08/03/2026
GUIDE TO THE TULIP FIELDS OF THE NETHERLANDS
The first cultivated tulip came to the Netherlands in the late sixteenth century from the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey).
Today, the Bollenstreek (Dutch for the “bulb fields”) stretches for 25 miles between Haarlem in the north, down the Dutch North Sea coast to Leiden in the south of the country. Boasting one of the most famous and picturesque landscapes in the Netherlands – between late March and early May, the 6,000 acre+ panorama transforms into a stunning spectacle of red, yellow, pink, violet, white, orange and purple parallel, floral stripes. The first bulbs to bloom in late March are the crocuses, followed by the daffodils, hyacinths and finally the vibrant expanses of tulips.
There are several ways that the visitor can enjoy this unforgettable extravaganza. Below are the outlines of some of the options.
KEUKENHOF GARDENS - a living catalogue of the area and undoubtedly the most famous venue.
The Gardens lie about 35 kms southwest of Amsterdam and opened in 1950 . Covering 79 acres, the Park highlights over 400 years of tulip cultivation in the Netherlands. Today about seven million spring bulbs are planted for around 100 different growers who use the park as a visual inventory of their products. There are many different styles of gardens that can be visited within the park as well an 1892 windmill, indoor pavilions and boat tours on adjacent canals.
The Park can be explored by an organized tour or independently at the visitor’s leisure.
For 2027, Keukenhof opens from 18 March to 9 May.
VISIT A TULIP FARM
For the visitor who wants an interactive experience at an actual tulip farm, there are some options available. However, it is important to note that only certain tulip farms permit visitors. Some of these farms include:
• The family run Tulip Experience in Noordwijkerhout. Here you can see around 700 different varieties of tulips, pick your own tulips and visit their Tulip Market which sells products made from tulips
• The Tulip Barn in Hillegom just 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the 750,000 tulips sprawling across the farm's gardens and production field. Instagram friendly!!
• Further south, there is De Tulperij in Voorhout. Here you can tour the bulb fields with the grower and learn all about tulip production
CYCLE AROUND THE TULIP FIELDS
There are several bicycle routes that allow you to see the most beautiful flower fields close to Amsterdam. Keukenhof Gardens are about 35 kms from central Amsterdam so the cycling routes start from there near the gardens. It is easy to rent a bicycle near the Gardens.
There are 5 different routes varying from 5 kms to 35 kms. All have clear signage and pass directly by the beautiful flower fields outside of the Gardens.
It is also possible to take an organized guided bicycle tour as well.
DRIVE THE BLOEMENROUTE – THE FLOWER ROUTE
If you have rented a vehicle then driving The Netherlands Flower Route is a stunning option. There are rainbow fields dotted with windmills in all directions.
This 40 km drive takes you from the northern town of Haarlem – which in the spring time hosts spectacular fresh floral displays designed by leading floral artists in it’s famous Frans Hals Art Museum. The journey then passes through breathtaking bulb fields and into the town of Lisse, famous for its floral artwork and also where you will find the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens. From here the route winds south to the centuries old town of Leiden where the tulip was first introduced in 1590. The journey ends in the flower capital of the commercial flower industry – Naarldwijk – which boasts the worlds’ largest greenhouse area.
For further information about the area, custom tours, accommodations, transportation and flight options please contact me at [email protected]