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The tulip fields in the Netherlands will attract many visitors in 2023 as they do yearly in spring when over a million tulips are in full bloom. Surely it is a real tourist attraction but totally worth it with the endless colourful views. Moreover, this time of the year has the most lovely vibes in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. But where can you find the Dutch tulip fields? And did you know about tulip tours or the flower parade or Keukenhof Gardens? Let us show you around and enjoy the tulips fields all around.
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The best time to see tulip fields in the Netherlands
The sky is blue and the sun is coming out more and more, giving us all together a beautiful spring day. These days are perfect for jumping on the bike or walking through mother nature to revel in the colourful beauty around the tulip fields in the Netherlands. But be picky in choosing your day, due to the various seasons per type of flower. Also, keep in mind that the weather has a great impact on the quality and duration of blooming flower fields. To check this, keep an eye on the Flower Forecast.
In general, your ideal time to visit is between mid-March and mid-May. In March the crocus season transforms the Netherlands from winter to spring vibes. After that, the daffodils and hyacinths join the show. The tulips, still the most famous of all, grow in all sizes from mid-April until the first week of May. We usually ensure to visit the fields at the end of April for the best experience. Do note that this is also a high season for worldwide visitors and the parks and fields might be busy.
It is likely that you will be visiting the Netherlands as part of your Europe trip. Find more travel inspiration for Europe in our other blog post!
Do’s and don’ts to know before you visit
Visiting the tulip fields in the Netherlands is fun and perfect for photo opportunities. Surely Instagram also had an impact on the popularity of the fields, which (as most of us travellers know) can also have an unfortunate damaging effect. The fields are a gem and we should all keep it that way. Please respect the few points listed below:
- Do take beautiful photos of all the rainbow-coloured fields.
- Do not walk through the fields in between the flowers. Sometimes you will also see a sign like here on the left side. Sometimes, you can only enter at the beginning for a photo or at a designated photo spot. More information & spots: Selfie tips with tulips.
- You can sometimes walk along the long side of the fields. This varies per farm or owner of the fields.
- Closed fields are closed, do not enter.
- Do not leave trash behind. We understand it is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy your lunch or picnic with these views. However, trash goes in the bin.
- Do not pick flowers. Go to a farm or shop to buy a prepared package or visit specific attractions that allow you to pick your own. See below.
Where to stay in the Netherlands during the tulip season
When the tulip season starts, the hotels in the Netherlands also feel a boost. Tourist season is starting and people from all over the world will come to visit this spectacle. But how to pick the best accommodation? That depends on your wishes of course. Most visitors want to combine their trip with some days in Amsterdam. For hotel deals in Amsterdam, see the map below and book your room rather soon than later to get the best deals!
Another place to stay is in the area of Lisse. This way you are close to the biggest flower garden “The Keukenhof” and the open fields and farms. Another big pro of staying in this area is that you can enjoy nature much more. Go on a bike tour in the area or visit the beach and sea for a nice drink and some snacks. Especially in spring, this can give you a real “getaway” feeling! See below a list of other places to stay in the surrounding of Lisse:
- Hotels in Lisse, close to “The Keukenhof”
- Hotels in Noordwijk aan Zee, for the beach vibes
- Hotels in Leiden, a lovely city in between The Hague and the tulip fields
- Hotels in Haarlem, a picturesque city with excellent connections to Amsterdam and the tulip fields
Where to find tulip fields in the Netherlands near Amsterdam
As most of you will likely stay in Amsterdam, it is about time to explore more of this tiny pretty country! Where the surrounding of Lisse (Bollenstreek) is the most famous, you can certainly visit the admirable fields in more places. Of course, it would be best to visit the fields by car or bike. Don’t worry if you only have access to public transport, an option is to rent a bike (for example at the Keukenhof) to explore the surrounding. Can’t get more Dutch than that right?
The Bollenstreek
Most famous due to the Keukenhof, many other flower attractions in the region and distance from important cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Haarlem and Leiden. This area is also known as “the Dune and Bulb Region” which could make it even more interesting! Combine the flower fields and visit the dunes and beaches with an excellent cycle tour. You will truly make the most out of your day!
The website of the Bollenstreek provides a lot of valuable information including a flowermap. This map shows the 35-kilometre cycle route to follow with several attractions, fields and rental places.
Noordoostpolder
In the Province of Flevoland, you can find many fields around the city of Emmeloord. Presently they launched the “Tulip Festival Route” yearly as part of the Profytodsd Tulip Festival, which was 2021 a lovely 88km long route. We highly enjoyed this route where we admired most of the beautiful fields in the surrounding of Nagele and Marknesse. Here you will also have the option to visit the “Tulip picking garden Marknesse”. One opportunity to pick your own flowers! Another option instead of a car trip is a biking route of 51Km where you will see 18 fields in full bloom.
Keukenhof tulip garden
There are numerous tulip gardens in the Netherlands, but if you want to see the most famous tulip fields in the Netherlands you will visit the Keukenhof. The Keukenhof is without a doubt the most beautiful spring garden in the world. You can visit the Keukenhof in 2023 from 23 March to 14 May. The focus is not on just Tulips but on all kinds of spring-flowering bulbs like crocuses or hyacinths. With an impressive total of 7 million to bloom!
This prettiest tulip garden in Holland is enjoyable for a day out for all ages. Stroll around for a romantic walk with your partner or visit with your family given that there are fun activities for kids like a treasure hunt. Several inspirational gardens are waiting for you while you will see flowers from all around the world. Such as the Tropical Beach Garden or the Red Romance Garden. A lot of love and dedication goes into the creation of the Keukenhof yearly, with often special themes and new highlights that you will unquestionably love.
Book tickets for the Keukenhof
You can only buy your tickets online via these links and enter the park during the assigned timeslot. In general, most visitors spend 3 hours inside where you are also able to enjoy food and drinks. If you would like to extend your stay, you might want to consider renting bikes to explore the surrounding. In this case, you can visit more tulip fields and flower farms for a full tulip experience!
Visit a Tulip farm in the Netherlands
One of the best experiences and a great way to get close to tulips and learn more about the growing process. Not every farm is open for visitors, but some of them are real flower attractions with entertaining activities for all ages. Find some recommendations below:
Hanneke’s pluktuin
Hanneke’s flower garden offers a huge variety of flowers that you can pick yourself to make a beautiful bouquet. This garden is open for a longer timeframe also towards summer. From mid-April, the Tulip garden opens which allows you to pick your favourite tulips out of the 250 varieties! This is definitely a fun place for young and old and free to access. Their mission is to offer you a real experience free in nature.
Tulip Farm “De Tulperij”
De Tulperij is a well-known farm and is often visited by groups of tourists. The owners offer guided tours where they explain to you the process from planting a bulb to a flower in full bloom in one of the prettiest tulip fields in the Netherlands. If you prefer to go on your own you get access to a 2km walking route, a garden with over 200 flowers and a hot drink for only €6,95. You will also have the option to pick your own tulips. Furthermore, you do have the option for your perfect Instagram shot here! You can book a photoshoot including attributes like a bike, hat, wooden shoes and baskets.
Are you ready to visit the tulip fields in the Netherlands in 2023?
Let us know if you have any questions. Feel free to share your own experience in the comments below.