Dutch tulips are famed around the world, and witnessing the fields in bloom is something every person should experience at least once in their lives. But why stop at just looking?
The Tulip Experience Amsterdam offers so much more than just a spectacular view. While surrounded by some of the most beautiful flowers you’ll ever see, you can also learn about the history, production, and science behind the Dutch tulip.
As a family-owned and run business, this quaint tulip experience is unique and personal while still offering unbeatable photo ops.
Yes, you can pick your own tulips
One key aspect that sets Tulip Experience Amsterdam apart is the ability to enter their fields.
While other gardens are also delightful to look at, walking through the actual rows of tulips is usually forbidden.
Here, however, you get to run amongst the colourful flowers, pick your own (at the indoor garden), and snap some killer Insta-pics while you’re at it!
You can actually see and walk through an array of the 700 varieties of tulips cultivated by the WAM Pennings growers.
What’s more, you’ll be fully knowledgeable about the magic of the tulip by the time you stand among them.
And it’s not just pretty tulips — you’ll actually learn something
Before you reach the fields, you’ll walk through the museum. Here, you’re taken on a journey through time.
The artefacts, displays, and detailed explanations describe everything from the origins of the flower to the beginnings of the Bloemencorso (Dutch flower parade).
If you purchased the ticket with an audio tour included, you’ll be a tulip expert in no time!
Trust us — it’s fascinating stuff. Did you know the Dutch ate Tulip bulbs at one point in history?
From flower-adorned swing sets to a gazebo in the middle of tulip heaven, it’s no wonder hundreds of people choose this exact spot to propose to their loved one. Could you possibly ask for better engagement pics?
It’s fun for the whole family
Another heartwarming element to this tulp (tulip) adventure is that you can bring the kids along!
Not only are the fields thrilling to frolic in, but there are games (ever heard of Tulip Twister?), swings, and even scavenger hunts for your little ones to enjoy.
Plus, if you get hungry, coffee and treats are available at De Witte Zwaan (the White Swan), a historic café. Once upon a time, this establishment was a meeting point for tulip growers to trade and sell their bulbs.
There’s more here than you’d expect
Besides the museum, cafe, and fields, there’s also a mini-cinema, farmer’s market, and indoor picking area.
The mini cinema (which is just adorable, by the way) shows real archival footage of how growers used to work the tulip fields before the process became mechanised.
The farmer’s market (tulip-themed, of course) offers all kinds of tulip treats and souvenirs for you to remember the experience by.
Here you can also view an art collection of 9 historic paintings, commissioned as an homage to 75 years of the Bloemencorso.
And finally, the indoor picking area allows you to pick your own tulips and take them home! Adults are allowed 5 flowers, and kids can pick 3.
How one family built a tulip empire (of sorts)
The Tulip Experience Amsterdam is the culmination of a lot of hard work and intuition by the Pennings family.
Everybody has a role — from granddaughter Syvlie, who runs the experience, to great-granddaughters, one of whom designed the scavenger hunt!
Founded by grandfather Wim, WAM Pennings Nursery dates back to 1951. After taking over, Wim’s son, Simon, decided to cater to a new market in addition to the bulb-growing in 2019.
After noticing that people would illegally trespass onto the fields just to snap some pictures, Simon Pennings took matters into his own hands.
Together with Sylvia and the rest of the family, they created the Tulip Experience so visitors to the region could legally enter the flower fields without damaging other farmers’ bulbs.
Plus, in addition to the photo opportunities, the family wanted to share how the tulips are grown (with expert testimony) and more details about the flower’s storied history.
I’m in! What should I know?
Conveniently located just a 35-minute drive from Amsterdam (or 40 minutes via public transport), Tulip Experience Amsterdam is situated at Delfweg 37. You’ll be there in no time!
Prices are quite reasonable: you’ll pay €12.50 for standard entry, €15 for entry with audio tour, €6.50 for children ages 3 to 6, and enjoy free entry for younger children!
Plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half at the experience. There’s lots to see, and it’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon.
The Tulip Experience Amsterdam is open this spring from 19 March to 10 May, daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. Check the website, though, as some days offer longer hours for sunset pictures!
Any other questions? Check out the Tulip Experience FAQ page!
Have you visited the Tulip Experience Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments!