Spring Spectacle | Exploring the Dutch Tulip Fields for Free
I adore Spring for several reasons: the blooming flowers, the birds singing, the ideal patio weather and let's not forget the stunning blooms that take your breath away!
For me nothing quite screams spring more than a vast field of tulips swaying in the breeze. Tulips are synonymous with the Netherlands: they only bloom once a year during spring. In spring, the Netherlands is alive with a kaleidoscope of tulips.
It was something I felt I needed to see and experience firsthand, so I made it my mission to go and see it this spring and check it off my perpetually expanding travel bucket list 🤪
I did some research online before my trip, and most of the results pointed to Keukenhof. While the famed Keukenhof Garden is stunning in its own right; it was not something that I was seeking out in my mind. I personally wanted a more off-the-beaten-path experience. I preferred to see these beautiful blooms in their natural setting, away from the crowd where I could take my time and enjoy all the Tulips my heart ever desired.
I'll guide you through my experience of visiting the famous tulip fields off the beaten path, and the best part? I didn't spend a penny for this unforgettable experience—you truly can't put a price on something like this.
When is Tulip Season in the Netherlands?
Tulip season in the Netherlands typically runs from mid-March to mid-May.
The peak bloom period is usually from mid-April to early May, depending on the weather conditions each year. We were fortunate that the tulips were in full bloom during our visit, thanks to the warmer climate this year.
However, the exact timing can vary slightly from year to year due to weather fluctuations. If you're planning a trip to see the tulip fields in the Netherlands, it's best to check the bloom forecast and weather conditions in advance to make the most of your visit.
Which Tulip Field did we visit?
As mentioned earlier, we chose to skip Keukenhof in favor of a tulip field in Lisse that we discovered online. This field is known as Tulip Store Showgarden and is open from April 12 to May 12, 2024.
We contacted the owner via email to ask for permission to visit the field on an earlier date, specifically April 10, 2024, since we would be in the Netherlands at that time, and he agreed.
Many tulip fields are located on private property. Always ask for permission before entering private fields or taking photos. You will often see photos of your favourite influencers walking or running through the fields. They typically have permission to do so, so don’t follow suit just because you’ve seen them do it. Always ensure that you have proper authorisation to enter the said fields.
My heart skipped a beat as I caught a glimpse of a part of the tulip field out of the corner of my eye as the bus turned. Colorful tulip fields stretched out on both sides of the road as far as the eye could see. Tulips in various shapes and shades covered vast expanses—I couldn't contain my excitement.
I learned that Keukenhof was just a ten-minute car ride from Tulip Store Showgarden; the bus took a similar route. Traffic towards Keukenhof was building up as throngs of tourists made their way to the beautiful gardens.
I won't deny that we were relieved we didn't have to deal with the crowds, lack of personal space and the pressure to pose for photos in front of hundreds of strangers.
We disembarked at our stop, and I marveled at nearly everything in sight. It felt as though we had stepped into a postcard.
We strolled past charming homes and acres upon acres of flower fields. A sweet fragrance enveloped us as we approached a field of white flowers swaying in the breeze—they were a different variety of flowers. Imagine a sea of white blooms dancing in the wind, releasing a delightful scent. Ahh pure bliss!
We literally paused to smell the flowers. It was so calming, and we were filled with a rush of serotonin. In that moment, everything felt right in the world.
Three ponies were going about their business in one of the farms, and we stopped to say hello. Tractors were zooming past, and there was a subtle scent of manure in the air, which was surprisingly not unpleasant. The strong breeze, combined with the sweet scent of the flowers, muddy earth, and light drizzle, was the perfect blend of spring air.
On our way, we saw rows and rows of tulips in every imaginable colour, delighting our eyes. When we finally arrived at our destination, we took a moment to soak in the stunning view before us. I couldn't believe what I was seeing—an explosion of colours; spring bursting into full bloom. We were surrounded by a sea of tulips, and it was truly a sight to behold.
On top of giving visitors access to his beautiful field, the owners of the field also set up fun props for a better photo experience; such as an old tractor, a flower bicycle from the Amsterdam Flowerbike Man and much more! Truly a dream come true for any Instagrammer.
