The most beautiful under-the-radar tulip fields in the world

Should you find yourself in Ottawa in May, then a visit to the city’s Commissioners Park is a non-negotiable. It is here that you will find the annual tulip festival, which is free to all. The festival originated in 1945, when the Dutch government began sending a gift of tulip bulbs to Canada in recognition of two things: firstly, that the Dutch royal family had taken refuge here during World War II (Princess Margriet was even born here, in a maternity ward temporarily declared an exclave of Dutch territory so that she would still legally be able to inherit the throne), and secondly that Canadian troops had played a key role in liberating the Netherlands.
Morges Castle, Switzerland
Approximately 150,000 tulips, hyacinths and daffodils come together to make the annual Fête de la Tulipe on Lake Geneva one of the most stunning floral displays in Europe. Situated behind the chateau on the lake side, we can’t think of a more romantic backdrop, and it’s no surprise that it’s been dubbed a ‘mini Keukenhof’.
Srinagar, India
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The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar hosts the largest tulip festival in Asia, when thousands line up to see its 1.6 million blooms. First opened in 2017 as part of a tourism drive, it’s taken care of by a team of 105 gardeners, and saw a record-breaking 375,000 tourists visiting in 2023.
Kirna Manor Park, Estonia
In Estonia, Kirna Manor Park is renowned for its mythical healing qualities, but it’s also popular for its tulips, which spring up in May and fill the park with colour. Special photography areas have been set up amidst the flower beds, as well as benches, so that you can relax while you soak up their beauty.
Grevenbroich, Germany
GREVENBROICH, GERMANY – MAY 01: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Colored Tulips on the field on May 01, 2021 in Grevenbroich, Germany. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)DeFodi Images News/Getty Images
Much like its western neighbour, Germany also has countless tulip fields, though it’s the Lower Rhine region that has the very best. Head to Tulpenhof Francken to see them for free, though make sure you get the address right – Google Maps updates it yearly in April as the fields have no fixed location and often move.
Meerdonk, Belgium
A really off-the-beaten track option, the border town of Meerdonk has a handful of beautiful tulip fields, though in order to protect the farmers, the exact locations are often not shared. If you do visit, then remember not to pick any – after all, this is akin to theft. If you’re itching to take some home, then head to Brussels, where they are available to buy at Ferme du Chant des Cailles.