Every spring, the Netherlands turns into a vibrant canvas of colors, thanks to the blooming tulip fields that stretch as far as you can see.
In this article, I list the most enchanting tulip fields in the bulb region of the Netherlands. From the world-famous Keukenhof to hidden gems like The Tulperij and The Tulip Experience. Find out why millions of visitors each year want to attend the transformation to this beautiful floral setting. I had the chance to speak with some bulb growers, who told me all about the centuries-old Dutch tulip tradition. Be sure not to forget your camera and be guided by my guide to the most magical tulip experiences in the Netherlands.
Map of the tulipfields in the Bollenstreek
Discover the Bollenstreek at its best with this interactive map. Because the Netherlands is a cycling country, I've added several bike rental options. What could be more fun than a day of cycling along the beautiful tulip fields? This route not only provides an overview of famous tulip attractions such as Keukenhof and De Tulperij, but also leads you to hidden gems you must have seen here. For a visit to the bulb region, I would still recommend 2 to 3 days because of course you also want to take a look at all these beautiful tulip vendors and maybe order your own tulip bulbs for the next season? Hence, you can also find some recommended places to stay on this map. We go over the must sees of the Bollenstreek below.
Discover more about the history of the tulip and visit the tulipfields at 'The Tulip Experience Amsterdam'
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For now, this place is still considered a hidden gem in the tulipfields in the Bollenstreek. Despite the fact that we visited here on a Saturday, and even on King's Day, it was much less crowded than the Keukenhof.
The Tulip Experience originated 5 years ago from an idea of the Pennings family. Father Simon is the owner of the nursery WAM Pennings and felt that the crowds of visitors to his fields were causing too much damage to the nursery. Hence the idea arose to start 'the Tulip Experience'. Oldest daughter Sylvia (CEO of the Tulip Experience) and her mother Hetty together designed the interactive exhibition, where you can learn everything about the history of the tulip (which, by the way, originally comes from Kazakhstan) but also about the evolution of growing techniques from the past to the present. For example, did you know that AI is also involved in the current method of cultivation? The tulip robot uses AI techniques to search for diseased tulips among the fields, which obviously saves a lot of work for the growers.
You will further learn interesting facts about the tulip and its role in Dutch culture.
Other family members also have a role in this family business, for example, second daughter Lucy is responsible for shipping the tulip bulbs to all corners of the world. Because yes ... You can also order tulip bulbs here and they will be shipped to your home address. Together with her daughter Lola, she has also set up the children's corner and devised kids' assignments. Daughter Sophie is responsible for the photographs in the museum and on social media. The youngest daughter Alice has moved to the UK, but is still involved in the translations into English.
After the fascinating exhibition, you can also walk through the fields yourself and take wonderful pictures of the beautiful tulip fields in full bloom. The Pennings family has thought of everything and they have an eye for detail, so between the fields and the show garden there are all kinds of items (such as colorful watering cans, wheelbarrows and clogs) that you can take funny pictures with. The typical Dutch windmill in the middle of the field is also very popular.
The Tulip Experience can still be visited through May 12, 2024. After that, the doors will be closed until March 2025. Open daily between 9 am and 6 pm. An admission ticket costs 8, 25 € for an adult and 4.87 € for kids (3-11 years old). Buy your tickets here. This price also includes a self-picked bunch of tulips. You can park there for free. For a visit you should count about an hour (at least if you can stop taking pictures :-), believe me that's quite a challenge!
Experience the splendor of Keukenhof 2024: Holland's iconic flower park
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Keukenhof, of course, should not be missing from your visit to the bulb region. Did you know that this world-famous flower park is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year?
Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens and displays more than 7 million flower bulbs in bloom, focusing on the Dutch pride; the tulip.
Find here the map of Keukenhof 2024
Keukenhof is still open through May 12, 2024, all days (including holidays) between 8 am and 7:30 pm. An entrance ticket costs 19.5 € (best to buy online in advance because at the box office the rate is 23 € and moreover tickets can be sold out, for kids (4-17 years old) 9 €, parking car or motorcycle costs 8 €. Tickets can be ordered here.
The current bloom announcement can be consulted here.
