Keukenhof, often referred to as “the Garden of Europe”, is one of the major springtime tourist attractions in the Netherlands.
One of the World’s Largest Flower Gardens
Keukenhof is reputed to be “the most beautiful spring garden in the world.” Each year it provides visitors with spectacular displays of crocuses, tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, among others. More than 7 million bulbs are planted there annually.
As the visitor strolls around the 15 km of footpaths within the 32-hectare park, each new turn provides more ‘eye candy’.
Where is Keukenhof Located?
Keukenhof is in the small town of Lisse, about 25 km southwest of Amsterdam. It was established in 1949 by the then-mayor of Lisse.
The Netherlands had become the world’s largest exporter of flowers. The idea was to present a flower exhibit where growers could show off their hybrids and help the Dutch export industry.
Visiting from Amsterdam
While in Amsterdam, I decided to spend a day in these nearby gardens. I simply hopped on a train to the airport, using my Eurail pass. Then I took bus #58, which led me directly to the Keukenhof in about half an hour. It proved to be a wondrous and worthwhile destination.
However, the major problem here is that I just couldn’t stop taking photos. I discovered that about a thousand varieties of tulips were on display among the more than 4 million tulips in this historic park.
In addition, there were many other varieties of outdoor spring flowers, beautiful shrubs, statues, waterfalls, lakes, fountains, artistic works and pavilions. It’s definitely worth exploring.
A Walk in the Park
A simple stroll through the flower gardens is a must. You’ll be surprised by the wide variety on display and by the sheer number of blooming flowers. Furthermore, you’ll be impressed by the vast size of these gardens.
Be sure to include a visit to the English Landscape Garden, the Japanese Country Garden, Azalea Lane, Beech Tree Lane, Natural Garden and the Historical Garden.
In addition, you’ll find several pavilions here, so not all the flowers are found outside. The Willem-Alexander Pavilion is home to the world’s largest lily show. Beatrix Pavilion offers the visitor a plethora of orchids and anthuriums.
And the Julian Pavilion offers “Tulipomania”, where the visitor will learn about the history of the black tulip and discover how certain famous people have given names to new varieties of tulips. It’s the place to find out all you wanted to know about tulips but were afraid to ask.
Keukenhof for Children
The Netherlands’ Keukenhof Gardens also tries to appeal to youngsters. You’ll find a petting zoo, a maze and a playground on site. Plus, there’s a “Keukenhof Treasure Hunt.”
Questions are used to guide children around the park and help them have fun while, at the same time, learning a great deal about plants and flowers.
Beyond the Garden
As I walked among these spring blooms in Keukenhof, I discovered that this destination also offered a flower shop for ordering bulbs that can be shipped worldwide. In addition, there were live bands plus several restaurants and souvenir shops.
Items for purchase included wooden shoes, a Keukenhof calendar, a wooden or stained-glass tulip and even a tulip-shaped purse.
There are crowds of people walking about here, so this is not a place for cycling. However, just outside the gates to the park, I found a bicycle rental shop and I could then enjoy a ride through the flowering fields located near Keukenhof.
I discovered that there’s something very special about cycling through the fields of blooming tulips on a warm spring day. What a magnificent view.
Whisper Boats
Another interesting tour of the area is available via flat ‘whisper boats’, driven by electric engines. They’ll take you around the neighboring tulip fields by way of the shallow waterways, providing a different ‘up close and personal look’ at the spectacular fields in bloom.
Special Events
This floral park offers several special events and guided tours each spring and includes a featured theme country being celebrated each year.
It also hosts a yearly “Flower Parade” to officially kick off the annual celebration. On that day, guests can leave the gardens to enjoy the parade along its route and then return to continue the visit inside Keukenhof.
The park itself is also open ‘off-season’ on an October weekend, for its National Flower Bulb Market.
If You Go
Getting There: Keukenhof is in Lisse, about 40 km southwest of Amsterdam. A direct bus from Amsterdam RAI (line 852) gets you there in about 35 minutes — check keukenhof.nl for current routes and combi-ticket options before you go, as transport arrangements change seasonally.
Tickets: Keukenhof operates on timed entry, so book online before you go. Entrance tickets start at around €21.50 for adults and €9–10 for children. April weekends and the Flower Parade (April 18) sell out well in advance — sometimes before the season even opens. Visit keukenhof.nl to book.
Tours from Amsterdam: Prefer to leave the logistics to someone else? Browse Keukenhof day trips on Viator
Flights: Find flights to Amsterdam (AMS) at CheapOair
Where to Stay: Amsterdam has the widest hotel selection; Haarlem is a quieter, often more affordable alternative. Browse Amsterdam hotels on TripAdvisor
Travel Insurance: Squaremouth | SafetyWing
For More Information: www.keukenhof.nl/en/
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Author’s Bio: John M. Smith is a freelance travel writer and photographer who enjoys travelling the world and writing about his adventures. He has written weekly travel features for a group of community newspapers, presented several travelogues, and is the author of two major cycling books: “Cycling Canada” and “Cycling the USA”
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