Every spring, the Netherlands transforms into a technicolor dreamscape of tulips. The Netherlands produces over 4 billion tulip bulbs a year. That’s enough to cover Amsterdam in a petal avalanche. The result is breathtaking: fields stretching as far as the eye can see, painted in vibrant reds, yellows, purples, and every shade in between.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to frolic through endless rows of flowers, then the Dutch tulip season is your best shot. In this guide, we shall look at the revered tulip season in the Netherlands as well as top places to see tulips.
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When is the Tulip Season in the Netherlands?
Tulip season in the Netherlands doesn’t have an exact start and end date, as it largely depends on the weather each year. However, in a typical season, tulips begin blooming around mid-April, transforming the fields into a sea of vibrant colors. The peak viewing period is short—lasting only two to three weeks—so timing is key.
If you’re hoping to see the tulips at their best, plan your visit for the last two weekends of April, as harvesting often begins by early May. While some fields may still have flowers into May, the majority are cut by then. For the most up-to-date bloom forecasts, check out this dedicated flower forecast Instagram page. It regularly updates from March through May to help visitors plan their trips accordingly.
Where to Find Tulip Fields in the Netherlands
In spring, the Netherlands bustles with endless rows of tulips and determining which garden to visit might be harder than you think. Here are some of the best tulip fields in the Netherlands.
Goeree-Overflakkee
Goeree-Overflakkee, a small island in Southwest Holland, is a breathtaking destination for tulip lovers. The island bursts into color every spring, with endless rows of tulip fields stretching in every direction, showcasing a dazzling array of hues. As one of the first places where tulips can be spotted growing in the wild, it offers a truly mesmerizing sight.
Despite its compact size, Goeree-Overflakkee is home to dozens of tulip fields, making it an easily navigable and rewarding stop for a scenic road trip. Located just an hour and a half south of Amsterdam, the island can be explored in a single day.
Tulpenroute in Flevoland
The Tulpenroute in Flevoland offers a vibrant and immersive way to experience the Netherlands’ iconic tulip fields. Situated just an hour northeast of Amsterdam from the charming village of Giethoorn—often called the “Venice of the Netherlands”—this scenic route begins in Noordoostpolder.
Visitors can explore the colorful fields by car or bike, with rentals available for those who prefer a leisurely ride through the countryside. The route pairs perfectly with a visit to Giethoorn and a meal at the whimsical Hansel & Gretel Pancake House nearby, making for an unforgettable springtime adventure.
Bollenstreek
Bollenstreek is the most famous region in the Netherlands for experiencing the breathtaking beauty of tulip fields, attracting countless visitors each spring. This vibrant area includes well-known tulip hotspots such as Lisse, Noordwijkerhout, De Zilk, Voorhout, Hillegom, and the world-renowned Keukenhof gardens.
Those looking for a unique way to explore the fields can enjoy a boat ride, visit a traditional windmill, or even have lunch amid the colorful blooms. For a more active experience, a guided bike tour offers an immersive way to take in the scenery while moving through the fields at a leisurely pace.
Several tulip farms in the area also welcome visitors, providing the perfect opportunity for close-up photos, with some even offering props for creative shots. Since Bollenstreek is the closest tulip region to Amsterdam, transportation options are plentiful, including public transit, guided tours, and biking.
Keukenhof Gardens
While these gardens are in Bollenstreek, we feel they deserve a special mention. Keukenhof Gardens, often referred to as the “Garden of Europe,” is the most famous destination for viewing tulips in the Netherlands. However, rather than endless rows of tulip fields, Keukenhof is a meticulously landscaped garden spanning an impressive 80,000 acres.
Visitors need tickets to enter, and well-maintained paths guide them through a stunning variety of flowers beyond just tulips. Keukenhof offers a vibrant floral experience with themed displays, smaller flower patches, and beautifully arranged beds. The park has numerous amenities like restaurants, bike rentals, boat rides, and activities for children, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring.
It is accessible by bike, car, and public transportation, with convenient tour options departing from Amsterdam. Check the official website before visiting. They often offer combination tickets covering transportation and entrance, as well as parking passes, are available for purchase online. If you’ve limited time in the Netherlands, Keukenhof is the perfect place to go for the tulip season.
Zeeland
Located in the southwestern corner of the Netherlands along the Belgian border, Zeeland is a hidden gem for tulip enthusiasts. Much like its northern neighbor, Goeree-Overflakkee, tulip fields are scattered across the islands, offering a stunning display of vibrant colors each spring. Unlike the more famous fields near Amsterdam, Zeeland’s tulip fields remain relatively uncrowded.
Its strategic location makes it an excellent stop for those traveling between the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Reaching Zeeland is easiest by car, with a drive of about two hours from Amsterdam, an hour and a half from Brussels, and just about an hour from cities like Ghent and Antwerp.
Noord-Holland
Nestled just north of Amsterdam, the province of Noord-Holland transforms into a breathtaking sea of tulips each spring. The vibrant fields stretch across the landscape, particularly in and around the Alkmaar region. The fields create a patchwork of vivid reds, yellows, and pinks that are a photographer’s dream.
To get there, take a leisurely drive less than an hour from the Dutch capital. Visitors exploring this region will find themselves immersed in a quintessentially Dutch experience, where windmills and endless rows of tulips paint an unforgettable scene.
Conclusion
Once you’ve had your fill of tulips (if that’s even possible), stick around for more Dutch delights. Sip on a fresh cup of coffee at a charming canal-side café, take a windmill tour, or sample some cheese that will change your life. The Netherlands knows how to do spring right.
