APRIL 2022, UPDATED 2023
The Netherlands is famous for its colorful tulip fields, but not everybody knows that you will find tulip fields in several regions of the Netherlands, and not just near Lisse. Last year, my friend who lives in Flevoland introduced me to the tulip fields in Flevoland: enormous fields with gigantic wind turbines in the background. I personally found this combination so spectacular, that I knew I would be back for the Tulip Route in Flevoland. You can do the Tulip Route by car and by bike, let me tell you about our experience!
Practical information
Several tulip farmers participate in the Tulip Route in Flevoland. On the route you will find tulip fields that you are allowed to enter, tulip fields that are forbidden to enter (which will be indicated with signs) and some restaurant options and picking gardens. These locations are all near to each other, so you will be guaranteed lots of tulips fields over a small amount of time. Some participants have decorated the tulip fields with fun items, such as a vintage car, creating a cool photo opportunity. There are three routes that you can drive by car: Dronten, Lelystad and Zeewolde. If you want to drive these routes you need to buy a ticket of € 5, with which you support the organization. The cycling routes are in Dronten, Lelystad and Swifterband. The routes differ in kilometers, so you can pick the length that suites you best. You can download the cycling maps for free on the website. In 2023 The Tulip Route is from April 15 until May 7. We visited on April 22 2022 and found most fields in bloom (75%), while on April 24 2023 only 30% is in bloom. Make sure to check the official website to discover the actual percentage of bloom.
Our experience
I was very optimistic to cycle a part of the Tulip Route near Lelystad, as I discovered some fields close to each other and it was a lovely, sunny day. However, I did not expect the wind to be that strong and had a difficult time cycling with a kid and a basket on an old bike. If you want to cycle the Tulip Route, you must have proper gear as the wind can be incredibly strong in the polders. The tulip fields however, were great! They are much bigger than in the densely populated area of Lisse and Voorhout and the wind turbines provide a great background. Your shots will also be more clean than in Lisse, as there are no large sheds blocking your view. I highly recommend checking out the tulip fields in this area, but maybe I would recommend doing it by car if you are visiting with kids. Or take an electric bike! You will find several picking gardens along the way, which I loved for picking fresh tulips, letting Hugo play for a bit and take some cool pictures. If you don’t know the concept of a picking garden, check out this blog. Concluding, we were super happy that our friend from Almere invited us again to the Tulip Route and we would go again next year!
Despite the strong winds, we were able to fly the drone for a little bit. The colors of the fields are so spectacular, it is the perfect spot for droning.
Volgend jaar weer!
Zeker weten!
Thanks Koen
We are planning to cycle in Flevoland end of April
Please advice where to to start roughly as website is not published and we have to book hotels
Also we have 1-2 days where to stay?
Thanks
Narayan -UK
Hi Narayan, I am sorry for my late reply. Somehow I didn’t see your question sooner. The tulips were really early this year, most of them will be gone by this week. I hope you found a good place to stay and see some tulips!