How much time does it take to visit Keukenhof?
The average length of stay is about 3 hours, but if you also want to have a bite to eat there, you will soon spend more time. There are no less than 6 restaurants present in Keukenhof, in nice weather you can also have a nice picnic on the grass or on the numerous benches.
Events in Keukenhof 2024
Until May 12, you can still visit the special exhibition celebrating 75 years of Keukenhof and enjoy various flower and plant shows.On Wednesday, May 8, you can attend the Keukenhof Concert.
Also particularly fun is a boat trip through the surrounding flower fields. The electric boat does not sail through Keukenhof itself. This boat trip takes about 45 minutes and you get an explanation of the bulb fields via an audio tour. Price: adults 10€ and kids (4-11 years) 5€.
Enjoy the charm of the Tulip Barn: a hidden gem in the Bollensteek
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This picturesque spot in the heart of the Dutch Bollenstreek region offers visitors a unique opportunity to visit tulip cultivation up close.
You can do numerous activities that are both educational and entertaining. If you also want to plant tulip bulbs in your own garden or terrace, you are sure to learn everything you need to know here.
Of course, there is also a picking garden here to put together your own bouquets and take home a nice souvenir. You can also choose to attend a workshop such as making tulip wreaths or painting tulip landscapes. So something for everyone.
Unfortunately, this year the tulip barn decided to close its doors as early as April 28 due to the exceptionally early spring.
Explore the color pallette of the Tulip Store Showgarden
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In the middle of the flower fields you will find the Tulip Store Show Garden. In this garden you will find as many as 500 different varieties of tulips. So it is definitely also a place where you can take nice pictures and the nice attributes such as: an old tractor, swing and a flower bike from the Amsterdam Flowerbike Man will definitely help you out.
This show garden is also still open through May 12, admission is completely free.
Experience an authentic tulip experience at the Tulpery
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This atmospheric farm has emerged as one of the highlights of the Bollenstreek in part due to Anja's efforts. Eleven years ago, Anja and her husband Daan decided to create a visiting center in addition to the nursery where you could not only enjoy the tulips but also participate in educational tours that delve deeper into the cultivation and maintenance of tulips. For example, Anja told me (she and Daan are already the third generation of growers at the Tulpery and eldest son Joost will continue the family business) that you can bring out the tulip bulbs at the end of June, when the petals are completely digested. The tulips themselves are already budded as soon as it is known that there is no disease virus among them. Without a flower, the plant will put its energy into the bulb and that, of course, is what the tulip bulb grower wants to achieve. Afterwards, the bulbs are peeled, which is still done together with the family. The bulbs that sometimes triple in size are sold and shipped. Bulbs that are too small for sale are replanted in October-December to bloom again from the end of March.
Daan provides educational tours during the short opening season, this year from March 21 through May 12. Did you know that you are not allowed to replant tulips in the same spot every year? you have to alternate with e.g. Daffodils, hyacinths and as with the Tulip Row also Dahlias. Anja is particularly fascinated by Dahlias and therefore decided 6 years ago to start a second season with Dahlias. The peak of flowering is in September.
The Dahlia showgarden 2024
This year's show garden for Dahlias will open on Aug. 12 and remain open until Oct. 1, 2024. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can visit daily between 9:30am-17pm. Soon you will also be able to book an excursion for this on planting and caring for Dahlias.
Have a nice lunch at the Tulperij
In the cozy reception area, which includes a store, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with delicious Dutch pastries such as apple pie and homemade stroopwafels. Weather permitting, there is also a very attractively decorated terrace where you can enjoy the view of the tulips.
A variety of workshops can also be booked at the Tulpery, including flower arranging, photography, painting vases. Click here for more information about visiting the Tulperij.
Experience for yourself the magic of the Bulb Region, whether you are a flower lover or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Each of the locations described offers a unique look at the traditional and modern ways these beautiful flowers are nurtured and displayed.
So grab your camera, choose your itinerary and get ready to create your own colorful memories in the Bulb Region. Every visit to this region promises new discoveries and unforgettable moments. Whether you cycle through the fields, attend a workshop, or enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking the tulips, the Bulb Region is waiting to be explored by you.
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