Cycling the bulb fields from Lisse to the dunes

What it is

The best way to see the Dutch bulb fields is by bicycle. The country's numbered junction network, where you follow signs from one numbered point to the next, covers the whole Bollenstreek, and loops of 15 to 40 kilometres are easy to plan. A typical ride leaves Lisse, passes hyacinth and tulip fields towards Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout, and can continue to the dunes and the sea at Noordwijk. The ground is flat and the paths are separate from traffic. Along the way are farm stalls selling bunches of tulips, and a few growers open show gardens where you may pick your own.

Before you go

• Hire bicycles in Lisse or at Keukenhof's entrance, and take a junction map.
• Wind off the sea can be strong. Ride out against it and home with it behind you.
• Stop on the path, not in the field. Growers lose plants to visitors every spring.

The flowers you will see

TulipSpring-blooming bulbs with showy, cup-shaped flowers in many coloursGarden hyacinthA spring bulb with dense, fragrant flower clusters in many coloursNarcissusSpring-flowering bulbs with trumpet-shaped blooms in white, yellow, and orange

More in Lisse

🇳🇱 Lisse · Apr to MayThe bulb fields of the Bollenstreek in bloomLong stripes of hyacinth, daffodil and tulip on the sandy flats between Haarlem and Leiden, at their best in mid to late April. 🇳🇱 Lisse · Mar to MayKeukenhof in tulip seasonA woodland park in Lisse planted each autumn with millions of bulbs and open for about eight weeks in spring. 🇳🇱 Amsterdam · All yearThe floating Bloemenmarkt on the SingelA row of flower stalls built on barges along Amsterdam's Singel canal, selling bulbs, seeds and cut tulips. 🇳🇱 Aalsmeer · All yearWatching the Aalsmeer flower auction at dawnThe world's largest flower auction, seen from a gallery above a hall of moving carts near Schiphol airport.