Flevoland Tulip Fields: A Hidden Gem during Tulip Season in the Netherlands

Each spring, the Netherlands transforms into a colorful tulip paradise. While most visitors head to the famous Bollenstreek near Amsterdam, there’s a quieter – and often overlooked – region that’s just as beautiful: Flevoland. In this article, I’ll show you why this hidden gem deserves a spot on your spring bucketlist!

Why Visit Tulip Fields in Flevoland?

While tulip fields can be found across the Netherlands, from Friesland to Zeeland, the most well-known region is the so called Bollenstreek (Bulb Region). However, due to its proximity to Amsterdam, this area tends to be crowded with tourists. Many places in the Bollenstreek charge money for a visit as well. Meanwhile in Flevoland visiting the tulipfields is very cheap or even free. So if you’re looking for a quieter (and cheaper) yet equally stunning alternative, Flevoland is the place to go!

Flevoland is divided into two main areas: the Flevopolder in the south and the Noordoostpolder in the north. The Noordoostpolder is located around Emmeloord, while the Flevopolder includes towns like Almere, Lelystad, and Zeewolde. Both regions are known for their long vibrant tulip fields, scenic cycling and driving routes, and unique experiences like tulip picking — so whichever one you visit, you can’t go wrong!

Tulip Routes in Flevoland

Flevopolder Tulip Routes

In the Flevopolder, you can choose from several scenic routes, also known as ‘Tulpenroute Flevoland’.

• Car Routes: Two scenic routes – one in eastern Flevoland near Swifterbant, and one in the west near Zeewolde.
• Bike Routes: Five different cycling routes, ranging from 12 to 39 km in length.
• Hiking Routes: The Swifterbant walking trail, a peaceful 8 km route through the countryside.

You can purchase a car route map for just €6, while bike route maps cost €3. The hiking routes are available as free downloads.

when to visit flevopolder tulip route?

In 2025, the flevopolder tulip routes will be open from April 10 to April 27 (or longer, depending on the blooming period). For more information and tickets, visit www.tulpenrouteflevoland.nl. April is the perfect time to explore the Netherlands and plan a spring staycation to see the tulip fields in full bloom. Plus, if you’re visiting in late April, don’t miss King’s Day (this year on April 26th), the Netherlands’ biggest and most colorful celebration – a true bucket list experience!

Noordoostpolder Tulip Routes

The Noordoostpolder boasts the highest number of tulip fields in the Netherlands. It’s also known for the ‘Tulip Festival Noordoostpolder’. This year, the festival will be open from April 18 to May 4. Here, you can explore:

• Car Route: A scenic 114 km drive through stunning tulip landscapes.
• Bike Route: A picturesque 24 km cycling path through the blooming fields.

Both routes are free and can be found on the official website. For more details and route maps, visit www.tulpenfestival.nl.

Tulip Field Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

To ensure that everyone can enjoy the tulip fields, please follow these guidelines:

• ❌ Do not enter the fields unless explicitly allowed.
• ❌ Do not damage the flowers while taking photos. Be mindful of the farmers’ hard work and avoid stepping on the plants.
• ❌ Do not pick tulips from the fields! Last year I noticed many visitors plucking tulips without permission. Instead, support local businesses by purchasing tulips at a shop or visiting a designated picking garden.

Where to Pick Your Own Tulips in Flevoland

Why not pick your own tulips? I recommend a visit to Hanneke’s Pluktuin, a lovely tulip-picking garden in Flevoland. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the flowers up close and take home a beautiful bouquet.

Sunset among the Tulips

Visiting the tulip fields at sunset—especially those with pink or red blooms—creates a magical backdrop for any photo. The golden light is not only more flattering for (portrait) photography, but the fields are usually quieter at this time too. Of course, the tulips are stunning at any time of day, so you really can’t go wrong!

Why Visit Flevoland?

With its vast tulip fields, diverse routes, and fewer crowds, Flevoland is an excellent choice for experiencing the Dutch tulip season. Flevoland promises an unforgettable spring adventure in the Netherlands!

Bonus Tip: Visit Giethoorn!

Combine your Noordoostpolder tulip adventure with a trip to the charming village of Giethoorn, often referred to as the “Dutch Venice.” Its idyllic canals and picturesque scenery make it a perfect addition to your tulip field visit.

Need more tips for beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands? Check out my Netherlands page!