Spring has finally sprung and there are few places in the world more beautiful than the Netherlands at this time of year. Any day now, the Dutch countryside will transform into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colour as the iconic tulip fields burst into bloom.
Visiting the rainbow-coloured tulip fields in the Netherlands is truly a unique, bucket list experience and is every bit as spectacular as it looks. But this floral phenomenon attracts millions of visitors, every year, so a bit of careful planning can go a long way. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the tulip fields.
When is the best time to see the tulips?
Tulip season in the Netherlands generally runs from around the end of March to mid-May, however it’s impossible to say exactly when the tulips will be at their peak. Mid to late April seems to be the optimal time to plan a visit to the tulip fields, based on previous years. We visited in the middle of April in both 2022 and 2023 and many of the tulips were already in bloom, whilst others were just beginning to peak.
If you are early, don’t despair, as flowering season starts in March in the Netherlands, with colourful crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths taking over the landscape. Some of these flower fields were even more beautiful than the tulips themselves!
If you’re planning a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, keep an eye on their flowering report which is updated regularly with the latest information on what’s in bloom.
Where to find the tulip fields in the Netherlands
There are several tulip field hot-spots dotted around the Netherlands. The Bollenstreek region, located just south of Amsterdam, is the most popular and easily accessible. Here, you can explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, as well as the picturesque tulip fields around Lisse, Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout.
This interactive flower map (courtesy of the Bollenstreek tourism website) is my go-to when visiting the Bollenstreek. It shows you where all the tulip fields are located and is updated weekly with photos, so that you can see when the flowers are in bloom!
Flevoland is the other main tulip-growing area in the Netherlands and is located about an hour from Amsterdam, on a man-made island. It is less touristy than the Bollenstreek and has some of the largest open tulip fields in the Netherlands, dotted around Lelystad, Dronten, Zeewolde and Noordoostpolder.
I’m yet to visit Flevoland (although it is on my wish-list!), so this article will focus mainly on tulip spotting around the Bollenstreek area.
Getting around the tulip fields
The best way to explore the tulip fields is by bicycle and this is also a surefire way to feel like a local. The Netherlands is a utopia for cyclists, with wide cycle lanes skimming the multi-coloured flower fields for miles.
We rented bikes from Rent-a-Bike Van Dam who have pick-up locations in Noordwijkerhout and at the entrance to Keukenhof Gardens. They offer a wide range of bikes, including mountain bikes, electric bikes, tandems and cargo bikes – perfect if you’re travelling with a dog or young child. You can book 3-hour or full day rentals and they will provide you with a handy ‘flower route’ map to help you navigate the myriad of fields.
Exploring the tulip fields on foot is possible, but the cycle lanes leave little room for foot passengers, so you have to keep your wits about you. Many of the flower fields are also located a fair walking distance from from each other, so you will need to carefully plan out the ones you want to see.
Driving between the tulip fields is also an option but I wouldn’t recommend it, as many of the fields are only accessible via side-roads and narrow lanes. We had planned to cycle but unfortunately our poor Goldie didn’t like the cargo bike, so we had to resort to a combination of driving and walking between locations. Having tried all options, I can confidently say that riding a bike is the easiest, greenest and most memorable way to explore the tulip fields!
Please be aware that the tulip fields are privately owned by farmers and that this is their livelihood. Tourists should never enter the fields without permission and are only allowed to admire and take photos from the edges. Sadly, we saw lots of people trespassing and trampling on the flowers. If you do want to get some photos among the tulips, there are a number of paid tourist attractions where you can do just that.
The Tulip Barn near Hillegom is open daily, during tulip season, and allows visitors to enter the farm and take photos among the colourful blooms. Fam Flower Farm also offers unique flower experiences by reservation only.
Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens is Europe’s largest flower garden and a must-visit during tulip season. Keukenhof is only open to the public for about six weeks of the year therefore it is strongly recommended that you pre-book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on this world-famous attraction.
