4 places to see tulips that are not the Keukenhof

Tulip season is in full bloom - but beware, because the beautiful season doesn't last very long. Don't worry, there are plenty of parks and tulip fields across the Netherlands where you can get a glimpse of the beautiful flowers this spring!

Tulip fields in the Netherlands

Remember, if you're visiting a tulip field in the Netherlands, actually walking through the fields (and through the flowers) isn't normally allowed, but you are free to take as many photos as you like from around the edges.

So, where are some places you can visit to see tulips that aren't the Keukenhof? Here are a couple of our top picks!

1. The Bollenstreek

This is probably one of the most well-known places to see tulips that isn’t the Keukenhof. Situated between Leiden and Haarlem, the majority of tulip fields can be found around Lisse, Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout. This area is majorly popular with tourists as it is close to the Keukenhof, so if you want a quieter outing, perhaps this is not the best destination for you.

If you are visiting this area though, it’s a good idea to explore it via walking or cycling. There are plenty of cycling routes available that you can take to explore the tulip region. Getting there is pretty simple too; it’s just a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam!

2. The Kop van Noord Holland - Northern Bollenstreek

The less well-known Northern Bollenstreek is the biggest interconnected bulb region in the world! You can find it right at the top of the province of North Holland, between Petten, Den Helder, Nieuwe Niedorp and Wieringerwerf. It boasts fantastic cycling routes and, as it is close to the coast, you can also combine your trip to see the tulips with a trip to a beach or one of the seaside towns nearby.

This tulip region is a great alternative to visiting the Keukenhof, as you’ll still get to see the gorgeous tulips the country is famous for, but you’ll also avoid most of the crowds. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t flock to the Bollenstreek or Keukenhof like the rest; visit the Northern Bollenstreek instead!

Image credit: Riekus / Shutterstock.com

3. The Noordoostpolder

North of Flevoland, around Emmeloord, you’ll find 2.000 hectares of tulip fields! The Noordoostpolder (North East Polder) region is one of the largest bulb cultivation areas in the Netherlands.

Another reason to head to the area in the Netherlands is the great number of activities they have on offer. Whilst in many tulip cultivation areas you will not be allowed to enter the fields, as this damages the crops, here there is a field especially for taking selfies.

You can also venture to the Tulip Experience Field which has around 500 varieties of tulips. There’s even a tulip-picking farm for those who fancy taking some of the beautiful flowers home. Be sure to take a look at the tourist information website for more details on the tulip season in the North East Polder.

4. Zeeland - ZeeuwsVlaanderen

Yes, you can even see tulips in the province of Zeeland, around Hulst and Terneuzen to be precise. And, because the fields are so close to each other, visiting Zeeland to see the tulips makes for a perfect cycling or walking trip! As not many people associate Zeeland with tulips, you can expect a relaxing trip without crowds of tourists battling it out for the perfect selfie.

See the tulips in the Netherlands before it’s too late!

The Dutch tulip season officially kicks off in January, but the real peak of the season isn't until March. The flowers are generally in bloom through to mid-May, but note that some farmers will start heading them at the start of May, so it’s best to check with the local tourist information centre as to whether there are actually tulips left to see.

Thanks to the mild weather and gorgeous colours, tulip season is easily one of the best times of year in the Netherlands, and luckily there are a number of places across the country where you can enjoy it. If you don't make it to the tulip fields (or the Keukenhof) in time this year, then be sure to make a note of these places so you know where to visit next spring!