The Netherlands is famous for its tulips and is truly beautiful in springtime. With many fields blooming in red, yellow, pink, purple, and other colors, the Netherlands is a very popular tourist destination during tulip season. Apart from tulips, there are many other blooming fields – such as hyacinths and daffodils – making the Netherlands an ideal destination to visit in spring. In this guide, I have gathered all the necessary information on seeing tulips in the Netherlands.
When is the best time to see tulips in the Netherlands? Where can you find tulip fields? How can you see tulips in the Netherlands? You’ll find all the answers and other practical information in this guide.
When is the Best Time to see Tulips in the Netherlands
The tulip blooming season in the Netherlands generally starts as early as the end of March and lasts until the beginning of May. However, the timing of the blooming varies from year to year and is highly dependent on the weather. I’d say the best month to visit the Netherlands to enjoy tulip season is April.
The first flowers to bloom are daffodils and crocuses (with plenty of blooming trees by that time), followed by hyacinths, and then tulips.
The full bloom of flowers lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. Naturally, not all tulips bloom at the same time – some varieties start blooming earlier than others. In commercial flower parks like Keukenhof, they strategically plant a wide range of flowers to ensure there’s always something blooming throughout the tulip season in the Netherlands. The same goes for tulip farms and fields – while some flower buds are just beginning to open, others are already in full bloom.
In addition to the flower fields, you can also enjoy various festivals and a vibrant flower parade held in April. (See below for details on spring flower parades and festivals.)
We lived in the Netherlands for three years and experienced tulip season few times. The first time, we explored various open fields with tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. In the following year, we visited Keukenhof and a few tulip fields nearby. On another occasion, we traveled to Flevoland to see the tulip fields. Most of the time, the flower buds started to open as early as March, reached full bloom around mid-April, and we still enjoyed the colorful flowers until the middle of May. Just keep in mind – if the winter in the Netherlands is warm, it will likely result in an early tulip blooming season, and the other way around – a late blooming season if the winter is cold.
Overall, April is the best month to see tulips, but you’re almost guaranteed to see blooming flowers if you visit anytime between the end of March and the beginning of May.
Where to see Tulip Fields in the Netherlands
When it was our first tulip blooming season in the Netherlands and we wanted to see flower fields, we first searched the Internet for information on the subject. While there were many websites about seeing tulips in Keukenhof, there was very little information on the locations of tulip fields in the Netherlands.
We ended up driving around on our own, trying to find flower fields, good spots to park, and places to take pictures. It was really ineffective – we spent a lot of time driving and searching. I wish I had a guide like this one to help me back then.
To make your experience better and your planning easier, I’d like to share a few routes and addresses where you can go to see the flowers.
There are three main regions where you can see tulip fields in the Netherlands. They are as follows:
Noordoostpolder of Flevoland
Noordoostpolder in Flevoland is the largest area for tulip bulb cultivation. You can find many vast fields with all kinds of tulips there. Flevoland was once covered by the sea (Zuiderzee), and its land was reclaimed relatively recently – in the 20th century. The soil is still rich in minerals and nutrients, making it ideal for growing tulips. This region is home to numerous bulb-growing farms, and the longest tulip route is located in Noordoostpolder. You can:
Explore the fields by car or bike. The updated Tulip Route map is published each year on Flevoland’s Tulip Route website.
Visit one of the gardens in the area. For example, Pegasushof Gardens or Goldhoorn Gardens. During the Tulip Route season, they are open every day. Otherwise, if you’d like to visit one of the gardens outside of Tulip Route season, make sure to schedule an appointment in advance.
Visit a tulip picking farm to pick your own flowers from mid-April to mid-May. For example, Hanneke’s Pluktuin (at Ellerweg 18, Biddinghuizen) or De Tulpenpluktuin (at Steenwijkerweg 26, Marknesse).
South Holland
South Holland used to be the main tulip-growing area of the Netherlands. The region is rich in quality soil for cultivating flowers. It is home to many flower farms and remains the most popular region to visit during tulip season.
