Visiting the Tulip Fields in Goeree-Overflakkee
Goeree-Overflakkee, located in the southwestern part of the Netherlands, is one of the best places to visit if you want to see the famous tulip fields. Every spring, the fields of Goeree-Overflakkee transform into a sea of vibrant colors, attracting tourists and photographers from all over the world. Compared to other regions in the Netherlands, such as Lisse and the neighboring villages, Goeree-Overflakkee is less crowded which is a huge advantage. In this blog post, we’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting the tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee, including exact locations of the fields, and help you make the most of your trip.
History of tulips in the Netherlands
Tulips have a rich history in the Netherlands, dating back to the 16th century when they were first introduced to the country from the Ottoman Empire. The tulip quickly became a popular flower in the Netherlands, and by the 17th century, the tulip mania had taken hold. Tulip mania was a period of frenzied speculation in tulip bulbs, where prices reached astronomical levels. People traded bulbs as if they were gold, and some bulbs sold for the equivalent of thousands of euros.
Nowadays, tulip bulbs are a major export product of the Netherlands, with the country being one of the largest producers of tulip bulbs in the world. The tulip industry in the Netherlands generates millions of euros in revenue each year, with tulip bulbs being exported to countries all over the world.
Fun fact: The purpose of the tulip fields is growing the tulip bulbs, not the flowers. The bulbs are the export product, not the flowers themselves.
When to visit the tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee
In general, the tulips in the Netherlands are at their peak bloom from mid-April until mid-May. The exact blooming period depends on the weather conditions in winter and early spring. If the temperatures during winter and early spring are mild, the tulips might bloom earlier. If the temperatures are colder than usual, the tulips might bloom later. Keep in mind that the blooming period of the tulips in Goeree-Overflakkee, southwest in the Netherlands, starts earlier compared to the blooming period in the north of the Netherlands, for instance in the province of Flevoland (another great area to see the tulip fields). In 2022, we visited the tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee in the evening on the 26th of April. We still found plenty of fields with beautiful blooming tulips, but we also saw quite some fields with cut tulips. The later you go in the season, the more tulips will be cut. We’d recommend visiting the tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee between mid-April and the end of April to optimize the chances of seeing as many tulips in their peak bloom as possible.
There weren’t any crowds when we were at the tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee. We only saw two photographers. Daytime during the weekends it might be busier, but we don’t expect the area to be flooded by tourists.
Fun fact: Cutting the tulips is an important part of growing the tulip bulb. Once the flower is cut off, all the energy will go into growing the bulb instead of growing the flower.
Cut tulips
Locations of the tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee
You can find the most tulips fields between Oude Tonge, Nieuwe Tonge and Middelharnis. We suggest you simply drive between these places and stop whenever you see a tulip field. Don’t take the regional road N215, but take the smaller roads. Usually, there is plenty of space to park your car close to a tulip field on a patch of grass along the road, without obstructing the traffic. Be aware that not all tulip fields are accessible, as some might be closed off by fences and ditches.
Below, you’ll find links to some of the tulip fields we’ve discovered. Please note that the exact locations may vary each year as tulip bulbs are frequently replanted every other year to allow the soil to rejuvenate and produce better bulbs. But don’t worry, as there probably will be a tulip field in close proximity to the locations we’ve provided. Simply drive around the area and you’ll come across them.
Tulip field 1
Tulip field 2
Respect the tulips
When exploring the tulip fields, please respect both the flowers and the farmers’ property. Access the fields only through designated entry points where you are permitted to enter. Avoid stepping on the tulips at all times. The farmers who own these fields may reside close by or even adjacent to the fields, so please respect their privacy and do not interfere. At almost every tulip field in Goeree-Overflakkee there are signs to prevent people from walking through the fields and/or picking tulips. Some signs even state that you will be fined when walking through the fields.
Translation of the sign: enjoy the tulips, respect the bulbs. Don’t walk through the field. Don’t pick the tulips. Beware! Don’t walk in between the tulips, only in front of the tulips. When violating these rules a fine of €100 will be charged and/or a report will be filed at the police.
Flying a drone
One of the best ways to photograph the tulip fields is from the sky by using a drone. If you plan to use a drone, only fly it when you are confident that it will not disturb or infringe upon anyone’s privacy. It is important to note that some people in the Netherlands find drones to be disruptive, so it is recommended to only fly it when the area is clear of people.
How to get to the tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee
By car
The tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee are best reached by car. The region is well connected by roads, and you can easily find parking in the nearby towns. If you don’t have a car, you can take a train to Rotterdam and then rent a car or take a bus to the tulip fields. From Rotterdam, the drive to Nieuwe-Tonge is around 40 minutes. From Amsterdam, it’s a 1,5-hour drive to Nieuwe-Tonge. If you’re coming from Belgium or France to see the tulip fields, Goeree-Overflakkee is actually one of the best options as it’s close to the Belgium border. From Antwerp, Nieuwe-Tonge is less than a 1-hour drive.
By public transport
Goeree-Overflakkee isn’t very well-connected by public transport. Bus lines 436 and 437 drive from Zuidplein in Rotterdam to Middelharnis and also stop in Nieuwe-Tonge. The entire journey from Rotterdam Zuidplein to Middelharnis is 1 hour. On weekdays, buses leave every 10 minutes, on Saturdays every 30 minutes and on Sundays once an hour. Even though the locations of the tulip fields we’ve mentioned before are very close to Nieuwe-Tonge, both fields are still a 20-minute walk from the bus stop. If you’re traveling by public transport, we’d recommend renting a bicycle in Middelharnis, so you can get around the area more easily. Click here for information and prices about bike rental in Middelharnis.
Alternative tulip fields regions in the Netherlands
The province of Flevoland remains our favorite area to see tulip fields in the Netherlands. In Flevoland, there are so many huge tulip fields with a lot of different colors, without any crowds. Click here to find out where you can find the best tulip fields in Flevoland.
The most popular tulip field area is Lisse and the neighboring villages. The main attraction in this region is the Keukenhof, which attracts thousands of tourists each year. During tulip season, the entire region is flooded by tourists. Click here for the exact locations to some of the tulip fields in and around Lisse.
Visiting the tulip fields in Goeree-Overflakkee is an experience that you won’t forget. The beauty of the tulips in full bloom, combined with the charming Dutch countryside, makes for a perfect spring getaway. Whether you’re a photographer, a flower lover, or just looking for a relaxing break, Goeree-Overflakkee is a must-visit destination during tulip season.
Have you ever been to the tulip fields in the Netherlands, or is it still on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
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