Let’s talk tulip fields Netherlands. There are so many ways to see the beautiful tulips in Holland from the most popular Keukenhof Gardens and Bollenstreek tulip fields to the lesser known fields in Groningen. The flower fields aren’t just limited to the Amsterdam area where the majority of visitors go.

Do you want to know where to find the best tulip fields without crowds in the Netherlands? After living here for almost 2 years and visiting Holland during the previous two tulip seasons, I have found some great options for you and your family to visit.

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When Is Tulip Season In The Netherlands

Every spring tulips bloom all over Holland. Tulip season is from Mid-March to Mid-May and the busiest travel period for tourists visiting the Netherlands. The peak blooming time varies depending on the weather. If it is sunny the tulips bloom sooner and if it is rainy, they will peak a little later. Usually the best time to see the tulip fields Netherlands is Mid-April to Mid-May.

Tulip Fields Near Amsterdam With The Biggest Crowds

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the most popular areas to see the tulips. If anything, I want to give you information on where NOT to go if you want to skip the crowds.

During the spring, the influx of tourists in the Netherlands is significant. There is only a short time to see the tulips and everyone wants to see them. The majority of the tourists will spend their days wandering the fields and gardens in the Bollenstreek flower strip which is the area between Haarlem and Leiden. At the center of it all is the world famous Keukenhof Gardens. 

Since this area is so close to Amsterdam, it is the most convenient and most easily accessible. It is definitely set up for tourism.

There are many resources online to explore this area if you desire, and you can still enjoy the tulips despite the crowds. However, if you are anything like me, you want to find the tulip fields in the Netherlands without crowds. So let’s dive in. 

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The Hidden Gems – The Tulip Fields Netherlands

De Tulperij – Tulip Garden

Nestled in the Bollenstreek area is a tulip garden that is less known than Keukenhof Gardens. I can’t promise that there won’t be many tourists, but if you are looking for a cheaper and less touristy alternative to Keukenhof, De Tulperij is the place to visit.

Their show gardens are FREE to visit. Who doesn’t like free?! Not only can you wander the beautiful show gardens, but here are some other attractions at De Tulperij: 

• Pick Your Own Tulips: Find your perfect bouquet and pay per tulip
• Pre-order bulbs for the autumn
• Go on an educational walking tour to learn about the tulip growing process: Reservations required – Adults: €7.95, Children 4-12: €4.50. 
• Scavenger hunt for the kids: €4.50 per child

Bonus: Can’t make it in April and May? Come in August and September to see the Dahlias in full bloom!

Flevoland Province

Noordoostpolder Tulip Festival

For a beautiful drive through the fields or an experience on a bike, take the path through Noordoostpolder. The Tulip Festival Noordoostpolder goes on near Emmeloord, about an hour from Amsterdam, where there is plenty of space to spread out.

They haven’t announced dates yet for 2025’s Tulip Festival Noordoostpolder, but they will know more in February or March. I will post the dates here when they have been decided.

All you have to do is follow the signage around the route to find the dramatic tulip fields. If you would like to know the exact route in advance, you can find the 114km car route and 24km biking route maps for 2025 here. This free tulip field route is a great way to see some of the best tulip fields Netherlands without crowds.

E-Bike Rentals Options

Shared e-bike rentals: You can rent an e-bike from one of the shared e-bike stations around Emmeloord or Marknesse. Find out the locations of the e-bike hubs here along with any additional important information. 

E-bike Rental Companies: Another option for an e-bike rental in the area is at FietsTechniek Posthuma in Marknesse where you can rent an e-bike for €20 a day. 

Bike Totaal de Munnik in Emmeloord is an additional option. I couldn’t get many details or Bike Totaal de Munnik’s website to translate, but there is bike leasing there. Contact them via email or give them a call to make a reservation.

Important Information – Tulip Fields Netherlands

The fields along the route and many around the Netherlands are for viewing only. You are not allowed to go into the fields and take pictures or park on the farmers’ lands.