Countryside area around Hillegom, Voorhout, Lisse
Many fields of blooming tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils can be found around the town of Lisse – which is also home to the largest flower garden, Keukenhof. You can rent a bike in Lisse and cycle around to explore the flower fields.
Another town that can be your starting point for cycling around tulip fields is Noordwijkerhout. You can explore roads such as Westeinde, Kraaierslaan, and Schulpweg. Additionally, Zilkerbinnenweg has tulip and hyacinth nurseries located side by side. Drive along Zilkerbinnenweg between Hoogduinweg and Delfweg to enjoy tulip and hyacinth fields on both sides of the road.
If you don’t bike and don’t have a car, you can take a train and get off at Hillegom Station. Right from the station, you’ll see a large tulip farm in front of you. Walk just 2 minutes from the station on 2e Loosterweg straat, and on your left, you’ll find more tulips – with hyacinth fields right next to them.
You can take a train and ride one more stop to Voorhout. You’ll even spot tulip fields from the train. From Voorhout Station, walk towards Jacoba van Beierenweg to see vibrant tulip fields.
Keep in mind – if you’re driving by car, it’s not always possible to stop safely as the roads are narrow and often shared with cyclists.
Keukenhof
One of a kind, Keukenhof is the largest tulip garden in the world. Every year, Keukenhof is open for a short period, but it attracts more than a million visitors. With millions of blooming flowers and hundreds of different types of tulips, Keukenhof is the most popular place in Holland to experience tulip season.
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other flowers are planted in alleys and fancy shapes, sculptured mini gardens and lawns, fountains and canals, flower shows, and exhibitions. You can spend an entire day in the park admiring flowers in all their variety of colors and shapes.
You won’t even need a guide to tulips in the Netherlands if you’re only planning to visit Keukenhof 🙂 Simply check the Keukenhof website to plan your visit or book one of the tours departing from Amsterdam:
North Holland
If you prefer less crowded locations to see tulip fields, head to North Holland. The area between Alkmaar and Den Helder has hundreds of flower fields that you can explore by bike, car, or even on foot if you’re up for long walks.
Up to Den Helder
If you are driving, head north from Amsterdam towards Alkmaar. Then continue to Nieuwe Niedorp and Dirkshorn, followed by Schagen, Anna Paulowna, Julianadorp, and finally Den Helder. You don’t need to visit every one of these towns – just pick a few. Avoid taking the shortest route suggested by Google Maps. Instead, explore the countryside by driving on less major roads to make the most of your tulip field sightseeing.
Around Schagen
If you want to do it the Dutch way, go by bike! 🙂 You can choose any of the towns mentioned above as your starting point. For example, you can arrive in Schagen by train and rent a bike there. Ride towards De Stolpen and explore the area, or visit the fields between Schagen and Oudesluis. Alternatively, head southeast from Schagen towards Nieuwe Niedorp, taking local roads through the fields – cycling time can range from 40-60 minutes, and beyond that… well, it depends on how often you stop and how fast you cycle 🙂
If you’re feeling confident enough to cycle even longer, you can go all the way from Nieuwe Niedorp to Petten – you’ll see plenty of tulip fields along the way.
North from Schagen
You can drive or bike from Anna Paulowna to Julianadorp. Just make sure to ignore the shortest route suggested by Google Maps – instead, take the route via Grasweg and then Schoolweg.
While in Julianadorp, you can visit their tulip-picking farm, Floratuin, located at Rijksweg 85, 1787 PK Julianadorp. Besides picking your own flowers, you can purchase tulip bulbs or simply admire their beautiful flower garden.
While in Anna Paulowna, don’t miss their Flower Days (see below for details on the festival).
Please note, picking tulips in the fields (outside of dedicated tulip-picking farms) is strictly prohibited! Stepping on tulip beds, breaking flowers, or lying on top of them is also not allowed. We’ve seen many people attempting to lie down in the fields for the sake of taking better photos. Please be a responsible tourist and respect private property, as well as the hard work of the farmers who cultivate these beautiful flowers.
