From the end of March, the Dutch landscape in a wide range of colours. Vast flower fields in different regions show our small country from its most beautiful side. Famous places in the bulb-growing region such as the world's most famous spring park Keukenhof are visited by thousands of tourists every year. But did you know that you can also find bulb fields in other places in the Netherlands? Check out our tips!
When does the bulb season start in the Netherlands?
Tulips and other types of flowers are a major export product of the Netherlands. Tulip season is a well-known concept but did you know that flower fields are in bloom even earlier? The first bulb fields to bloom are the daffodil fields, followed by the hyacinth fields and finally the tulip fields.
Of course, when these bulb fields are in bloom depends on the weather. It could be that one year the tulips are standing until mid-May and another year they are already cut in early May. After researching online and talking to a farmer, we have created the below overview for 2021!
2021 bulb season overview
- Daffodil fields - late March to mid-April
- Hyacinth fields - end of March to end of April
- Tulip fields - mid-April to early May
Where can you find the Dutch bulb fields?
The most famous place in the Netherlands is the bulb region. Once, this was the only place in the Netherlands where you could find these beautifully coloured fields. But that is long gone!
Meanwhile, there are many places in the Netherlands you can visit.
Flower fields in South Holland
Bulb region: Still, let's start with this well-known place. This area runs from Leiden to Haarlem and in the heart of this region you will find Keukenhof. One of the most famous parks in the Netherlands. But besides this park, there are many other places in the bulb region where you can visit these flower fields for free. Every year, a handy Flower Map published, letting you know exactly which fields are in bloom! Ideal for mapping out a cycling or car route.
Do you want a whole weekend stays in the bulb-growing region? Then read the tips from Reismeis!
Goeree-Overflakkee: The island of Goeree-Overflakkee is found above Zeeland and has beautiful fields during tulip season. It is about a 35-minute drive from Rotterdam and this place is not yet well known among tourists. Want to know more about it? Then read blog by Saltinourhair.
Looking for flower fields in Zeeland? Then check out the fields Kerkwerve, Zonnemaire and Heinkenszand.
Flower fields in North Holland
You can also find flower fields in North Holland. Head towards Alkmaar, for example. Here you will find photogenic locations where you can admire tulips together with windmills. The best spots are Egmond, Bergen, Broek op Langedijk, Schermerhorn and Heilo.
You will also find other locations such as Andijk, Enkhuizen or Hoorn in kop van Noord-Holland and West-Friesland. Want to know more about these flower fields and tulip routes in this region? Then take a look at This website of Holland above Amsterdam.
Flower fields Flevoland
You will also find flower fields in both parts of Flevoland. In the upper part you will find the Northeast Polder with vast fields. Every year, a tulip route (car route) plotted as part of the Tulip Festival in the Northeast Polder.
In the lower part of Flevoland, you will find most of the tulip fields around Dronten, Lelystad and between Zeewolde and Almere. Check the website of Flevoland tulip route for more information.
Tip: Flevoland is home to the Lelystad airport. This makes much of Flevoland a no-fly zone for drones.
We will be looking for new places in the meantime! Do you have any tips? Let us know via Instagram or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Going to a flower field? Be respectful and careful!
Besides the places above, there are many more places in the Netherlands where you can find flower fields. These flower fields are beautiful and we should keep it that way. That is why we ask all our readers to keep some things in mind while visiting flower fields:
- Do not just walk into a flower field if you do not have permission. You could damage or infect tulips by doing so.
- Respect a closed field. Then look for another spot.
- Don't pick tulips, you can go to special picking gardens for that!
We try to keep our blogs as up-to-date as possible but this cannot be done without your help. If anything has changed, please let us know via [email protected].