Was wondering if there were any "hidden gems" in Holland when it comes to tulips season, that are still largely unknown to large groups and the tour bus circuit. Obviously Amsterdam and Keukenhof are the biggies. Are there any parks, botanical gardens, flower farms/tulip fields, etc. that are more off the beaten path, but still give you a sense of the iconic colors and vistas?
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2027 posts
When we were the just over a week ago, we spent quite a bit of time at the botanical garden (Hortus Botanicus) right in Amsterdam. There is a large outdoor space that will be beautiful in the spring, and then a butterfly house as well as two large greenhouses. I know this is nothing like the other areas you are probably thinking of, but it was a really nice spot right in the city and it did not draw the crowds/buses.
Posted by
Olympia, Washington
238 posts
We like the peace and intimacy of Trompenburg Arboretum in Rotterdam. I suppose it falls into your "parks, botanical gardens" category. https://trompenburg.nl/
Posted by
Tucson, Arizona
429 posts
I follow Christina from "Happy To Wander" on social media (IG & YouTube). I commented on one of her videos about planning a trip to Amsterdam and Keukenhof. She replied that in addition to Keukenhof, there is a place called the "Tulip Barn" in Hillegom. She said that it is basically a set of tulip fields designed for photoshoots that "you can frolic and enjoy without ruining a farmer's tulips" and that she definitely recommends it if there is enough time. Looks like it takes about one hour from Amsterdam Central Station to get there.
Posted by
The Netherlands
1308 posts
There are several bulb areas throughout the Netherlands where tulip farmers grow tulips. These areas are not just in the part of our country called Holland, but also in Flevoland and all the way down south in Zeeland.
The bulb area around the Keukenhof is the most famous one and the easiest one to reach from Amsterdam, so that’s where all the tourists tend to go.
If you’re willing to rent a car, you can go to Flevoland which is the second largest tulip area. More details here; https://www.visitflevoland.nl/en/now/tulips#:~:text=April%2015th%20to%20May%207th,walking%20routes%20of%20Tulpenroute%20Flevoland.