Cycling through a sea of color, past fragrant tulip fields, historic villages, and dune landscapes—that's the Tulip Route in the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region)
This popular cycling route along the tulip fields attracts thousands of visitors every year who want to see the blooming tulips up close. Sylvia and Simon Pennings of Tulip Experience Amsterdam share tips on why the Bollenstreek is the perfect place to get on your bike this spring.
"It's wonderfully healthy to be outdoors; you smell the flowers, feel the sea air, and see all the colors of the tulip fields at their best."
The cycling route in the Bollenstreek region takes you past vast fields of red, yellow, pink, and purple, interspersed with picturesque villages and old bulb sheds. The tulip fields in the Bollenstreek region are located in Noordwijk, Noordwijkerhout, Lisse, Hillegom, and Voorhout. This is precisely the area where the famous Keukenhof Gardens and the Tulip Experience Amsterdam are located.
"Cycling through the Bollenstreek is one cozy journey of discovery," says Simon. "Here you’ll find small roads, old villages, and flowers everywhere. It feels like the Mondrian of the Netherlands to me."
Read more: Where to find the best Dutch tulip fields near Amsterdam
"Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Bulb Region"
The official Tulip Route is established by local initiatives. Although the route varies annually, it largely runs through the Bulb Region. The Tulip Route consists of two cycling routes: the blue Keukenhof route (5 km) and the purple Keukenhof route (10 km).
Both loops are suitable for all ages. The routes largely take you along quiet, paved roads past colorful tulip fields. Thanks to the short distances, you can easily combine the bike ride with highlights along the way. From seeing the blooming tulip fields to a visit to Keukenhof or Tulip Experience Amsterdam.
Simon explains, "We're located on the access road to Keukenhof, so many cyclists automatically pass by the Tulip Experience Amsterdam. It's a perfect stop along the way. You can enjoy a drink in our restaurant, visit the Tulip Museum, and stand among the tulips to take photos in our show garden."
To make the most of the 2026 Tulip Route in the Bollenstreek, Simon and Sylvia share their best local tips:
1. Start early in the day. In the morning the light is best for photos, and the cycle paths are still quiet.
2. Plan your route wisely. The tulip fields bloom mainly between late March and late April. Keep an eye on local bloom updates to know exactly where the flowers are blooming at that time. Remember that the production fields belong to growers. Walking in them is prohibited, as the crops may be damaged or become diseased.
3. Make a stopover. Midway along the route, you'll find the show garden of our Tulip Experience Amsterdam, with over 4 million tulips and 700 different tulip varieties. This is a spot in the Bulb Region where you can truly enjoy the tulips without a care in the world.
Whether you're desiring a cup of coffee, a delicious lunch, or some typical Dutch treats while cycling, you can enjoy them at our coffee corner with a view of our enchanting show garden. Book your ticket now! Tulip Experience Amsterdam is open from March 19 to May 10, 2026. During your short cycling break, you can also visit our Tulip Museum, Tulip Garden, and Indoor Picking Station.
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.
