The Most Beautiful Flower Fields in The Netherlands - CHARLIES WANDERINGS (2024)

When you think of beautiful flower fields in the Netherlands your mind probably immediately goes to the tulip fields in the bulb region. And indeed, the tulip fields are absolutely stunning and definitely worth a visit. But what if I told you that there are so many more flower fields to be found?

Each one has their own ideal blooming time and location and in this article I will tell you everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit.

Prepare to be amazed by a sea of colors starting in Spring and lasting all the way through until the end of Summer.

Imagine endless rows of colorful flowers, one field right next to the other. That’s pretty much what the Netherlands look like during flower season. Visiting the infamous flower fields is also one of the top things to do in the Netherlands and each year thousands of tourists visit the world renowned tulip fields and the Keukenhof.

But like I said before, Holland is so much more than just tulip fields! Another pretty big misunderstanding is that people think these tulip fields are there all year round. This is certainly not the case! Every specific flower has its own ideal blooming period and depending on the weather circ*mstances these blooming dates can sometimes differ by a few weeks.

From the early blooming daffodils to a purple haze of blooming heather fields. One flower field in the Netherlands is even more spectacular than the other! Make sure not to miss any of them!

Daffodil Fields

The daffodil, also known as the narcissus, is pretty much the first sign that spring has arrived. About halfway through March you can see the first daffodils popping up from the grass and they give a lovely yellow accent to the meadows.

Here in Belgium we’re pretty used to seeing them but honestly nothing could have prepared me for the endless see of yellow flowers that I saw in the Netherlands. Endless rows of all different varieties of daffodils. There’s white ones with an orange heart, small yellow ones, big yellow ones. The options are honestly endless.

You can find the daffodil fields in the bulb region in the Netherlands and especially in between Voorhout and Noordwijk you’ll see a lot of flower fields.

Interesting facts about the daffodils

• The Romans believed the sap could heal wounds but the contrary is true. Daffodil sap contains sharp crystals to deter animals from eating the flower. This actually irritates the skin rather than heals it.
• They are also called the birth flower of March since it’s usually the first flower that starts to bloom in spring.
• They symbolize new beginnings and friendships.
• A daffodil field can bloom up to 50 years under the right conditions.
• Daffodils are the national flower of Wales.
• You shouldn’t mix them with other flowers in a vase cause they cause your other flowers to live less long.

Daffodil blooming time

With all the different varieties of daffodils out there you’ll find some types that will even start blooming as early as February! Others can even last until May. However, if you don’t want to take any chances your best bet to see the daffodil fields in full bloom is from the end of March until halfway through April.

Hyacinth Fields

To be completely honest, the hyacinth fields in the Netherlands might be my favorite flower fields in the entire world. I love the vibrant pink and purple colors and they really don’t get the credit that they deserve.

I saw them for the first time 3 years ago when I visited the bulb region mid April to see the tulip fields. Unfortunately that year the tulips were on the late side so I immediately became disappointed. That is until I saw a see of color out of the corner of my eyes. I had to blink a few times cause I had never seen anything like this before.

The hyacinth fields are a must visit during spring season and another plus side is that there are a lot less tourists visiting these flower fields.

You can find these gorgeous flower fields in the bulb region in the Netherlands between Voorhout and Noordwijk.

Interesting facts about Hyacinths 🌸

• Each colour flower has a unique fragrance and hyacinths are commonly used in perfume making.
• The Hyacinth is a member of the same family as the asparagus.
• Hyacinths originated from Turkey and the Middle East.
• The Hyacinth is used in the celebration of the Persian New Year
• The juice from the bulbs can be used like glue; it was once used to bind books together.
• Hyacinth bulbs are poisonous if ingested.

Hyacinth blooming time

Hyacinths bloom in early to mid spring, around the same time as the daffodils. From personal experience I find the start of April to be the best time to see the hyacinths in full bloom.

Tulip Fields

The tulip fields are by far the most popular flower fields in the Netherlands and every year thousands of tourists come to the bulb region to see this colorful phenomenon. For now I have only visited the tulip fields once and that was 3 years ago. But I made the mistake of already going mid April and only found 1 decent row of tulips unfortunately.

Nevertheless it was a beautiful afternoon, but don’t expect to be the only one there! I do hope to return this year and see the tulip fields in all of their glory for the first time!

