When planning a spring visit to the Netherlands, many people imagine endless tulip fields. But there are actually three different types of tulip experiences:

• Keukenhof Gardens

• Agricultural tulip fields

• Tulip gardens created for visitors

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right atmosphere for your visit.

What Is Keukenhof?

Keukenhof is a landscaped spring garden.

Each year, millions of bulbs are planted using layered techniques to ensure bloom continuity from March through May.

Here you will find:

• Designed flower beds

• Landscaped paths

• Indoor pavilions

• Water features

• Structured layouts

Keukenhof offers scale, variety, and predictability. It is accessible and well-organized, making it ideal for visitors who prefer a complete and curated experience.

What Are Tulip Fields?

Tulip fields are agricultural land.

The flowers are grown for bulb production, not for display. That means:

• Bloom timing depends on weather

• Fields may be cut without notice

• Access is restricted

• Walking into fields can damage crops

The final product is the bulb beneath the soil, not the flower.

Fields offer dramatic, wide-open landscapes, but they are working farms first.

Tulip Gardens: The Best of Both Worlds

In recent years, some growers have created dedicated tulip gardens designed specifically for visitors.

These spaces offer:

• Access between rows

• Intimate scale

• Respectful visitor management

• Fewer crowds

• Close interaction with flowers

Tulip gardens provide a balance between the structure of Keukenhof and the rural beauty of the fields.

They allow visitors to experience the flowers up close without disrupting agricultural production.

This is often where the most immersive and flexible photographic experiences happen.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Keukenhof if you prefer:

• A landscaped park

• Variety in bloom

• Architectural garden design

Choose tulip fields (only where access is publicly permitted) if you prefer:

• Wide countryside views

• Dramatic rows of color

Keep in mind that this option is less flexible in terms of timing. Growers open selected fields only on specific days, which are announced in advance on their websites. Access is often limited in both hours and the number of visitors.

This field welcomed visitors in 2024, but did not open during the 2025 season. Tulip field access changes each year depending on growers’ decisions and agricultural cycles. For 2026, at least two other fields have announced public opening days.

Choose tulip gardens if you prefer:

• Intimacy

• Space to move

• A respectful and accessible environment

• A balance between structure and landscape

Each offers a different atmosphere, and timing plays an essential role in all three.

Visiting Responsibly

I only photograph in gardens or in fields that publicly announce opening days. Respecting growers and their land ensures the region can continue welcoming visitors season after season.

Tulip season is beautiful, and temporary. Visiting thoughtfully matters.

The Tulip Region is more layered than it first appears. Knowing the difference between Keukenhof, fields, and tulip gardens allows you to plan a visit that feels aligned with your expectations.

If you would like guidance in choosing the right setting for your dates, you can explore my Tulip Experience Photography here.

Spring in the Netherlands is brief, choosing wisely makes it unforgettable.

See you soon in Amsterdam

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam