If you're looking for authentic Dutch tulip fields near Amsterdam, you don't have to travel far. Just a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam lies the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region), the colorful heart of the Dutch tulip fields. Every spring, the fields between Noordwijk, Lisse, and Hillegom transform into a living painting. But what makes the tulips bloom so beautifully here?
Bulb grower Simon and director of the Tulip Experience Amsterdam, Sylvia Pennings explain what makes the Bollenstreek so special and why you'll find such beautiful tulip fields here.
Everything is perfect here for tulips. The region is located near the sea, nestled between dunes and polders. This combination creates a perfect balance of sun, wind, and moisture. The fresh sea air oxygenates and cools the tulips, while the soil never dries out completely.
"We have sea air here, shells in the ground, and well-draining soil," Simon explains. "These shells contain calcium, which is fantastic for growth. And the wind keeps mold and diseases away from the tulips. That's what makes the Bulb Region so unique."
And it is precisely these natural conditions that ensure that the tulip fields here explode with color every spring.
"The Bulb Region is truly a gift from nature,"
The soil in the Bollenstreek consists of sandy soil that is airy enough to drain water but still retains sufficient moisture.
Sylvia explains, "It sounds simple, but that balance is precisely what makes tulips strong. The bulbs get enough oxygen but are never too wet. And thanks to the calcium from the shells, they grow strongly, and the flowers shine beautifully."
The light color of the sandy soil also reflects sunlight, allowing the soil to warm evenly. Ideal for young tulip bulbs that are still developing.
The weather in the Bulb Region isn't always perfect for beach days, but it is perfect for tulips. The mild winters and cool summers give the bulbs the rest they need to store energy for the next season.
Simon: "Tulips don't like extreme heat or drought. Here, the climate is stable and humid, with a fresh sea breeze. That makes all the difference."
This natural balance ensures that tulips in the Bulb Region not only take root faster but also bloom more fully and colorfully than in other parts of the Netherlands or Europe.
Besides nature, people also play a significant role. The Bulb Region has accumulated centuries of knowledge, craft, and experience. For generations, families have worked with flowers and bulbs here.
"It's in our blood," says Sylvia, a third-generation grower. "We grew up with tulips. We pass that knowledge down from generation to generation. And you can see that in the quality."
The combination of tradition and innovation keeps the Bollenstreek vibrant. Growers experiment with new varieties while cherishing old techniques. This is how the Bollenstreek remains the beating heart of the tulip world.
Anyone who wants to experience this unique combination of nature and tradition for themselves needs only one thing: to come visit. At Tulip Experience Amsterdam, you can see firsthand how the bulbs are cultivated, grown, and bloomed. With a unique combination of a Tulip Museum, a magical show garden with no fewer than 4 million tulips (in 700 varieties!), and picking tulips in the indoor picking room (included in the ticket!), you'll immerse yourself in the world of tulips.
The show garden is located in the heart of the region, surrounded by authentic production fields. Here you can discover firsthand why the Bollenstreek is the perfect place for tulips.
"You literally feel the energy of the flowers here," says Sylvia. "The sea air, the scent of the soil, the colors—that's what makes it magical."
Tulip Experience Amsterdam is open from March 19 to May 10, 2026. You can book tickets via our website. Would you also like beautiful tulips in your garden? Then order tulips from our nursery via the Tulip Experience Shop.
This article was written in collaboration with Sylvia Pennings, director of Tulip Experience Amsterdam. Since she was nine, she has helped out at her father's tulip nursery, and in 2019, they founded Tulip Experience Amsterdam. Together with her family, she lets visitors experience the magic of the tulip and shares the story of the bulb grower.
This article was written in collaboration with Simon Pennings, founder of Tulip Experience Amsterdam and a bulb grower through and through. As the second generation of the family business, he proudly continues his father's tulip nursery and focuses on innovation and sustainability within the bulb industry.