During 2023, Keukenhof Gardens is open daily from 23 March to 14 May (including all public holidays). Tickets can be pre-booked via the official website and you will be allocated a specific time slot for your visit. Opening hours are from 8am to 7.30pm, and I would suggest picking an early or late slot, as it can get incredibly busy during peak hours.
Getting to Keukenhof Gardens is easy and combination tickets, covering admission and public transport, can be purchased from the online ticket shop. This allows you to hop on the Keukenhof Express bus from a number of key locations including Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden and even Schiphol airport. If you prefer an organised bus tour, this can also be booked in advance.
If you are arriving by car, parking is available at Keukenhof, only with a pre-purchased parking ticket (this can be booked online, at the same time as your entrance ticket).
Bicycles aren’t allowed into Keukenhof, but you can leave your bike or moped in one of the bike racks at the entrance of the park for free. This is also where you’ll find the bike rental company, Rent-A-Bike Van Dam, in case you want to explore the surrounding flower fields before or after your visit (which I highly recommend you do!)
There are over 7 million (!) spring flowers throughout Keukenhof, so you’ll want to allow a few hours, at least, to fully explore this amazing place. It’s not only tulips you can feast your eyes on, but also daffodils, hyacinths and even cherry blossom. It’s such a treat for the senses, with the most spectacular colours and smells around every corner.
You can download a map of Keukenhof Gardens here, or pick up a physical copy when you arrive. 1-hour guided tours are also available for an additional fee, if you want to learn more about the history of the park and the different planting techniques.
We spent our time just pottering around the perfectly manicured gardens, but there are various activities for visitors to take part in. For example, you can book a guided boat tour on a traditional Dutch punt along the moats around Keukenhof, or catch a flower show in one of the pavilions. Check out the calendar to see what’s on during your visit.
Another key attraction at Keukenhof is the 100-year old windmill, which is idyllically surrounded by a sea of flowers. You can visit the windmill with your general admission ticket, or simply sit back and enjoy the quintessential view.
Keukenhof Gardens is completely dog-friendly although dogs have to be kept on lead at all times. The narrow pathways do get VERY busy, so be mindful if you have a particularly nervous or small dog. It was also unseasonably hot when we visited, so we took lots of shaded breaks with Marnie.
There are also plenty of facilities to keep children entertained at Keukenhof, including a playground, treasure hunts and a maze. The park also several cafes and restaurants, so you can easily spend a full day here.
The only down-side to Keukenhof is how incredibly busy it gets. We visited quite late in the day and it was still heaving. Don’t let this put you off – Keukenhof is a stunning experience and a must-do for any first time visitor to the tulip region.
However, don’t stop your tulip experience here. All around Keukenhof, you will find beautiful flower fields and it would be a crime to be so close and yet miss them! Even if you only have one day to explore, I highly recommend splitting your time between Keukenhof and the surrounding Bollenstreek region.
Visiting the tulip fields around the Bollenstreek
The whole area around Lisse, Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout is striped with vibrant tulip and flower fields. You can use this interactive flower map to navigate your way around, but you can’t go too far wrong… they are everywhere! And believe me, the experience of turning a corner and seeing yet another rainbow-coloured field never gets old. During our 3-day stay, we must have passed the same fields multiple times but I still had to stop to get another look as they are just so mesmerising.
Even though the Bollenstreek is hugely popular with tourists, there are so many different tulip fields spread out across the region, that it never felt overly crowded or busy during our visit. We even had some of the fields all to ourselves to enjoy! This was a nice change of pace after Keukenhof too.
What makes the tulip fields even more beautiful is how many of them are divided up by pretty canals and waterways – so quintessentially Dutch! The whole experience is so peaceful and enchanting. If you can, you’ll definitely want to spend a couple of days to soak it all in.
