The first things that pop into my mind when I say Netherlands are the picturesque tulip fields and the iconic windmills. And for a good reason, the Netherlands being one of the biggest flowers’ provider in the world. With a rich cultural heritage dating back to the 17th century, the tulip has become an iconic symbol of Dutch culture.
From late March to early May, visitors flock to the country to witness the explosion of color as millions of tulips bloom in fields and gardens across the region. From the bright reds and oranges to the deep purples, pinks and yellows, these vibrant blossoms create a rainbow of stunning hues.
We spent 3 full days, visiting the flower fields and the country side around Lisse, but also, we made day trips to Leiden, Delft, Kinderdijk and Rotterdam, which was our base city. Since we had so many options, planning the trip required an effort, so I’ve made a complete travel guide to help you explore Holland’s rich heritage, answering to the question I’ve been looking for before this trip.
The best time to visit
Although the bloom of the tulips depends on the weather, which is different from year to year, the blooming season starts in April for hyacinths and daffodils, followed by the tulips aroud mid-April until early May. Just to be sure, we decided to go mid-April, when we also still found many fields of hyacinths and daffodils, which were not only beautiful but spred an incredible scent. Since there are so many flower species, blooming at different period of time, I would recommend visiting the hyacinths and daffodils as well, since the fields are amazing and the period before blossom of tulips is less popular.
Where to see the tulip fields
The Netherlands is home to some of the most spectacular tulip fields in the world. Here are some of the most popular places to see tulip fields in the Netherlands:
- Keukenhof Gardens: Keukenhof Gardens is the most popular place to see tulips in the Netherlands. It’s located in Lisse, about 45 minutes from Amsterdam. With over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens.
- Noordoostpolder: Noordoostpolder is home to the largest tulip fields in the Netherlands. The fields cover an area of over 2,000 hectares and are located in the province of Flevoland.
- Lisse: This charming town is located in the heart of the Bollenstreek, the flower bulb region behind Keukenhof Gardens. The tulip fields surrounding Lisse are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Haarlem: This picturesque city is situated close to Amsterdam and boasts beautiful tulip fields.
We had many options, since there are many areas in Netherlands where you can see tulip fields. However, we decided to select Lisse – Keukenhof – Hillegom since they were easily reachable by train or bus, bike, and even on foot, making them the most suitable option for us.
Keukenhof Bothanical Garden
Keukenhof Bothanical Garden is very popular among the places where you can see tulips in Netherlands. There you will find over 800 species of tulips, organized in themes, flower shows and enjoy many events. However, you will not enjoy the beautiful flower fields there, being a just an organized garden.
How to get there: we took the bus 859 or 854 from Leiden train station, which stops right in the front of the garden. From there is easily to explore by foot or by bike the surroundings of Lisse, where you will find many beautiful flower fields.
Lisse
Lisse is one of the most known areas to see flower fields in Netherlands for a good reason: Lisse is one of the most important flower producers in the world, with its many flower fields in all colors and species.
How to get there: from Leiden train station we took the bus 859 or 854 which stops in the front of Keukenhof gardens. And from there all you can do is to explore the region and enjoy the beautiful flower fields.
Other option to get there is by train to Hillegom, from which the distance to Lisse being approximately 6 km and on the way, you will find many flower fields.
Hillegom
Hillegom is less popular than Lisse but being quite near, Hillegom – Lisse was the main area where we walked to see the flower fields. Also, Hillegom is a very charming and tranquil little town, and a good option for visiting. There you’ll find amazing flower fields, from blue to white, and from purple to orange and red.
How to get there: we took the train for Rotterdam to Hillegom. From the train station you can easily find the flower fields, they are everywhere.
Is good to know that farmers rotate their crops every 5 years, which helps with disease, insects, weed and erosion control. This is why, chances are you will not find flower fields in the same places which have been advertised the years before. Check into that before planning your trip.
It is allowed to visit the tulip fields?
Since over the past few years the number of tourists has grown bigger, hence the bigger risk for damaging the fields, many farmers have decided to restrict access in their flower fields. Understandably, this was done to protect their business.
However, most farmers are very nice and friendly people. If you visit during the day, chances are you’ll find them working in the fields and some will grant you permission to access their fields.
