The tulips in the Netherlands is one of the world’s top flower events. Learn about visiting some of the famous flowers fields in Holland.
When is the best time to see tulips in Holland, Netherlands?
So you want to know when to go? The season for Tulips is fairly short – so make sure you keep on top of the evaluation as the fields are only viewable for approximately a month.
The blooming period of the tulip starts in the beginning of April through to the first week of May. This will vary by season a bit. So the best time to ensure that there are tulips is to go around mid-April to end of April.
If you are unsure if the tulips have started blooming yet, there are plenty of websites that track the bloom rate of the tulips – which means you can know before you go exactly the conditions of the fields.
The Tulips in the Netherlands Season: April to first week of May.
Are tulips from the Netherlands?
Interesting fact: no, Tulips are not from the Netherlands. While the Netherlands has become well known for Tulips, the flower did not originate from the Netherlands. The tulip originated from Central Asia, where the flower was cultivated since the Ottoman Empire.
Tulips gained popularity as a gardening flower, and this is where Holland in the Netherlands reached their popularity with the flower. Holland became a major trade exporting of the flower, cultivating it further and developing what gardeners referred to as magnificent colors. Since then, the golden age of Holland was known as “Tulip Mania” when the flower became very popular in Europe.
Where is the best place to see Tulips in Holland, Netherlands?
Everyone will say: Keukenhof.
But I will say the best place to see Tulips in Holland is at Noordoostpolder.
Krukenhof, or the Lisse area, is located southwest of Amsterdam. While Noordoostpolder region is located northeast of Amsterdam.
There is nothing wrong with visiting Keukenhof. Everyone visits Keukenhof. It’s internationally known as the place to see tulips for those coming to the Netherlands. That’s the problem – everyone knows about it. The beautiful garden at Keukenhof requires preparation in advance for a visit – tickets can only be purchased online and you need to make sure you book them well in advance.
The park itself, is outstanding – the crowds at the park though – not so much.
That is why I personally recommend Noordoostpolder. The area boasts the majority of tulip farms and hosts an annual tulip festival. The best part? Visiting is free. This makes the Noordoostpolder region some of the best tulip fields in Holland.
The area organizes a “tulip route” where you can drive your vehicle in a 100km route along all the farms tulip fields – giving you a chance to fully embrace and see the tulip farming industry. See the map here.
There is also the option of a 40km bicycle route where you can do the stereotypical Dutch activity of exploring by bicycle.
The take away from my visits? I did not see anyone else during my drive around the tulip route. Which meant I got to enjoy looking at the fields without the hustle and bustle of other visitors.
I enjoyed taking flower photography without feeling rushed. I saw a variety of birds in the tulip fields, sheep with their lambs, horses racing about in fields, and cats lounging in the tall grass. The visit overall far exceeded my expectations.
While there are no floral designs in the fields, if you are looking to just see some beautiful tulips this will accomplish that. I saw a vast variety of tulips and there were plenty of fields that you can walk near without violating the rules of the area.
Rules for visiting Noordoostpolder.
While you can drive the route that visits most of the farms in the area there are still rules to visitors: you can’t go into the rows. You can walk up to the edge of the tulip fields – but you will see signs stating not to enter into the actual rows themselves. I know a lot of people want to do that as it’s become social media famous to be frolicking down the large rows of Tulips – but you are highly discouraged to do that here.
These are farmers’ personal fields, anything that you do in the rows is harmful to their business so keep that in mind during a visit.
If you want that popular row photo – there is an area where the actual festival is and there are plenty of rows of tulips planted there positioned for people to get those iconic photos.
Are there tulips in Amsterdam?
There are no massive fields of tulips in Amsterdam, no.
There are pots along the canals of tulips, and some garden displays around popular attractions, but you won’t find the large farmer fields like in Lisse and Noordoostpolder.
Those visiting the Tulip fields will typically stay in Amsterdam and then visit the neighboring fields. The locations of Lisse and Noordoostpolder are within an hour drive of the popular Dutch city.
