Where Are The Tulip Fields in the Netherlands

Looking for the best place to see tulip fields in the Netherlands?

In this article I cover the question: “Where are the tulip fields in the Netherlands?”

Let me share something, tour companies won’t tell you:

While there are several tulip regions in the country, not all are worth visiting.

The traditional Bollenstreek (known as the flower region) between Leiden and Haarlem is world-famous.

This is where most tour buses take you.

But I actually don’t think it’s worth it! There, I said it.

Many fields in this area harvest early to sell cut flowers in stores, leaving tourists disappointed.

The fields they leave untouched, are paid for by tourist companies. So expect smaller fields, crowded with tourists trying to take a selfie.

I know this sounds all negative, but don’t worry I have alternatives!

Noord-Holland’s fields are beautiful but remote with limited activities nearby.

And Zeeland’s scattered fields require extensive driving between spots.

But then there is the Noordoostpolder in Flevoland province. This is actually the largest tulip area in the country.

And amazingly beautiful. Because here they grow bulbs rather than cut flowers, so they flower the entire season.

While millions of tourists crowd Keukenhof Gardens every year, you can explore nearly 5,000 acres of colorful fields here in peace.

⤷ Read my Keukenhof post

Don’t get me wrong Keukenhof is so pretty and absolutely worth going, but it’s an inspiration garden, not the fields.

Getting to the big fields like the Noordoostpolder is something else.

In fact, National Geographic named this route one of the world’s ultimate road trips.

The annual Tulip Festival runs from mid-April to early May, offering a spectacular 100-kilometer route through endless flower fields.

Expect waves of red, yellow, purple, white, and pink stretching as far as the eye can see.

Trivia fact: Did you know the soil here was actually once the ocean’s floor.

This entire area was underwater less than a century ago.

In 1942, the Dutch reclaimed this land from the sea.

Yes, all land here is human made.

This also explains why the soil is so fertile, and perfect for tulip bulbs.

Ready to explore?

You’ve got options.

Self-Drive

The car route spans 100 kilometers as mentioned before.

But truth to be told, it’s drags a bit. 100 kilometers on small roads is A LOT.

With many open, uninteresting stretches in between.

Still, if you want to do it, rent a car, and hit the roads.

You can download the route for the Tulips Festival website for FREE.

For ⤷ renting a car I recommend this website. I use it myself always when I travel and love them.

Private Tulip Fields Tour With Me

But why lose so much time driving the boring parts?

Why not go with somebody that knows what is interesting and what is not?

The magic can fade when you’re spending hours on roads, especially if there is not much to see.

That’s why I offer private tours in my all-electric luxurious Kia EV9 SUV, with door-to-door service.

Here’s why a private tour makes sense:

I pick you up directly from your accommodation, eliminating the stress of Amsterdam traffic, rental car inspections, and figuring out Dutch gas stations.

Instead of following a long, long, long route, I take you straight to the most spectacular fields and hidden spots that most visitors never find.

We’ll explore not just the tulips, but also fascinating places like the UNESCO World Heritage site Schokland, all while avoiding the tourist crowds.

Think of it as having a local friend showing you around.

⤷ Read more about my Private Tulip Tour here.

Can You Get Close To The Tulips?

Now, I know what you’re thinking:

‘Great driving by tulips fields but I want to get close to the tulips!’

Good news:

You absolutely can.

Most fields are easily accessible from the road, and because there are free of crowds plenty of opportunity for that perfect shot.

But, and this is a big but.…

With freedom comes responsibility.

These are commercial fields. It’s the income of the farmer, what we see is a year of work!

It’s your job to leave no traces of your visit, and make no damages. Also realize your shoes cary bacteria.

Some people might think differently unfortunately, but we as visitors are not the most important thing in that moment, it’s the tulip.

⤷ Please read my Tulip Fields Selfie Guide: Do’s and Don’ts

If we all keep respectful, we keep the fields open and accessible for us all!

Now, and in the future.

When to See the Tulips

Timing is everything.

While everyone rushes to the Netherlands in March and early April to see the tulips, they don’t realize that is just at the Keukenhof Gardens.

Here most of the exhibition is indoors and specially planted to extend the season.

The real fields out in nature like Noordoostpolder’s fields bloom for a much shorter period of time.

⤷ Read my post “Best Time To See Tulips” to learn how to plan your trip right!

Avoid the disappointed I unfortunately hear from clients every single year.

It breaks my heart because I know how magical it can feel to be at the tulips fields in person.

It’s exhilarating, also still for me, year after year.

In doubt, why not ⤷ book a 1-1 call with me. We can discuss timing, and activities.

It’s a change to speak with a local, who lived in the Netherlands most of his life.

Ps another tip this tulip season?

Taking your experience to new heights, quite literally :

Why not book a helicopter flight during the season.

It’s an incredible way to see the flowers.

It’s a photographer’s dream and a memory you’ll never forget.

Here is a lower priced 10-minute option or or more expensive, but luxury private helicopter flight option.