Yes, tulip season in the Netherlands has officially begun again. The famous Keukenhof, often called the Garden of Europe, will open from March to mid-May in 2026. During those few weeks, nearly 1.5 million people flock there to see the colorful flower displays. That’s a lot of crowds and, not unimportant, a pretty pricey outing. But what if you could experience those same iconic Dutch tulip fields without the crowds and completely for free?
Let me introduce you to a hidden gem: the island of Goeree-Overflakkee, just a short drive from Rotterdam.
About the tulip fields
A surprisingly large share of Dutch tulips actually comes from Goeree-Overflakkee. Locals say that around 10 percent of all tulips in the Netherlands are grown here. And when the season kicks off, roughly from late March to late May, the island completely transforms. What was once quiet farmland turns into a patchwork of bright colors, with endless rows of tulips stretching across the landscape.
What makes this place special is that it still feels like a hidden gem. While most foreign visitors head straight to Keukenhof, locals and photographers have long known about the beauty of this island. And honestly, we would choose Goeree-Overflakkee any day. No crowds, no entrance fees, just fields of flowers as far as you can see.
You can simply stop along the road near a tulip farm and take it all in. Snap your photos, enjoy the views, but keep in mind that these fields are working farms. The tulips are the farmers’ livelihood, so it’s important not to walk into the fields or damage the flowers.
Practical: where and when do you find the tulips?
Goeree-Overflakkee is located in South Holland, just above the islands of Zeeland, and only about an hour’s drive from Rotterdam. The best areas to look for flower fields are around Middelharnis, Oude-Tonge, Nieuwe-Tonge, and Dirksland.
Just like in the Bollenstreek, the exact locations of the fields change every year because farmers rotate their crops to keep the soil healthy. But that doesn’t make it any harder to find them. If you drive through these areas, you will quickly spot the vibrant stripes of color across the fields.
Tulips are planted in autumn, usually around October, and start to bloom in early spring. The first flowers appear from late March, but the absolute peak is between mid-April and mid-May, when the island is at its most colorful.
The best way to visit the tulip fields
Hop on a bike. If you’re going to explore Dutch tulip fields, this is the way to do it. On Goeree-Overflakkee you’ll find several places to rent a bicycle, with a convenient and affordable bike rental Middelharnis.
You can go for a regular bike, but an electric bike makes the experience even better. It lets you cover longer distances with ease, and you’ll definitely appreciate the extra support when the coastal wind picks up. We loved cycling through the open landscape, passing one colorful field after another.
In just one or two hours, you can already see a huge variety of tulip fields, whether you go by bike or by car. But if you have the time, a relaxed bike ride through the region is by far the most enjoyable way to experience it. During the season, you can also find cycling maps with suggested routes online to help you plan your ride.