There are two locations along the Noordoostpolder route where you can take pictures in the fields, The Tulip Experience Field and The Tulip Picking Garden.

• The Tulip Experience Field: This tulip field in Creil is the place to get your picturesque photos along the Noordoostpolder route. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee and stretch your legs. It’s free to enter and is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day during the Noordoostpolder Tulip Festival.
• Tulip Picking Garden: De Tulpenpluktuin in Marknesse is not officially a part of the Tulip Festival but is located in a great spot for you to easily visit while you are in the area enjoying the tulips. Enjoy a cup of coffee and pick a beautiful bouquet of tulips! It is €2.50 to enter the picking gardens and €10 for a bucket of up to 30 tulips. 

Dronton, Lelystad, Swifterbant And Zeewolde

In addition to the Noordoostpolder route, there are other areas in the Flevoland province that are worth checking out since this area has a high concentration of tulip fields in Holland.

Tulpenroute Flevoland has car and bicycle routes that pass through Dronton, Lelystad, and Zeewolde. There’s an additional cycling route that goes through Swifterbant.

You can download the bicycle routes here beforehand.

With the car routes, you will need to pay €5 per car and download an app to view the way. You can only view the route on the day you have chosen, so choose your day wisely! The cool thing about the driving app is that, in addition to showing you the way through the fields, it also gives fun facts about the tulips and the surrounding area!

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North Holland – North Of Amsterdam

By Bike

Kop van Noord-Holland, also known as the Head of Holland, has tulip fields sprinkled all over the countryside. This area about an hour north of Amsterdam is best explored by bike in my opinion. Start your adventure in Schagen and rent bikes at Fred’s Verhuur.

From there, plan your route using the app Fietsknoop. This handy app shows all the bike routes in the Netherlands and makes it easy to navigate them. You can even save the routes you want to take in advance.

I would suggest biking towards Callantsoog through Schagerbrug. If you have the energy and the time, check out the area around Julianadorp and Anna Paulowna too to see some great tulips fields without crowds. 

By Steam Train

If you have little kids or if you are a train lover, this could be a very fun option for you to see tulip fields Netherlands. The tulip train, Museumstoomtram, goes between the towns of Hoorn and Medemblik in North Holland where you pass gorgeous tulip fields along the way.

You have an option to buy a one way ticket or a round trip ticket. Round trip tram costs are €28 for adults and €19.50 for children, 4-12. Kids under 4 are €2.

Please note that weekends sell out way in advance. I tried to get tickets last year and was sadly out of luck. Aim to take the train during the week and book in advance to guarantee your spot.

Goeree-Overflakkee

Another scenic area to explore the tulip fields Netherlands without crowds is just south of Rotterdam. The island of Goerre-Overflakkee is saturated with breathtaking tulip fields. Just like other locations, please be respectful of the farmers’ fields and never step on or cut the tulips. 

I would recommend packing a lunch, driving around the country roads, and enjoying the beautiful sights of Goeree-Overflakkee. The fields’ locations change every year, but there are so many that it’s not hard to find them. 

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Groningen Province

The west side of the Netherlands isn’t the only place to see the tulips either. Groningen province, where we are located 🙂, is also a beautiful place to go tulip spotting. The majority of the tulip fields are located near Uithuizermeeden, Spijk, Oosternieland and Kloosterburen. Since these blooming fields aren’t as close together, I would recommend driving around the area.

I can guarantee that you will find the tulip fields without crowds. The busiest field we found had about 20 people at it. That yellow field below had no one else around!

Another option is to plan your trip to Groningen on April 19th, 2025 to participate in “Naar de Bollen.” The Rotary in the Hogeland municipality puts on a day long event where they provide walking, biking and driving routes that give you the opportunity to see the best and most tulip fields in the area along with other fun activities placed throughout the route. For more information visit the Rotary’s website here. 

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