Visiting the tulip fields with dogs
The Netherlands is a very dog-friendly country and dogs can accompany their owners into most places, as long as they are on lead. Luckily, visiting the tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens is no exception. Our Golden Retriever, Marnie, came everywhere with us and met lots of other dog pals along the way! Just be sure not to let your dog enter the fields or trample on the flowers (the same goes for humans!)
Also, be aware that there’s not a lot of shade when out and about in the open fields, so if you are travelling with your dog on a hot day, be sure to head out early and take plenty of water for them.
In terms of getting around the tulip fields, you can hire electric cargo bikes that are suitable for dogs from Rent-A-Bike Van Dam. Poor Marnie was not a fan, so we quickly abandoned the bikes and stayed on foot – but we saw plenty of happy dogs being whisked around the fields!
The other great thing about visiting the Bollenstreek area with your dog is that you’re located next to some wonderful dog-friendly beaches. Noordwijk has a lovely dog-friendly beach all year round, which Marnie absolutely adored. There are also some great dog walks around the sand dunes and nature reserves in this area. Find out everything you need to know about dogs on Noordwijk beach here.
There is also a long stretch of beach at Zandvoort, a little further up the coast, but dogs are only allowed at certain times of the year. For example, from April 15th to October 1st 2023 (i.e. most of the tulip season) dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9am to 7pm. You can check the latest information about dogs on Zandvoort beach here.
Both beaches at Noordwijk and Zandvoort are lined with stylish eateries and bars and Marnie was warmly welcomed everywhere we went. There is also plenty of dog-friendly accommodation around these areas, including Airbnbs, hotels and holiday parks. Duinrust Holiday Park in Noordwijk offers a range of luxury, dog-friendly bungalows and chalets and even has its own doggy beach along the dunes!
Where to stay when visiting the tulip fields
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a location for visiting the tulip fields in the Netherlands. Whether you want to combine your tulip experience with a city break or beach getaway, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of my top recommendations.
Zandvoort
The Dutch coastline was SUCH a wonderful surprise to me and Zandvoort is a true hidden gem, located just a short distance away from all the tulip action. Not only will you be located on the edge of the Bollenstreek region, but you’ll also have beautiful beaches right on your doorstep. Zandvoort beach is lined with cool, boho-style beach bars and terraces – perfect for catching one of the incredible sunsets. Dining with your feet in the sand and a cocktail in hand, it’s hard to believe you’re in the Netherlands!
Noordwijk
A little further south of Zandvoort, you’ll find another beautiful coastal area. National Geographic previously named Noordwjick Aan Zee one of the best beach travel destinations in the world and I can see why. As with Zandvoort, there are plenty of gorgeous beach bars and cafes to drop into, as well as charming beach-front apartments. The small town of Noordwijk also has lots of restaurants and shops and a train station to connect you to most major Dutch cities.
Amsterdam
There are few cities in the world more beautiful than Amsterdam and this is a perfect base from which to explore. From the main train station, you can easily access key tulip locations within an hour, whilst the Keukenhof Express bus also departs regularly from Amsterdam, connecting you directly to Keukenhof Gardens and the surrounding tulip fields.
Read more: Things to do in Amsterdam when it’s raining
Haarlem
Haarlem is another great option if you want to combine your tulip experience with a city break. Although smaller than Amsterdam, Haarlem is jam-packed with beauty, history and charm and is well worth a visit in its own right. It’s also generally cheaper and quieter than its more famous neighbour. Trains run regularly from Haarlem to Leiden and Amsterdam, where you can connect to Lisse and Keukenhof via bus.
Read more: Haarlem: the perfect day trip from Amsterdam
Visiting the tulips fields really is a bucket list-worthy travel experience and can be easily combined with amazing city or beach breaks for a truly unforgettable trip.
If you liked this article, feel free to check out my other travel guides to the Netherlands. Or if it’s unique flower experiences you’re after, you might also be interested in A Visit to Somerset Lavender Farm. Thanks for reading and happy tulip spotting!
