This post covers everything you need to know about visiting the flower fields in The Netherlands.
Have you always dreamt of visiting the famous flower fields in the Netherlands, of walking through endless tulip fields in the spring sun?
Me too! 🙂
As I’ve been living in Amsterdam for the past 10 years, I’ve definitely had my share of tulip field visits.
Long stretches of multi-colored flowers, far as the eye can see – it is a great sight and such a unique experience, I feel everyone should have it at least once in their life!
So, as a long-term resident in The Netherlands, you can count on me to give you the best tips on where to find the most beautiful flower fields, when to visit them, and a lot more!
Let’s have a look at the most important things you need to know when planning your visit to the Dutch tulip fields:
1. Where To Find The Best Tulip Fields in The Netherlands
There are many places across Holland where you can spot gorgeous, colorful flower fields in spring.
Yet, the best place to see the tulips in the Netherlands is the area near Amsterdam, around the Keukenhof Garden, in the village of Lisse.
Lisse is located 40 km away from the center of Amsterdam and it is easily accessible by public transport or by car.
The broader region where you can spot and smell the beautiful tulips is called Bollenstreek. This is the area between 4 major cities: Amsterdam, Haarlem, The Hague, and Leiden.
2. When to Visit the Flower Fields in The Netherlands
The best time to visit the flower fields in The Netherlands is mid-April to early May.
Every year it can be a little different depending on the weather and how long winter decides to stay. But as a general rule, if you plan your trip within this time frame you will be guaranteed to see the tulips.
I would definitely recommend the period between the end of April beginning of May as the best time for a trip. By then, most of the flowers are in bloom, the weather is nicer and the temperatures are getting higher.
The flowers generally start blooming around mid-March and last until mid-May. So if you want to visit the Dutch tulips fields, make sure to book your trip within this time frame.
Flower Fields Blossom Time per Type
- Daffodils fields: Mid-March until Mid-April
- Hyacinth fields: the beginning of April until the end of April
- Tulip fields: Mid-April until Mid-May
READ NEXT: How To Spend A Rainy Day in Amsterdam (a super useful post in case of bad weather during your trip to The Netherlands)
3. Keukenhof – The Famous Flower Garden of The Netherlands
Keukenhof is one of the top tourist attractions in The Netherlands and the largest flower garden in the world.
While it is impressive to see the beautiful flower arrangements, visiting the flower fields around the Keukenhof area is a much nicer experience.
(Having done both, I highly recommend the second one, especially if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands.)
A trip to the Keukenhof gardens (or to any tulip field around Amsterdam) needs some planning and can take up a good part of your day. Here are some useful tips to consider.
Keukenhof Quick Facts & Tips:
- Keukenhof is the largest flower park in the world with over 7 million bulbs blossoming every year
- it is the best place to see various types of tulips (yes, there are more than one 🙂 )
- can easily be reached within 30-40 minutes from Amsterdam, The Hague, Leiden, or Haarlem
- plan your visit during weekdays (if possible) to avoid large tourist crowds
- purchase your ticket online in advance
KEUKENHOF GARDEN:
Address: Stationsweg 166a, 2161AM Lisse
Opening dates 2023: March 23 – May 14
Entry ticket: 18,5 EUR/adult
You can find out more about the Keukenhof flower garden and purchase tickets on their website at keukenhof.nl. Tickets for the 2023 season are available online starting mid-November.
How to get to Keukenhof
Here is how you can get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam depending on your means of transport:
- by public transport: take any train from Amsterdam Central station to Schiphol Airport. From there take bus no. 361 to Noordwijk and get out at Lisse (Meer en Duin). From here, it will be a 15 minutes walk to the gardens. Total travel time: 1h 10 min. During the season there will be a Keukenhof Express bus from the airport, fully decorated, you can’t miss it.
- by car: if you are traveling by car from Amsterdam, you need to take the A4 highway all the way to the Keukenhof garden. Total travel time: 40 minutes.
PRO TIP: if you travel by car, try to arrive as early as possible and avoid weekends. There are often traffic jams during peak hours and sometimes the roads in the region get closed due to large tourist crowds.
4. Walking On The Tulips Fields
Did you know that walking through most of the tulip fields in Holland is actually NOT allowed?
This is because stepping on the fields can damage the bulbs. The flower fields are the private property of the bulb owners and most of the time access is restricted. (even though it might not always be very visibly marked).
So if you would like to walk through the tulips and take those beautiful Instagram selfies, follow these guidelines:
- look for a field where access is allowed
- be respectful of the flowers and only walk on the narrow paths between them, not through the bulbs
- do NOT pick any flowers. If you’d like to pick tulips check out Annemieke’s Picking Garden
- visit a local tulip farm for the best Instagram shots and learn more about how the flowers are grown
5. Cycling Through the Netherlands Flower Fields
A bicycle tour might just be the best way to explore the flower fields in Holland. You will have the sun on your face and the delightful smell of hyacinths in the air! Plus, you’ll get quite a bit of workout on that bike, especially if it’s windy. 😉
You can rent the bikes at Keukenhof Garden (10 EUR/ person) and cycle along the fields and the beautiful villages in the area. The bike routes are clearly marked with specific signs.
You can also take a guided bike tour from Keukenhof which includes:
- an English-speaking guide showing you the most beautiful flower fields in the area
- a visit to a tulip farm
- the bike & helmet
The cost is 42,5 EUR per person and you can book it HERE.
In case you are visiting by car, make sure to drive by Lisse, Noordwijkerhout, and Hillegom villages.
6. See the Tulip Fields from the Sky
An even more exciting way to see the tulip fields is from way up in the sky!
Yes, you might spot the tulips from the plane while landing in Amsterdam, but in my experience, it’s mostly cloudy and you won’t always pass the right spots.
So this is where a helicopter ride comes in! It will give you spectacular views of the colorful fields and such a unique, incredible experience.
The flights depart from the Keukenhof area and are only scheduled for 7 days in April, so make sure to book your seat in advance.
NETHERLANDS FLOWER FIELDS – HELICOPTER RIDE
- 10 minutes flight – 159 EUR
- 15 minutes flight – 235 EUR
7. Netherlands Flower Fields – Fun Facts
I just had to include these fun facts about the Dutch flower fields based on my own, personal experience:
- the majority of Dutch people have never been to the Keukenhof (and some not even to the flower fields). Keukenhof is seen as a very touristy place by the Dutch and they try to avoid it
- a sea of influencers appears every year through the flower fields in the Netherlands (who am I to judge, I’ve been there too) 🙂
- don’t be fooled by the summery, flowy dresses you see on Instagram. It is still pretty cold during tulip season in The Netherlands. So make sure to pack your warm clothes, especially if you are planning a bike tour. I was still wearing my winter jacket when we visited the flower fields last year.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my Netherlands flower fields guide and hope you have an amazing time visiting this beautiful part of Holland!
If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer them.
Here are more resources about The Netherlands:
10 Amazing & Free Things To Do In Amsterdam
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