08 Feb Tulip Fields Netherlands: The Ultimate Travel Guide
If you’re looking for an amazing travel destination this spring, look no further than the colourful tulip fields in The Netherlands. In this blog post, we’ll give you all the information you need to plan your trip and enjoy the flower fields at their peak!
Where do tulips come from?
Even though nowadays when you say tulips, you immediately think of The Netherlands since it’s well-known internationally as a huge exporter of bulbs, the flowers are actually not of Dutch origin.
They came from Central Asia and got introduced to Europe through the Ottoman Empire. Suleiman the Magnificent, in particular, loved the beautiful tulips and many were planted in the vast gardens of Constantinopole (actual Istanbul).
Western diplomats to the court noticed and reported back home on the flowers, so they soon become a craze across Europe, which in The Netherlands got to be known as Tulip mania.
Why are there so many tulip fields in The Netherlands?
The answer is simple: the climate and soil of The Netherlands make it perfect for growing tulips.
Due to its marine climate and location, winters here are usually mild, while summers are not too hot either. Tulips also love sandy, well-drain soil and that can be found liberally in several regions of the country.
When can you see the Dutch tulip fields?
While the tulip season in The Netherlands runs from mid-March to mid-May, the best time to see them is during the month of April, in particular from the middle of the month until the end of April, when the flowers are in full bloom on the fields.
We’d recommend timing your trip around the 3rd weekend of April, or a bit earlier, given that there is no unusual weather for the time period. It’s also worth checking out some past flower forecasts like these ones here. They also post the current situation week by week, but that might not be as helpful, since most people usually book their trip a few weeks in advance anyway.
Because farmers grow the tulips for their bulbs, the flowers are cut after 2 or 3 weeks of flowering so that more energy can go to the tulip bulb, instead of being spent on the bloom. Usually, around the beginning of May, most production flower fields are in the process of being headed (meaning the flowers are cut).
Where are the tulips fields in The Netherlands?
Here are some of the best tulip fields regions in The Netherlands that you can visit:
Bollenstreek (Lisse tulips fields)
The tulip fields in the Bollenstreek region (the strip between the cities of Leiden and Haarlem) are some of the most famous and visited in The Netherlands. This area, which is also known as the flower bulb region or the flower strip is located only 40 kilometers away from Amsterdam, and it’s home to acres upon acres of colorful tulips.
You should know that right in the middle of Bollenstreek you’ll find the city of Lisse, where the Keukenhof Gardens is located, making the region a perfect choice if you also want to pay it a visit. This means that the tulip fields are easily accessible even without renting a car since many are scattered all around the park.
Flevoland
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, then we recommend visiting the blooming tulip fields in the province of Flevoland. This region, which was only fairly recently reclaimed from the sea is located in the central part of the Netherlands and it’s known for its vast fields full of colourful tulips.
Unlike the Bollenstreek region, which can get touristy during peak season, the tulip fields in Flevoland are usually much quieter and you might even have some of the fields all to yourself during your visit.
De Kop van Noord-Holland
The flower fields in De Kop van Noord-Holland are located near the coast, making it a perfect destination if you want to combine your visit with a day at the beach. Just like in Flevoland, the tulips of this region are spread out across a vast area, so it should be easy to find fields where you are the only tourist around.
Rules and etiquette when visiting the flower fields in The Netherlands
When you visit one of the many tulip fields in The Netherlands, it’s important to remember that you are a guest on private property. This means that there are some rules and etiquette that you should follow while visiting.
Some of the most important things to remember are:
• Do not pick the tulips. Also do not damage or disturb the plants in any way.
• Always respect any signs that are posted. Remember that these fields are private property and the farmer has the right to forbid access into the fields or to decide if he/she allows people to take photos.
• Keep to the designated walking paths. Only enter a field if you’ve received the farmer’s permission, otherwise, just stay at the edge.
• Do not litter.
• If you’re driving a vehicle, make sure that you park in an appropriate spot and don’t block the road or access to the fields.
The colourful tulip fields in The Netherlands are a must-see for any traveler. There are several regions where you can find these beautiful flowers, and each of them has its own unique charm.
Be sure to also visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens and remember to follow the rules and etiquette so that everyone can enjoy this amazing sight. Thanks for reading and we hope you’ll have a wonderful trip!