Spring in The Netherlands means tulip season is in full swing! You may have heard of Keukenhof as the ‘Garden of Europe’, but imagine strolling through an endless field of vibrant blooms stretching as far as the eye can see. Now, that is the quintessential Dutch tulip experience!
Prime tulip season usually begins around late March and lasts till early May. So, on your next spring adventure in The Netherlands, ditch the crowds and manicured rows of Keunkenhof and embrace these insider recommendations to experience the true beauty of tulips.
Cycle around Bollenstreek
Bollenstreek is famously known as the charming tulip region where Keukenhof is located. It encompasses the cities of Lisse, Hillegom, Katwijk, Noordwijkerhout, Teylingen, and Noordwijk.
Just around the Keukenhof area, you will come across endless colourful flower fields, and the best way to maximise the ultimate tulip field excursion is on a bike!
Renting a bike for EUR12 (RM60) allows you to explore the flower route map at your own leisurely pace. You can elevate the experience by turning it into a full-day outing by packing a picnic mat and some delectable treats to enjoy amidst the stunning tulip landscapes.
Experience harvesting your own tulips
Looking to bring a touch of fresh tulip home with you? Look no further than Annemieke’s Pluktuin, where you can handpick your very own tulip straight from the soil! It doesn’t get any fresher than this. At Annemieke’s Pluktuin, you’ll find a wide variety of colourful tulips at an unbeatable price (around EUR0.35/RM5 per tulip).
You will be given a net and free to gather as many tulips as your heart desires. Once you have made your selections, simply proceed to the cashier for payment and pack your fresh tulips home!
Address: Haarlemmerstraat 15A, 2182 HA Hillegom
Operation hours: Daily during spring, 9am to 4pm
Visit Poldertuin in Anna Paulowna
Poldertuin is a hidden gem located in the quaint town of Anna Paulowna, northwest of The Netherlands. This public park is described as the ‘mini Keukenhof’ by the locals, boasting a vast array of colourful tulips scattered throughout the park.
Every autumn, dedicated volunteers, supported by the municipality of Hollands Kroon, plant these tulips by hand, resulting in a breathtaking display come springtime for the public to enjoy.
It takes only about an hour and 20 minutes to get here from Amsterdam by train, and there is no entrance fee! So, if you are seeking to escape from the crowd in Keukenhof, take a road trip to this charming town instead!
Address: Molenvaart 2, 1761 AJ Anna Paulowna
Operation hours: Daily, 8am to 8pm
Visit a private tulip farm
Fam Flower Farm is a beautiful private flower farm located near Keukenhof. They grow tulips in spring and dahlias in summer. During the spring season, the farm opens its doors for an exclusive tulip experience with a variety of beautiful props for photography against the backdrop of a vibrant tulip field.
During the visit, you will get to learn firsthand the technique of growing tulips and the flowering process. On top of that, the visit includes a comforting warm cup of coffee or tea paired with traditional Dutch Stroopwafels, so you can savour the scenery while indulging in delicious treats.
The experience is priced at EUR45 (RM228) per person for adults and EUR20 (RM102) for kids between 4 to 12 years old.
Address: Heereweg 361, 2161 CB Lisse
Operation hours: By appointment
Tour around in an electric Renault Twizy
If biking around a tulip field is not your cup of tea, consider renting an electric two-person Twizy car to enjoy the flower field without breaking a sweat!
The Electric Renault Twizy is a fun mode of transportation ideal for couples or families. Each car is equipped with GPS navigation, route suggestions, and an audio guide to enhance your touring experience.
This unique and fun way of flower touring costs EUR127 for a two-hour rental. All cars are automatic and easy to drive, so you can zip around the tulip fields seamlessly while soaking in the picturesque views.
Ride a steam train through tulip fields
Experience one of the most distinctive Dutch attractions of springtime by hopping aboard a classic steam train that passes through picturesque tulip fields! To catch this unique experience, make your way to Museum Stoomtram at Hoorn, a mere 35-minute journey by train from Amsterdam.
The steam train journey begins at Hoorn, transporting you to Medemblik and back, taking an hour and a half to complete the two-way journey. Along the route, a brief stop at Wognum Station allows you to purchase some refreshments, such as a freshly made stroopwafel.
In spring, you can catch the special ‘Tulip Tram’, which only operates on weekends between the 16th and 28th of April. Given the limited availability, it’s best to book the tickets in advance! This train excursion is fun not just for adults but also for children to enjoy the scenic tulip fields along the Dutch countryside.
Address: Van Dedemstraat 8, 1624 NN Hoorn
Operation hours: 9:30am to 4pm, closed on Mondays
Catch the largest spring flower festival
The Spring Flower Parade is a crowd-pleaser —it’s the largest flower parade in The Netherlands! Locals and flower enthusiasts gather by the roadside to catch a glimpse of the amazing flower sculptures assembled by dedicated volunteers each year.
This vibrant festival is an annual celebration marking the arrival of the enchanting spring season after the long, cold winter months. Spanning over three splendid days, the flower parade commences from the shores of Noordwijk to the historic city of Haarlem!
Tulip farm visiting etiquette
When visiting a tulip farm, being mindful and respecting the flowers is essential. Unlike the flowers in Keukenhof, which are planted for display, these farm tulip flowers are for sale.
Many of these tulip fields are private farms, so it is important to maintain a respectful distance and refrain from entering the fields without permission. If the tulip field is open, avoid going between the tulip aisle. Instead, view respectfully along the edge.
It is crucial to understand that these flower fields are not grown for flowers but for bulbs. Typically, during late spring, farmers chop off the actual bulbs, leaving just the stem to provide more nutrition to the bulb for the next season.
Trespassing through the tulip aisle can risk transmitting diseases to the flowers and bulbs, leading to income loss for the tulip farmers. So, remember to leave no footprints and take nothing but cherished memories on your next tulip field visit!