Another option is to find a tour to join. Since the demand for visiting tulip fields in the season is very high, I would recommend to book your tour well in advance (at least one month), the prices will also be lower.
Best tulip farms to visit and festivals
There are many tulip farms in the Netherlands that are open to visitors during the tulip season. Here are some of the best tulip farms and the most important festivals to visit:
- Tulip Farm De Tulperij: This farm is located in Voorhout and has guided tours of its fields and greenhouse.
- Tulip Festival Amsterdam: The Tulip Festival Amsterdam is held every year in April and May. It’s a celebration of the tulip season and features events and activities for visitors of all ages.
- Noordoostpolder: This area in the Flevoland province is home to several tulip farms, including Tulpenroute Flevoland, which offers a driving tour of the tulip fields.
Where to stay
Big cities such as Rotterdam, Delft, or Leiden serve as excellent accommodation options, given their excellent connectivity to the nearby flower fields and farms.
We stayed at The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel) in Rotterdam. Rotterdam was our chosen home base due to its proximity to other destinations we wished to explore, including Leiden, Delft, Kinderdijk wind mills.
Also Lisse is an ideal place to stay if you want to be close to the fields and experience the full beauty of the tulips. There are several hotels and bed and breakfasts in Lisse, but be sure to book well in advance during peak season.
The local cuisine
When I am thinking of Dutch food the first thing that pops into my mind is the famous Gouda cheese. I found that Gouda cheese is not original from Gouda, as I believed, but in Gouda was the market where the cheese was sold. We entered in many grocers stores where we found samples of cheese with different taste. One of my favorite flavor is the classic one and with asparagus.
In Leiden we ate at Oudt Leyden, which is one of the most appreciated pancake-house in Netherlands. I really recommend this place if you ever visit Leiden, they serve delicious pancakes made in house in super huge portions. We took Capresse with mozzarella, tomato and franse (french), with goat chese, walnuts and honey (which was also my favourite).
Day trips from Rotterdam
Leiden – Delft – Kinderdijk – Rotterdam
Besides the flower fields, we took the opportunity to visit the nearest cities, all having a different and unique vibe, being so pleasant to discover.
Leiden, the Dutch university town, has a young and student vibe with many cool bars and terraces and with its Dutch-specific houses beautifully aligned along the canals. Right in the city center you will see Molen de Valk, the windmill which is also a museum.
Delft is now my favorite town in the Netherlands because of its cozy vibe, being similar to Amsterdam, but less touristy. Delft is the best place where you can loose yourself and admire its charming architecture, the houses alongside the canals, stop for a drink at one of many terraces while watching the cyclists and also it has a beautiful central square which reminds me of Mechelen, my favorite town in Belgium.
The windmills of Kinderdijk belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage, ware a memorable experience where we had the chance to learn many interesting things about the Dutch culture. I will write about this experience in my next post.
Rotterdam is different and unique by any other Dutch cities and even European cities. Maybe because the city was completely destroyed in the World War II and it has been rebuilt from scratch with a new style and architecture. I love its modern and futuristic architecture, from skyscrapers and suspended bridges to innovative living houses. During one day we manage to see Markthal (Market Hall), Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge and The Witte Huis (White House).
Public transport in the Netherlands
Public transport in the Netherlands is not the cheapest, but it’s very reliable if you don’t have a car (and you don’t wish to rent one).
You can buy individual tickets (online and from dedicated shops), but the easiest way is to purchase the ov-chipkaarts – which you can charge and use it everywhere in the Netherlands, for all types of public transportation – buses and trams, metro and trains and the waterbus. You can find more info here. There are also a few useful apps available, with real time info on public transport schedules, which we found very useful. There’s the NS (Netherlands or International) for train schedules and RET Real Time for in city public transport.
A few things you need to bear in mind about the ov-chipkaarts (which we only discovered there):
- the cost for one chipcard is 8 eur, non-refundable.
- you have to validate your chipcard both when you get on and off a bus, a tram or a train. The system is similar with the one in London – the ticket cost will depend on the distance of your trip.
- for in city public transport you need to have at all times at least 4 eur charged on your chipcard; in the same way, if you travel by train, you need to have at least 20 eur available on your card.
- my advice is to charge your card with as much money you think you will use during your trip and a bit more. Don’t worry if there’s some left at the end of your trip, you will be able to recover it at any train station ticket shop.
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