition, held in Lisse in late March and April. This competition options over 7 million tulips in over 800 completely different varieties, and guests can take pleasure in actions like guided excursions of the tulip fields, workshops, artwork and craft exhibitions, and extra. The annual Tulip Competition in Noordoostpolder is one other standard occasion, that includes a parade of colourful floats and the coronation of a Tulip Prince and Princess. There are additionally a number of different smaller festivals and occasions all through the nation, such because the Bloemencorso in Aalsmeer and the Bollenstreek Flower Parade in Zuid-Holland. Keep in mind, it will possibly get crowded so finest guess is to go throughout the week.
How a lot do tulips value within the tulip fields within the Netherlands?
It will depend on the time of yr and the kind of tulips you might be on the lookout for. Typically, when tulips are in season (March-Could), you should purchase bouquets of tulips from the tulip fields within the Netherlands for round 3-4 Euros. If you’re on the lookout for particular person tulips, you may normally discover them for about 0.50 – 1 Euro. Because the season begins to finish and the tulips begin to wilt, the costs will drop considerably. You’ll be able to completely purchase tulips in Amsterdam, however simply BE CAREFUL! I received my tulips taken from me in customs upon arrival within the USA.
Are there any restrictions on getting into tulip fields within the Netherlands?
Sure, there are restrictions on getting into tulip fields within the Netherlands. And it is SO necessary to be respectful. Usually, it’s not allowed to enter personal tulip fields. Nevertheless, some tulip fields could also be open to the general public throughout particular festivals just like the Keukenhof Gardens or the Noordoostpolder Flower Competition. Moreover, there are some tulip fields which can be open to the general public year-round. You will need to verify with the native vacationer data workplace earlier than visiting any tulip subject to be sure to are allowed entry.
Are there any excursions of tulip fields within the Netherlands?
Sure, there are excursions of tulip fields within the Netherlands! Tulip fields are one of many nation’s most iconic and beloved sights, and there are many completely different tour choices out there for vacationers seeking to discover them. From bike and strolling excursions to organized bus journeys, you will discover a tour that matches your schedule and funds. Irrespective of which tour you select, you will remember to have a gorgeous and memorable expertise within the Netherlands’ beautiful tulip fields. Personally, I loved renting a automotive to see the fields.
Are there any environmental initiatives to guard tulip fields within the Netherlands?
Sure, there are a number of environmental initiatives to guard tulip fields within the Netherlands. One instance is the “Pollinator Paths” challenge, which was began by the Dutch authorities in 2018. This challenge goals to extend the variety of bees, hoverflies, and different pollinators within the tulip fields of the Netherlands. Measures embody the planting of flowering vegetation alongside the routes and the creation of nesting websites for pollinators. Moreover, the Netherlands is making a community of biotopes to assist protect biodiversity and defend the tulip fields from pests and ailments. Lastly, the Dutch authorities has applied a “Nature Pleasant Farming” initiative, which promotes sustainable agricultural practices and encourages farmers to develop tulips in an environmentally pleasant method. It is a good way to make sure the safety of this lovely phenomenon!
Backside line: I counsel you make time to do each. Take pleasure in Keukenhof’s manicured shows of tulips and luxuriate within the far-as-the-eye-can-see flower fields. Each are completely value it.