The Netherlands is famous for many things, and one of the most iconic symbols of the country is its stunning tulips. Every spring, the Dutch countryside transforms into a colourful canvas as millions of tulips burst into bloom, creating a picturesque landscape that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The tulip season typically runs from late March to mid-May, with mid-April being the peak blooming time. During this time, the countryside is awash with colour, as the fields burst into a sea of red, pink, yellow, and purple. The most famous tulip-growing region in the Netherlands is the Bollenstreek, Hillegom, Noordwijkerhout and Lisse region.
What if we told you that there is a hidden gem – an island with vast tulip fields – that is free to visit and far away from the crowds? Keep reading to find out!
Keukenhof Gardens
One of the best places to experience the tulip fields is the Keukenhof Gardens, located in Lisse. It is the world’s largest flower garden and is renowned for its stunning displays of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers. With over 7 million flower bulbs in bloom, the park is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beauty of nature.
Keukenhof Gardens opens 23 March to 14 May this year, 8:00 to 19:30 – Stationsweg 166 A, Lisse, 2161AM
Tickets cost around €19 and there are options to get combo tickets (garden + public transportation). Visit the website to get your tickets.
You can also visit the tulip fields by car, this will give you the most flexibility and allow you to explore the other tulip farms nearby at your own pace. You can enjoy a leisurely bike ride or drive through the fields, stopping along the way to snap some unforgettable photos.
Tulip Farms
Visiting a tulip farm in the Netherlands is an experience unlike any other. These farms are typically family-owned and operated, and many of them have been in business for generations. They offer visitors the opportunity to see the tulip growing process up close, from the planting of the bulbs to the harvesting of the flowers.
Some of the best Tulip Farms that you can book your visit with –
- Tulip Experience Amsterdam
- Tulip Tours Holland
- The Tulip Barn
- Tulip Farm De Tulperij
- Dutch Flower Tours
The starting cost for visiting a tulip farm is 7€, but it varies for each farm depending on the package they offer. Tulip farms usually have guided tours that take visitors through the fields, explaining the different varieties of tulips and the techniques used to grow them. The tours also provide insight into the history of tulips in the Netherlands and the significance of the flower to the Dutch culture.
You can also visit some of the tulips farms for free in the Lisse and Noordwijkerhout region. Just be respectful of the tulip fields and follow any posted guidelines to ensure that these stunning landscapes remain preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Goeree-Overflakkee
Goeree-Overflakkee is the hidden gem – a small island located in the south of the Netherlands, and it is home to some of the most spectacular tulip fields in the country. The tulip fields of Goeree-Overflakkee are a sight to behold, with vast expanses of colourful flowers stretching as far as the eye can see. Here, visitors can stroll through fields of tulips of every hue, from soft pastels to bold, bright colours. It is only an hour’s drive from Rotterdam.
One of the most unique things about the tulips of Goeree-Overflakkee is that they are not grown for commercial purposes. Instead, they are grown by local farmers and tulip enthusiasts purely for their beauty, making a visit to these fields a truly authentic experience.
Pinpointing the exact location of the tulip fields here can be difficult since farmers rotate their crop to maintain soil fertility. However, spotting these breathtaking fields is not a problem at all. As you travel towards the towns of Oude-Tonge, Nieuwe-Tonge, Middelharnis and Dirksland regions, you will see tulip fields in abundance, their vibrant hues visible from afar.
Visitors to the island can explore the tulip fields on foot or by bike, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying the fresh sea air. Every year, the Tulpenwandeltocht (Tulip Walking Tour) takes place, allowing visitors to sign up and stroll through the beautiful tulip fields. The route takes you past stunning fields of colorful tulips, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
Tips!
Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and carry a jacket or sweater, as the weather can be unpredictable in the Netherlands.
Check Flower Map to see whether the bulb fields are already in bloom.
Keep in mind that the tulip season is a busy time in the Netherlands, so be sure to book your accommodations and activities well in advance.
Overall, a visit to the Netherlands’ tulip fields is a must-do for anyone visiting the country in the spring. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a unique experience, the colourful beauty of these fields is sure to leave you in awe.
If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help. Do tag us on Instagram when you visit!
Travel Was My Idea 
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