Don’t you dare judge the touristy video that’s about to come your way 😜
Things to be mindful off when visiting Tulip fields
When visiting tulip fields in the Netherlands or anywhere else, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable experience while helping to preserve and protect these beautiful natural landscapes for others to enjoy:
Stay on Designated Paths: Stick to the designated paths and avoid trampling the tulip bulbs, as this can damage the flowers and the fields. If you are visiting with children or pets, ensure that they are supervised to stay on the designated paths.
Respect Private Property: Many tulip fields are located on private property. Always ask for permission before entering private fields or taking photos.
Do Not Pick the Tulips: Resist the temptation to pick the tulips. These are commercial fields, and the flowers are usually meant for sale or export.
Avoid Littering: Keep the fields clean by disposing of any trash properly. Leave no trace behind.
Be respectful of other visitors and photographers. Wait your turn for photos and be considerate of others enjoying the beautiful tulip fields.
Avoid wearing skirts as it can get very breezy. You do not want any Marilyn Monroe moments. Take it from me; I learnt it the hard way. Lol.
Tulip Store Showgarden Details
Address: Loosterweg Zuid 23, Lisse, The Netherlands.
How to get to the Tulip Store Showgarden?
The route to the field was quite simple. Starting from Schiphol Airport, we walked to the bus station across from the airport and took bus 361 towards Sassenheim. We rode for 14 stops and got off at Lisse, Engelenbuurt station. From there, Tulip Store Showgarden is just a short 2 km walk away. Trust me, you won't even notice the walk because you'll be mesmerized by the stunning surroundings.
Alternatively, you can get off at Lisse Keukenhof (note, this stop is only available during the opening days of the Keukenhof!). From there, you can rent a bike at Rent-A-Bike van Dam and you will be at the Showgarden within 15 minutes.
If you're traveling from Amsterdam Central, which is more likely the case, you can take the train towards Leiden Centraal. At Leiden Centraal, transfer to bus 50 towards Haarlem Station. Get off at Lisse, Vreewijk or Lisse, Centrum. From there, it's a short walk or a quick taxi ride to Loosterweg
Click here for more details on Tulip Store Showgarden. They are contactable via email at info@tulipstore.eu. They are also on social media if you would like to check them out:
Instagram @passionfortulips
Facebook: facebook.com/tulipstore.eu
Where are the other Tulip Fields located in the Netherlands?
There are numerous popular spots where you can enjoy the breath-taking displays of tulips. Here are some of the popular locations:
Keukenhof Gardens - Located in Lisse, South Holland, Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world and features a stunning display of tulips and other spring flowers.
Bollenstreek (Flower Bulb Region) - The Bollenstreek region, located around Lisse, Hillegom, and Noordwijkerhout, is famous for its beautiful tulip fields and flower parades. Noordoostpolder - This area in the Flevoland province is known for its vast tulip fields, with Tulip Island being a popular spot to see the tulips in bloom.
Flevoland Tulip Route - An annual event that offers a scenic drive, cycle, or walk through the tulip fields in the Flevoland province.
Tulips in Holland: https://tulipsinholland.com/This website is dedicated to tulips in the Netherlands and provides updates on the tulip season, locations of tulip fields, and tips for visiting.
In today's digital age, a simple online search will provide you with a wealth of information. If you're unfamiliar, there's a tool called a flower map, which highlights areas renowned for their floral showcases, including tulip fields, cherry blossom trees, lavender fields, and other floral attractions.
In the context of the Netherlands and its tulip season, a flower map pinpoints the locations of well-known tulip fields, gardens, and routes where visitors can witness the dazzling displays of tulips in full bloom. These maps are especially useful for tourists and flower enthusiasts seeking the best locations to admire tulips during their visit to the Netherlands.
These maps often provide details on the optimal time to visit, the varieties of flowers you can expect to see, and tips for exploring the area.
On flowermap.nl, you will also be able to see a listing of the locations for bike rentals
And there you have it -a quick guide to finding free tulip fields in the Netherlands! Wishing you all the best on your tulip exploring journey and may the weather gods smile upon you :D
Till my next adventure, toodles!