Flower parades and festivals
In spring, there are numerous festivals and events dedicated to flowers all across Holland. It’s a great idea to combine visiting tulip fields with attending one of these spring events. Here are a few:
Flower Parade Bollenstreek. One of the biggest and most famous parades in Holland – the route stretches from Noordwijk to Haarlem and covers about 40 km. The parade features numerous flower-decorated cars and installations, accompanied by music and plenty of fun. You can pick a spot anywhere along the route to enjoy the spectacle. Check the route on their website.
Amsterdam Tulip Festival. During tulip season, the city of Amsterdam is adorned with large pots of tulips. These flowers can be found in public spaces, including parks, streets, squares, and more. Simply stroll around the city to enjoy the sight of various tulip varieties blooming everywhere. Check the tulip festival website for detailed information about the locations of blooming pots and displays.
Bloemendagen (Flower Days) in Anna Paulowna. Anna Paulowna is a small town in North Holland where you’ll find numerous tulip farms and blooming fields. Every year, the town hosts the Flower Days event, showcasing vibrant mosaics and decorations. Streets, houses, and bridges are covered with beautiful flower installations. Bloemendagen website.
Bloeiend Zijpe. If you’re in the North Holland area, visit Bloeiend Zijpe (Flowering in Zijpe) to take part in one of their organized events held from March to April each year. Activities typically include walking and biking routes, as well as the Bulb Field Express – a wonderful option for mobility-impaired visitors. Check their website for details.
Other Places to Visit during Tulip Season in the Netherlands
If you’ve come to the Netherlands to explore blooming tulip fields or visit the gardens of Keukenhof, why not enrich your flower-filled experience by checking out one (or more!) of the following attractions:
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
A small museum in the heart of Amsterdam where you can explore the fascinating history of the tulip industry in Holland. Plan your visit.
Cherry blossom at Amsterdam forest
Part of the Amsterdam Bos (Amsterdam Forest in Amstelveen) is Kersenbloesempark, home to approximately 400 cherry trees. When they bloom between late March and early April, it’s an unforgettable sight! Bring a picnic and a camera to Kersenbloesempark to fully enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms. Address: Doorweg 32, 1182 DB Amstelveen.
Flower trade center
The Netherlands is a global leader in flower bulb trading. Why not visit FloraHolland – the world’s largest flower auction – to witness millions of flowers from across the globe being traded? The auction is open to the public only in the mornings, Monday to Friday. Check the tickets and opening hours.
Museum Black Tulip in Lisse
Visit de Zwarte Tulp (Black Tulip) Museum in Lisse to delve into the fascinating history of the tulip trade and admire artwork inspired by tulip cultivation. Check the tickets and museum opening hours (in Dutch).
If you’re staying in the Netherlands for an extended period and want to explore beyond the flowers, take a look at my post on What to see in the Netherlands for more travel inspiration.
I believe spring is the most enchanting season in the Netherlands. With warmer temperatures, longer days, blooming flowers, and blossoming cherry trees, it’s an ideal time to explore the country. I hope the pictures and information in this guide have inspired you to visit the Netherlands during tulip season and that you found this guide to Tulip Season in the Netherlands helpful.
If you’re short on time, you can always opt for the straightforward option of taking a tour to the Keukenhof gardens:
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Wow your post is really conclusive on this. I wish I knew as much when I was going. I just drove around in hope of finding fields near Lisse. I found a few but it seemed like a lot of wasted opportunity if I only knew where I was going.
It was the same for us during our first year in the Netherlands – we just drove around some random places in hope to see tulips. We saw few fields, of course, but it was much better the following years when we planned our trips well and had more information on tulips fields locations in the Netherlands.
Visiting here in blooming season would be a dream come true. We’ll make it there one day!
You won’t be disappointed! 🙂
Truly a must visit in Netherlands. Great guide where to spot these gorgeous flowers!