The complete guide to exploring the Tulip fields of The Netherlands
The tulip fields from The Netherlands are just one of the most spectacular things I have seen in my life.
Spring in this country is just a splash of colors and wonderful blooming fields. As the whole country is filled with colors, it creates breathtaking images. I believe this is something you should really see in a lifetime, one of the best bucket list experiences!
Attention here a bit and after I will give you the best locations. 😊
There is a fine line here, these fields belong to people and they are private property, and just imagine you work the whole year-round to keep your garden beautiful and then see 200 tourists taking photos in your garden ruining and picking your flowers! That would not be so nice, would it?
So a quick reminder: don’t go in random fields, don't pick flowers, and have respect for people and nature!
“Oh, such a bummer… a pic would be so amazing.’’
Luckily there are some places specifically arranged for you to enjoy and take that perfect tulip field pic! Let me introduce you to them :
Tulip Experience Amsterdam
The Tulip Experience Amsterdam is really a complete experience ! Not only do they have a splendid garden filled with tulips and many photography props but they also have a beautiful museum where you can learn about the history of the tulip. I believe this was one of the first tulip gardens and one of the most elaborate experiences. A garden with over 1 million tulips, an exhibition place, a picking garden, a cafe and a gift shop. If you want to learn the history of the tulip plus have some wonderful pics I really recommend you to visit them.
Check out @tulipexperienceamsterdam for real time updates.
Address: Delfweg 37, 2211VK, Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands
Price: 12,50 € including a cup of coffee/tea
Opening dates: March 19th-22May
The Tulip Barn
‘‘Step into the rainbow’’ is their motto and it is just so perfect. The tulip barn opened in 2020, at the initiative of 2 sisters Romy and Nicky. The garden is just gorgeous and I think they have the most Instagrammable decorations. Last year I was there like 6-7 times and l enjoyed it every single time. They also have a beautiful cafe where you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea. Perfect to visit and take photos or just enjoy! I totally recommend it and don't forget to follow them.
This year they will be also organising a lot of fun activities so check out their website and agenda .
Address: 3e Loosterweg 130, 2182 CX, Hillegom
Price: 7,5 €
Opening dates/times: April 1 – May 15 open 7 days a week from 10:00 – 19:00.
The Tulip Store Garden
This very Instagrammable show garden belongs to Michelle, he is an entrepreneur that sells exclusive tulip bulbs. In the garden you can enjoy 500 varieties of tulips, some of them very scarce and unique and you can choose which one is just perfect for your garden. The entrance is free and you can take as many photos as you like.
The garden is in front of a well-known grower and businessman @janvanderslot, he has one of the most beautiful and high quality tulips I have ever seen and also you can buy fresh tulips from him and enjoy them at home but I truly recommend also using them as props for your pictures!
Also, tulips bought directly from the growers will last you around 3 weeks in a vase at home.
Check out their instagram for real-time updates!
After getting acquainted with all the tulip varieties, behind the garden you can also find tulip fields belonging to Jan.
Yes, tulip fields where you can go and take pictures and enjoy…(don’t pick though please)
Address: Johan Speelmanweg 7, Sassenheim
Opening dates: 1 April - mid May
Entrance: Free
I honestly recommend you to do them all, they are all in the same area so perfectly doable in a day and also on the way you will have a breathtaking view, trust me.
Keep in mind they all sell flowers and bulbs so if you like a variety don't be shy to ask. #buyflowersfromthegrowers
Where to stay in the area
De Groene Bollenschuur
Beautiful B&B, located in the middle of the tulip fields, in Hillegrom. The B&B was built from a 120 year old barn in an area full of flower-growing history. They have 5 rooms, all spacious and cozy, 2 of them with a terrace. The dining area is absolutely gorgeous, built completely out of glass, you can have the most unique breakfast with a view towards the tulip fields.
The owners are a lovely family with 3 children. They are very nice and hospitable, making your experience just special.
I stayed with them last season and really loved it.
You can also rent a canoe and go canoeing on the canals surrounding the tulip fields, that is actually an activity I very much recommend.
Nearby you also have The Tulip Barn.
Blossom B&B
This small B&B has just 3 rooms but it is full of charm. It is very well located for the perfect tulip experience. One of the rooms has a balcony facing the tulip fields. Unfortunately when I visited there were no tulips, because of the pandemic many fields were not planted.
Van der Valk Sassenheim
If you prefer a larger hotel then I really recommend Van der Valk Sassenheim. The rooms are spacious with a modern interior and a balcony. It is situated next to Sassenheim train station and you can get to the tulip fields in 10-15 minutes by bike. You can also rent bikes from them. The hotel restaurant is also very good, especially the sushi.
Souvenirs
Last but not least if you want a memory that will remind you forever of your experience or maybe a souvenir for your loved ones (children, spouse, best friend) I recommend you Tilly.
As many of you know Tilly is very close to my heart, let’s just say she is my lucky charm and I love her. I take her with me at every photo shoot and keep her on my couch on a daily basis.
Tip: You can also use her as a prop 😉
Make sure to tag her in her posts, she will appreciate it and also tag me as I will reshare all of your tulip photos during the month of April.
LAM Museum
Looking for something different than tulips in the area? LAM museum is a perfect choice.
LAM museum is a cool modern museum that makes you see things differently. Its main theme is food and all art revolves around that. They believe that everyone should have a VIP experience in the museum so you will have your own personal guide that would explain everything but also see your perspective on their art. Because there are no labels in this museum your imagination will be challenged.
It is also a very child-friendly place, and the experience lasts 45 minutes. You can also stay longer, they say most of the visitors do and I understand why. It is just fascinating.
The museum is also highly instagramable and every art piece has an interesting story.
No more tulips? Still worth the visit. LAM is situated in the gardens of the Keukenhof castle, so you can also see the castle, have lunch at the brasserie and go to their petting zoo. Enjoy!
Address: Keukenhof 14, Lisse. Parking is at Keukenhof 11, Lisse.
Price: Regular ticket is 7,5 €. You can also have a sponsored ticket and visit the LAM free of charge.
Opening dates/times: Wednesday-Sunday 11 am – 5 pm