When you think of the Netherlands, it is easy to picture never-ending fields of brightly coloured flowers. Many of the country’s most famous artists have portrayed the flower fields of the Netherlands in their work, and these fields are just as spectacular when they are seen in real life. However, these flower fields are more than just aesthetically beautiful: they are also economically important to the country. A significant proportion of the country’s agricultural exports are derived from the sale of freshly cut flowers, bulbs and mature plants, and the Netherlands contributions to the flower industry are so significant that they make up around two-thirds of the world’s total flora sales and completely dominate the European marketplace. Thanks to highly efficient supply chains, it is actually possible to buy flowers in New York which were freshly cut in the Netherlands that morning!
Whilst many people only associate tulips with the Netherlands, the country actually cultivates and exports many other kinds of flower, including daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses. Compared to other flower selling nations, the Netherlands actually offers the widest variety of saleable trees and shrubs in the world. The country’s horticultural experts also breed and introduce hundreds of new varieties of flowers every year. Thanks to improved cultivation technology, it is now possible to grow many species of plants which are not normally native to the region. However, as these plants are usually grown in vast greenhouses, tulips continue to dominate the famous flower fields. There is an almost endless array of different colour combinations of these flowers.
History
When they were first imported to the Netherlands from Turkey in the mid-16th Century, the popularity of the flower took off almost immediately, as Europe’s elites began to see the flower as a status symbol. Varieties which had multi-coloured petals were particularly well sought after. The plants became so popular that stories even began to emerge about bulbs being dug up and stolen during the night! People were willing to trade so much for a single tulip bulb that the world’s first economic bubble occurred and the period became known as “tulipomania”. This coincided with the Dutch Golden Age of trade, and tulip collecting amongst the elites became a popular pastime. Although this “bubble” eventually burst, the Netherlands has remained a centre for the trade of flowers and bulbs.
The best time to see the flower fields of the Netherlands is early April. Although the flowers often begin to bloom in mid-March, it can depend on the weather in the region, and visitors who come at this time of year may be left disappointed if the winter has been a harsh one. During April, the flowers should be in their prime regardless of the weather, and the fields should be a patchwork of colour.
Many of the flower growers in the North Holland region are actually bulb producers, rather than growers who supply the cut-flower industry. In order to achieve healthy bulbs, it is important that they chop off the blooms before they fade and die. As you wander amongst the fields, you may see farmers beheading seemingly beautiful blooms. Rather than being dismayed, you should realise that this is part of the growing process and will help the farmers to sell healthy bulbs on to consumers in future.
The best tulip fields are in the North of Holland, around 30 minutes drive from Amsterdam, in an area known as the bollenstreek (bulb district). Many fields are located behind the North Sea dunes and are therefore in a very scenic location. If you are travelling by car or bike, ask at a local tourist information point for advice on cycling or driving routes in the local area which will allow you to see the vast fields. Walking routes are also available around some of the smaller flower field areas.
Keukenhof
To see flowers which are not intended to be beheaded, visit Keukenhof flower park. Keukenhof in Lisse is the world’s largest flower park, and over 7 million flowers are planted there every year. Walking through the gardens and special pavilions is a delight to the senses, as you will be entertained by the wide array of colours and perfumes which the flowers offer up. As well as tulips there is a selection of other flowers, including daffodils, orchids, carnations, roses, lilies, irises and hyacinths. The park is only open for 8 weeks a year, in April and May, so the roads surrounding the park can get quite busy during this period, especially for those who come by car from Amsterdam. A delightful alternative to driving from the capital is to stay in a nearby town, rent a bike and then cycle to the park. This is a great way to enjoy the unique Dutch landscape around Lisse.
The most famous area with the most beautiful flower fields is around Keukenhof Tulip Gardens at only 40 kilometers from the centre of Amsterdam. The area is called 'Bollenstreek'.
If you are into colorful landscape pictures - yes, it's definitely worth it. There are lots of places where you can get a pristine photo of just tulip fields without any industrial buildings surronding it. Just be respectful to the farmers and don't walk into the fields themselves.
Many of the tulip fields are free (of course), and can be accessed by walking, cycling, and driving by car. Emmeloord is the area that has the most tulips. VisitFlevoland actually offers Tulip routes on their website, and there are plenty of picking gardens as well.
This is the perfect place to visit if you have a green thumb but even if you don't (like me), you will love seeing the flowers. We loved it so much after our first visit, we decided to visit the Keukenhof again a few years later! After visiting twice, we have figured out what the keys are to maximizing your experience.
The Netherlands is the world leader in cultivating and maintaining flowers and plants, and it is a significant part of the Dutch economy. Tulips grow well in the Netherlands' temperate environment, primarily in the spring and early summer, which is another factor in the country's fame and abundance of the tulip flower.
Newly independent from Spain, Dutch merchants grew rich on trade through the Dutch East India Company. With money to spend, art and exotica became fashionable collectors items. That's how the Dutch became fascinated with rare “broken” tulips, bulbs that produced striped and speckled flowers.
Speaking of horror, as far as the field flowers go, after the Tulip Festival ends, they chop off all of the tulips' heads. “We have to do that, it's for disease prevention and it promotes the growth of the bulbs,” said Brent. Once those bulbs get nice and big, they're pulled out of the ground and sold to customers.
A blooming tulip field in March is also very rare but possible. Most people want to see the outdoor tulip fields. The best month to see tulips in Holland is April. The best chance of having the most beautiful tulip fields is from mid-April to early May 2024.
The best time to see tulips in Amsterdam is from mid-April to mid-May when you can see the tulips at their blooming best. The season begins from mid-March, but tulips usually are in full bloom only halfway through April.
The fields to the north of Amsterdam are spread further apart and around half an hours drive. The distance from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof Gardens ( where they planted about 7 million bulbs ) is about 40 kilometers from Amsterdam and is located near the city of Lisse. Lisse is close to the North Sea.
More soft/muted tones. If you are drawn to softer or more muted colors, and the spring color theme, dressing in softer tones like a light pink or lavender, and then taking the photos amongst cream or pale pink tulips can be quite lovely.
How much time takes a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens? Of course you can enjoy all the beauty for a whole day, but on average, a visit to the flower gardens takes about 2 to 4 hours.
In 2024, Keukenhof works with a limited capacity per day and time of access to the park. Every year, Keukenhof sells out on several days. It is therefore advisable to book your tickets in advance. Regular Keukenhof Gardens tickets are sold out for 13 and 20 April.
The Bollenstreek or flower-bulb region is the most famous (but not the only) region to see the world-famous Dutch flowers with your own eyes. Every spring, the flowering tulip fields make for stunning views.
Bollenstreek is the most famous area for seeing tulip fields in the Netherlands, but that also means that it's the most populated since everyone comes here. The popular towns/areas within Bollenstreek for tulips are Lisse, Noordwijkerhout, De Zilk, Voorhout, Hillegom, and of course, Keukenhof.
Lisse is one of the most famous flower towns in the Netherlands and especially known for its many colourful tulip fields in spring and Flower Park Keukenhof.
It is situated about 20 km (12 mi) west of Amsterdam and near the coastal dunes. Haarlem has been the historical centre of the tulip bulb-growing district for centuries and bears its other nickname Bloemenstad (flower city) for this reason.
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The best time to see the flower fields of the Netherlands is early April. Although the flowers often begin to bloom in mid-March, it can depend on the weather in the region, and visitors who come at this time of year may be left disappointed if the winter has been a harsh one. During April, the flowers should be in their prime regardless of the weather, and the fields should be a patchwork of colour.
