Please sign in to post.

Tulips in Noordoostpolder or Keukenhof?

We're throwing around the idea of spending a week in the Netherlands in late April next year to see the tulips. Up until now I had thought that the area around the Keukenhof Gardens was where all the action is. Then yesterday I had contacted a company that does hot air balloon rides over the fields and I discovered that the majority of fields are not in South Holland but north of Amsterdam in Noordoostpolder.

Since everything I've read so far suggests South Holland, but what are the advantages and what to see if we were to head north instead? The hot air balloon people suggested we may need a car if we head to Noordoostpolder.

Posted by
7240 posts

I can only speak to the 7 million bulbs at Keukenhof, which are fantastic ! I know nothing about seeing tulips from the air, but I expect those are private production fields. From the air you would miss the details on the flowers: ragged vs smooth edges, multi colors in the same bloom, various heights, etc. Perhaps you could consider doing both experiences.
I've been to Keukenhof twice in three years, and highly encourage you to visited the NL in April. I'll look for my Trip Reports.
Safe travels!

Posted by
7592 posts

Consider that the Keukenhof itself is a beautifully landscaped Park, even without the blooming bulbs. Picture Butchart Gardens, except flatter. And being able to appreciate the artistry of the display, and get inches away from those gorgeous flowers is indescribable.

Tulip fields are just that. Long strips of various colours. . How close you can get to them if going by car is debatable, But apparently there are maps and tours for exactly that. Of course from a balloon you will see the fields from several hundred feet in the air. Keep in mind that the tulip growers head back or deflower the plants in late April or early May (depending in weather) to promote bulb growth. If you are late, you may just see miles of green leaves.

Posted by
2293 posts

The area around the Keukenhof is indeed not the only place in the Netherlands where tulips and other bulb flowers are grown. The area around the Keukenhof is the most famous and also most practical for visitors. You can enjoy the beauty of the flowers in the Keukenhof in the morning and bike or walk around the long stretched flower fields in the afternoon. Due to its proximity to cities like Haarlem, Leiden and Amsterdam, it’s very easy to get there by public transport.
Other areas where bulb flowers are grown is the area around Julianadorp, north of Amsterdam, the Noordoostpolder, which is Northeast from Amsterdam, and all the way in the southeast in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. These areas are much more difficult to reach by public transport. Especially in the case of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, which is practically impossible to reach without a car.