5x the most beautiful unknown tulip fields in the Netherlands

Well, very Dutch. The tulip may be a symbol of the Netherlands, but it is not really primal Dutch. Centuries ago, the tulip grew in areas around the Mediterranean Sea and further east into present-day China. Ottoman sultans wore a tulip on their turban and this is how the flower got its name: derived from the Persian word 'doelband', meaning turban.

How exactly the flower bulb arrived on Dutch soil remains a mystery. Some stories circulate that it was a Turkish gift to a Dutch botanist. Other stories tell how tulip bulbs were imported via the Amsterdam ports. In any case, what is certain is the resulting tulip mania in the 17th century. Tulip bulbs became spectacular commodities. The craze drove up prices so much that a bulb was worth its weight in gold.

We still have that love for the tulip, although the price has dropped. The Netherlands has suitable soil and so this flower has become an important export product. But apart from trading, for most Dutch people it is above all a beautiful sight.

Around mid-March, the tulips start to grow and then show their full glory in April. From mid-April to early May is therefore the best time to visit one of the tulip fields in the Netherlands. When the tulip fields are really in bloom depends entirely on the weather. Before leaving, you can always contact the local tourist information offices for the latest flowering information.

Apart from the famous tulip fields in the bulb region, there are other bulb fields in the Netherlands. Think of daffodils and hyacinths, which have somewhat the same flowering period as the tulips. Later in the summer, you can actually enjoy the beautiful colours of the Dahlias. In this blog, we share the lesser-known spots, but should you prefer to visit the Bulb Region: Visit Duin en Bollenstreek has set out a number of cycling and walking routes along the bulb fields for you.

Far away from the tulip fields in the Bulb Region, in the far north of Groningen, they also grow: tulips in all sorts of colours. Among others in the Carel Coenraadpolder, the most north-eastern polder in the Netherlands. Also nice to visit is Uithuizermeeden and its surroundings. This area consists of typically Dutch farming landscapes where bulb fields alternate with churches, windmills and meadows. In East Groningen, you will find tulip fields as well as rapeseed flowers. Fields full of yellow glory. Between 6 April and 7 May, Naar de Bollen features various walking tours, cycling tours or motor and car trips along Groningen's tulip and bulb fields.

At Museum Garden Hortus Bulborum in Limmen, you can really enjoy all the colours of the rainbow. And all species. In fact, this garden possesses a huge collection of historic spring bulbous plants. Over 4500 different species of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses and Fritillarias display their beautiful colours in spring. Among these are also species that date from well before 1990 and are hardly grown commercially, if at all.

With over 2,000 hectares of tulip fields, Flevoland is the Netherlands' largest grower. A special place to admire tulip fields in Flevoland is off the coast of Zeewolde. This is where Tulip Island is located. A peninsula in the shape of a tulip on which more than 150,000 tulips bloom. The Tulpeiland is also included in Flevoland's Tulip Route, which can be admired from 10 April to 2 May.

That we at Honeyguide are fans of the South-Holland island of Goeree-Overflakkee, you might have already noticed. And not only us, also nature photographers are fans, especially during spring when the tulip fields also bloom on Goeree-Overflakkee. Around Middelharnis, Oude- and Nieuwe-Tonge and Dirksland, you will find countless, colourful flower plots. No need for the exact address, you'll spot them automatically.

When I think of Drenthe, I think of forests. It is not for nothing the primal province of our country. But there are also tulip fields in the fields of farmers in Midden-Drenthe. The number of flower bulb growers has increased quite a bit in recent years.

From Assen, you drive past tulip fields near Smilde and Hijken. Especially after dark, this is a special car route along the tulip fields of Drenthe. With the Tulpenpracht bij Nacht event, farmers gracefully illuminate their fields. The exact details of the event are still pending corona measures.

Another great experience is the Tulip picking garden Drenthe. Here you can go into the field to pick a bunch of tulips yourself. Entrance is free and you pay only 25 cents per tulip. You will find the Tulip Picking Garden on the outskirts of Beilen, in the middle of Drenthe.

Although I said earlier that the tulip hysteria is over, when it comes to Instagram-worthy snapshots, that does not always seem to be the case. When visiting tulip fields in the Netherlands, stay out of the fields so as not to damage the tulips.

Do you still want a photo in a field? Ask the farmer for permission and stay on the paths at all times. Or visit places like Fam Flowerfarm where you can have your photo taken in peace among the flowers.

Have fun and fair is fair, we do love a nice tulip picture. Will you share them with us by tagging @honeyguide.co.uk on Instagram?

Love,
Yalou