Tulip fields in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is home to thousands of hectares of tulip fields, spread across many different regions. Whether you're staying in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or anywhere else in the country, there's always a tulip field near you. Below is an overview of all the major tulip field regions and which city they're closest to.
| Tulip Field / Region | Closest City |
|---|---|
| Bollenstreek – Lisse, Hillegom & Noordwijkerhout | Amsterdam / Haarlem / Leiden |
| West Friesland – Hoorn, Enkhuizen & Alkmaar | Alkmaar / Hoorn |
| Kop van Noord-Holland – Anna Paulowna & Julianadorp | Den Helder |
| De Beemster & Schermer | Amsterdam / Purmerend |
| Flevopolder – Noordoostpolder | Lelystad / Almere |
| Goeree-Overflakkee | Rotterdam |
| Zeeuws-Vlaanderen | Terneuzen / Hulst |
| Tulip Barn Hillegom | Haarlem / Amsterdam |
Bollenstreek – Lisse, Hillegom & Noordwijkerhout
Closest cities: Amsterdam (40 min), Haarlem (20 min), Leiden (15 min)
The Bollenstreek, or Bulb Region, is the most famous tulip field area in the Netherlands. Stretching along the North Sea coast between Leiden and Haarlem, this region has been the center of Dutch tulip cultivation since the 16th century. The sandy dune soil, mixed with clay and peat, creates the perfect conditions for growing bulbs.
Here you'll find the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, home to over 7 million flowering bulbs. But the surrounding open fields in Lisse, Hillegom, and Noordwijkerhout are equally impressive — and free to view from the roadside. The area between Hillegom and Warmond is particularly scenic, with breathtaking field views in every direction.
The Bollenstreek is best explored by car or bike. Train travelers can take the train to Hillegom station, from where the fields are within easy walking distance.
Best time to visit: Mid-April to early May Tip: Avoid King's Day (April 27) — the area gets very crowded.
West Friesland – Hoorn, Enkhuizen & Alkmaar
Closest cities: Alkmaar (10 min), Hoorn (15 min), Amsterdam (45 min)
West Friesland offers one of the most authentic tulip field experiences in the Netherlands. The colorful fields here are set against a backdrop of historic Dutch towns like Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Schagen, Alkmaar, and smaller villages like Twisk, Onderdijk, Venhuizen, and Avenhorn.
Unlike the busy Bollenstreek, this region feels quieter and more traditional. Driving along the IJsselmeer coastline through these flower-filled landscapes is a highlight in itself. The area is also known for its historic market towns, windmills, and waterways.
Best time to visit: Early April to mid-May Tip: Combine with a visit to one of the historic harbor towns like Enkhuizen or Hoorn.
Kop van Noord-Holland – Anna Paulowna & Julianadorp
Closest city: Den Helder (10 min)
The Kop van Noord-Holland — the northern tip of the province — is actually the largest contiguous flower bulb region in the entire Netherlands. The towns of Anna Paulowna, Julianadorp, and Breezand are at the heart of this area, surrounded by vast fields that stretch to the horizon.
Because this region is less visited by tourists, the experience is more peaceful and genuine. Each year, the area organizes the Flower Days in Anna Paulowna and the Lentetuin in Breezand, which are wonderful events celebrating the blooms. The sandy soil here allows flowers to bloom earlier than in other regions.
Best time to visit: Late March to late April Tip: This is the best region for early-season visits, before the main tulip crowds arrive elsewhere.
De Beemster & Schermer
Closest cities: Amsterdam (30 min), Purmerend (10 min)
Known as the windmill area, De Beemster and Schermer are located just north of Amsterdam. This UNESCO-listed polder landscape is home to 13 historic windmills that once drained water from the land to create farmland. Today, the same polders are filled with tulips and other flower crops in spring.
The museum mill in Schermer is a must-see — it's one of the working windmills you can visit up close while surrounded by flowering fields. The flat, open landscape makes the fields here look especially vast and colorful.
Best time to visit: Early April to mid-May Tip: Combine a field visit with a stop at the historic windmill in Schermer for the ultimate Dutch spring photo.
Flevopolder – Noordoostpolder
Closest cities: Lelystad (20 min), Almere (30 min)
Flevopolder — and particularly the Noordoostpolder — is one of the largest tulip-growing regions in the country, covering over 6,000 hectares. It's a newer region compared to the Bollenstreek, but it's rapidly growing in popularity.
The Tulpenroute Flevoland is a well-organized scenic driving and cycling route that takes you through the most beautiful tulip landscapes in the polder. The route is interactive and educational, with information about the farmers and their history. Starting points include the towns of Dronten, Swifterbant, and Lelystad.
Because the fields here are vast and the region is less touristy, it's a fantastic destination for photography and peaceful exploration.
Best time to visit: Early April to mid-May Tip: Follow the official Tulpenroute Flevoland for a guided self-drive experience.
Goeree-Overflakkee
Closest city: Rotterdam (45 min)
Goeree-Overflakkee is an island in South Holland that's often overlooked by tourists, but it offers some of the most breathtaking tulip field scenery in the country. The combination of colorful fields, scenic dikes, and a nearby coastline creates a unique and photogenic landscape.
Popular areas to explore include the tulip route starting in Oude-Tonge and the fields around Den Bommel. The area is ideal for cycling and scenic drives without large crowds.
Best time to visit: Early April to mid-May Tip: Drive the scenic dike roads for beautiful wide views over the fields.
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen
Closest cities: Terneuzen, Hulst (ideal for travelers coming from Belgium or France)
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, in the province of Zeeland, is one of the Netherlands' best-kept secrets for tulip lovers. The fields here are said to rival those of the famous Bollenstreek, yet they attract only a fraction of the visitors. The jewel-toned fields around the towns of Hulst and Terneuzen are particularly striking.
This region is ideal for those combining a trip to the Netherlands with a visit to Belgium or northern France. The fields are close together, making it perfect for a cycling or walking tour.
You can also visit the Pluktuinen of La Fleur (pick-your-own tulip fields) in several locations across Zeeland, including Bergen op Zoom, Hoogerheide, Noordgouwe, and Serooskerke.
Best time to visit: Mid-April to mid-May Tip: Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds, and look out for the open garden days in late April at Walcheren and Zuid-Beverland.
Tulip Barn Hillegom
Closest cities: Haarlem (15 min), Amsterdam (35 min)
The Tulip Barn in Hillegom is a family-friendly tulip garden where you can walk freely among the flowers and take photos to your heart's content. It's a more curated experience than the open fields, making it ideal for families and first-time visitors.
Highlights include a mini tractor ride through the garden for families, a café with coffee and snacks, and plenty of picture-perfect spots among thousands of blooming tulips. It's a great complement to a visit to the wider Bollenstreek area.
NEW: We have partnered with Tulip Barn Hillegom, allowing visitors from Amsterdam to enjoy this beautiful tulip garden as part of a guided tour.
Book your Tulip Barn tour hereBest time to visit: Early April to early May Tip: Arrive early in the day for the best light and fewer crowds.