You can find a lot of tulip fields between Lisse, Noordwijk and Voorhout but here the farmers tend to be very strict and fence off their tulips. This year I’ll try to find a few places where it’s easier to reach the tulip fields. Nevertheless it’s very important that you only walk through the wider parts and that you don’t damage the actual tulips!

Interesting facts about tulips 🌷

• There are over 150 species of tulips with over 3000 different varieties.
• Tulips are related to another very popular spring flower, the lilly.
• They originate from Central Asia and not from the Netherlands, as many people believe.
• Currently tulips are the third most popular flower in the world, with roses coming in first and chrysanthemums coming in second.
• Tulips are edible! During World War II, tulips were often eaten by those who couldn’t afford other foods.

Tulips blooming time

Tulip seasonruns from the end of March until mid May, but the flowers are usually at their best halfway through April. From personal experience I would advise to visit these flower fields between the 21ste and 30th of April.

📖 DON’T MISS MY GUIDE ON VISITING THE TULIP FIELDS INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – HOW TO VISIT THE TULIP FIELDS IN THE NETHERLANDS.

Dahlia Fields

The dahlia fields in the Netherlands are some of the most colorful flower fields you’ll ever see! There are over 40 different species of dahlias and a ton more varieties. Two years ago I visited the dahlia fields of Fam Flower Farm, a locally owned flower farm that specializes in tulips and rare varieties of dahlias.

These visits are pre arranged and you can reserve your spot online. You’ll have 1,5 hour to 2 hours in the dahlia fields which is more than enough! There are a ton of props as well which makes it a lot of fun to take photos. At the end you’re invited to enjoy stroopwafels and freshly made lemonade and if you want you can even take a bouquet dahlias home with you.

The Dahlia Farm of Fam Flower Farm is located in Noordwijkerhout near the Keukenhof. You’ll receive the exact location of the dahlia field that you’ll visit a week from before.

Interesting facts about dahlias 🌺

• Dahlias were originally classified as a vegetable because of their edible tubers. They’re supposed to taste like a mix between potatoes and radishes. To this day I haven’t tested this out myself.
• They are often used at weddings as a symbol of commitment and an everlasting union.
• The dahlia originated in Central America and is the national flower of Mexico.
• The dahlia was a favorite bloom of Queen Victoria.
• Dahlias can be found in nearly every color, except for blue!

Dahlias blooming time

The dahlia tubers are planted late spring and the best weeks to see the dahlias in their full glory are at the end of August and the start of September.

DON’T MISS MY FULL GUIDE ON VISITING THE DAHLIA FIELDS INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – A DAY TRIP TO AN AMAZING DAHLIA FARM IN THE NETHERLANDS.

Where to stay when visiting the flower fields in the bulb region in the Netherlands

Heather Fields

The heather fields in the Netherlands are a true sight to behold! Once every year the national park Veluwezoom turns into a beautiful purple haze. This location is truly special in the Netherlands cause for most part the country is pretty much as flat as a pancake. But not here! The rolling hills at the national park add an extra perspective to its purple carpet and it ‘s the ideal place to go for a morning walk.

Besides spotting the stunning heather fields you can also spot a lot of wildlife at the national park, especially in the early morning. The most famous look out point is called Posbank and you can actually reach it by car. But one very important detail is that you can’t drive up before sunrise or drive down after sunset! It’s during these twilight moments that the wildlife is roaming around and chances are high you could hit a deer crossing the road.

Interesting facts about heather fields

• The heather flower can flourish under difficult circ*mstances such as cold weather.
• The heather symbolizes power and how deep and strong a love can be.
• It’s also a sign of good luck. If you are willing to wish someone the best of luck, you can always offer them the heather flower as agiftfor luck and fortune.
• The heather flower was widely used by rural populations in poor regions. They were made into brooms and baskets, and when the straw ran out, heather filled the mattresses.

Ideal blooming time

The heather flowers from late summer until the start of autumn. The best time to see the national park in full bloom is during the final week of August.

📖 DON’T MISS MY FULL GUIDE ON VISITING THE HEATER FEALDS INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – POSBANK, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HEATHER FIELDS IN THE NETHERLANDS.

Where to stay when visiting the heather fields