Can you bring tulip bulbs back from Amsterdam / Holland?
Yes, you can. You are able to purchase bulbs from Amsterdam at the floating flower market. You can also purchase bulbs at a variety of locations in Amsterdam, or at some of the farms.
As long as you are purchasing less than 12 (think personal use, versus professional resale use) then you will have no issues with bringing back tulips for your personal garden. If you are interested in having an entire suitcase full of tulip bulbs – well that’s when you will run into some issues with customs as it can be viewed as an “import”.
Where to picnic in Tulip Fields in The Netherlands?
Despite thorough research – I never located a place that offers picnics in the tulip fields. Which is very unfortunate.
While no farms, or tours seem to offer the opportunity to picnic in a field – there are still plenty of options to create your own picnic near a field. The Noordoostopolder region had benches or tables along the route meaning that you can easily stop at one of those for a picnic.
Or if you have a large enough vehicle like a SUV, why not throw some pillows and blankets in the back, pop open the trunk facing the field and enjoy the view?
Can you pick Tulips in the Netherlands?
There are farms that offer visitors the chance to pay by the stem and pick your own tulips.
However, a majority of the farms will collect their own and do not allow visitors to pick their own.
If you want to pick your own tulip, then look into a visit to the Lisse or Keukenhof area.
Where to stay to see tulips in the Netherlands
If you have your personal vehicle, or a rental, the options are pretty limitless. A majority of people will stay in Amsterdam and then book tours out to the fields or commute out to the fields. This is a great option if you want to just enjoy the tulips for a day and then mix in some city exploration.
Personally, my recommendation would be exactly that: stay in Amsterdam and either drive out to the tulip fields or book a tour to the tulip fields.
While the tulip fields are beautiful, a day trip out is sufficient to enjoy the experience. Spend the rest of the trip exploring the canals or history of Amsterdam.
Frequently Asked Questions about seeing Tulips in Holland
- When is the best time to see tulips in Holland? The prime time to witness the vibrant tulip fields in Holland is generally from late March to early May. However, the exact blooming period may vary depending on weather conditions and the specific type of tulips.
- Where are the best places to see tulips in Holland? Keukenhof Gardens, located near Lisse, is one of the most famous destinations for tulip viewing. Additionally, the Bollenstreek region, encompassing fields between Haarlem and Leiden, is renowned for its colorful tulip landscapes.
- How can I get to Keukenhof Gardens from Amsterdam? Keukenhof Gardens is easily accessible from Amsterdam by train or bus. Trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol, where you can transfer to a bus directly to Keukenhof.
- Are there other events or festivals during tulip season in Holland? Yes, various events and festivals coincide with the tulip blooming season. The Keukenhof Flower Parade, typically held in April, is a highlight, featuring stunning flower-decorated floats.
- Can I bike through the tulip fields in Holland? Yes, biking is a popular way to explore the tulip fields. Many areas have designated bike paths, providing a scenic and eco-friendly means of enjoying the colorful landscapes.
- Are there entrance fees for Keukenhof Gardens? Yes, there is an entrance fee for Keukenhof Gardens. The fee varies depending on age and whether tickets are purchased online or at the entrance. It’s advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
- Can I visit tulip farms in Holland? While some tulip farms allow visitors, it’s essential to check in advance and respect private property. Some farms offer guided tours, providing insights into tulip cultivation.
- What other flowers can I see besides tulips in Holland during spring? In addition to tulips, you can enjoy daffodils, hyacinths, and various other spring flowers in the Netherlands during the blooming season.
- Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance during tulip season? Yes, especially if you plan to visit popular areas like Keukenhof. Accommodations tend to fill up quickly during the peak tulip season, so it’s advisable to make reservations in advance.
- Are there guided tours available for tulip viewing in Holland? Yes, many tour operators offer guided tours to the tulip fields, providing informative insights into the cultivation and history of tulips in the Netherlands.
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