Keukenhof near Lisse might be the most famous place in the Netherlands to see tulips… but it’s definitely not the only one. And honestly, you don’t need to buy a pricey ticket or squeeze through crowds of tourists to experience those iconic Dutch flower fields.
Just south of Amsterdam, around the charming towns of Lisse, Hillegom, and Noordwijkerhout, you’ll find endless stretches of colorful bulb fields. And the best part? You can simply drive or cycle past them and soak it all in at your own pace.
We followed this tulip route through the fields this spring, and it honestly felt like driving through a painting. Not only did we spot the classic tulip fields, but we also stumbled upon even more vibrant and unexpected flower fields along the way.
Read more: discover two more tulip routes in the Netherlands and the best one-day roadtrips in the Netherlands to add to your Dutch bucketlist.
Practical information about the tulip route near Amsterdam
How to find a rental car?
You’ll find rental car companies all over the Netherlands, especially in major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. For this tulip route, it’s easiest to rent a car in Amsterdam or at Schiphol Airport and head straight into the Dutch Bulb Region. If you’re staying in Rotterdam, that works just as well. You can rent a car there and drive north to the flower fields, exactly like we did.
Starting point and length
This route takes you through the famous Bollenstreek, also known as the Bulb Region, located between Rotterdam and Amsterdam. It’s one of the best places in the Netherlands to see endless flower fields in bloom.
The official starting point is Oegstgeest, the southernmost point of the route. But since it’s a loop, you can start wherever it’s most convenient and simply join along the way.
The full route is about 62 kilometers long. You’ll pass through small villages and narrow roads, so expect a relaxed pace. While you could technically drive it in around three hours, it’s much nicer to take your time. Plan for at least half a day so you can stop for photos, wander through the scenery, and enjoy a lunch or picnic along the way.
Where to stay along the tulip route
South Holland has plenty of unique places to stay, from coastal hideaways to countryside escapes and charming towns. If you want to turn your tulip route into a full experience, these are some beautiful options in the Bollenstreek:
- Magical island with hot tub in Hillegom
- Mongolian yurt in the meadows near Warmond
- Nature house for four guests in Leimuiden
The bulb fields and tulip fields near Amsterdam
While Keukenhof and Lisse are famous for their tulips, this entire area is known as the Bollenstreek, or Bulb Region. And that name says it all, it’s not just about tulips.
Depending on when you visit, the landscape changes completely. Tulips usually bloom from mid-April to mid-May, but earlier in the season you’ll see bright yellow daffodils from late March to mid-April and fragrant hyacinths from late March to late April. Later in the year, the fields turn colorful again with dahlias in full bloom from mid-August to mid-October.
One thing to know before you go: there’s no fixed location for the flower fields. Farmers rotate their crops every year to keep the soil healthy, so the exact spots change each season. That said, you really don’t need to worry about missing them. When we drove this route in spring, colorful fields appeared everywhere. There are so many flower farms in this region that it’s almost impossible not to come across them.
Tip: there’s an updated flower map created by local growers that tracks which bulb fields are in bloom each year from late March, including weekly photo updates. It’s a fun tool if you want to plan ahead, but honestly, you don’t need it for this route. You’ll naturally pass plenty of stunning fields along the way, including many that aren’t even marked on the map.
The best stops along the Tulip Route
#1 The dunes and coastal towns
Starting in Oegstgeest, the route first takes you towards the Dutch coast. This part isn’t about flowers just yet, but it sets the tone with charming villages and wide coastal landscapes.
You’ll pass through the cozy village of Rijnsburg, continue to the old fishing town of Katwijk aan Zee, and then on to the striking Sufi temple with its golden dome. After that, you’ll explore historic Noordwijk-Binnen before reaching the seaside town of Noordwijk aan Zee.
If you feel like stretching your legs, the dune and forest area near Noordwijkerhout is a perfect stop. The route passes several parking areas, from where you can head straight into nature. Expect well-marked trails, peaceful forests, and wide sandy dunes.
#2 The castles and ruins
This route isn’t just about landscapes, it also takes you past some fascinating pieces of history.
Near Lisse, you’ll drive past Keukenhof and the nearby Keukenhof Castle. The castle grounds are open daily and free to visit, making it a lovely place for a relaxed walk. The castle itself is only open a few times a year with guided tours.
A little further along, you’ll come across the Ruins of Teylingen. Today, only the impressive tower remains, but this was once a grand castle where Jacoba of Bavaria lived, one of the most notable figures in Dutch history.
In Warmond, you can stop at the Oude Toren. These are the remains of a former church and monastery, deliberately destroyed during the Eighty Years’ War to prevent it from falling into Spanish hands. What’s left is a striking tower surrounded by ruins and a quiet cemetery.
#3 The flower and tulip fields of the Netherlands
Spring is when the Bollenstreek truly comes to life. Keukenhof may be the most famous flower park in the country, but the real magic is found in the surrounding fields.
Especially around Lisse, in the northern part of this route, you’ll find endless stretches of tulip and flower fields. Tulips usually bloom from mid-April to mid-May and are by far the most popular.
In recent years, measures have been taken to manage crowds, including topping tulips earlier in the season. If you want to be sure to see them in full bloom, it’s best to go early in the season rather than waiting too long.
If tulips aren’t your main goal, visiting earlier can be just as beautiful. Daffodils and hyacinths are already in bloom from late March, and with a bit of luck, you might still spot some early tulip fields along the way.
Practical: the route description
Download route | The route starts and ends in Oegstgeest and takes you along the coast and through the most beautiful flower fields in the Netherlands. The route itself is not signposted, so the easiest way to follow it is by downloading the GPX file and using it with your phone navigation.
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