If you’re in the Netherlands and looking for a quintessential tourist attraction to visit, look no further than the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. With acres of tulips and other spring flowers on display, it’s no wonder that this attraction sees millions of visitors every year.
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Luckily, tickets are relatively affordable and can be booked online in advance. This post will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, from how to get there to what to expect once you’re there. So if you’re keen to see these stunning gardens for yourself, keep reading!
The Keukenhof is one of the top attractions in Netherlands. This the world’s largest bulb flower garden and in a good season can attract over 800.000 visitors in just 8 weeks time. These 8 weeks neatly correspond with the short-lived growth faze of all those lovely flowers. With your Keukenhof Tulip Gardens tickets you can expect millions of multicoloured flowers including; Tulips, hyacinths and daffodils.
BOOK TICKETS NOWKeukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. It is situated in Lisse, the Netherlands, and spans an impressive 32 hectares. The history of Keukenhof dates back to the 15th century when it served as the hunting grounds for Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut, and also provided herbs for the kitchen of Teylingen Castle, hence the name ‘Keukenhof’ which translates to ‘Kitchen Garden’. It was not until 1949 that the garden was established by the then-mayor of Lisse, with the idea of presenting a flower exhibit where growers from all over the Netherlands and Europe could show off their hybrids – and help the Dutch export industry (the Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of flowers).
As you wander through the winding paths of Keukenhof, the historical significance is palpable, with the garden’s design reflecting the age-old Dutch tradition of floriculture. The garden opens its gates to visitors from all around the world every spring and has become a symbol of the beauty and variety of the flowers that the Netherlands produces. Keukenhof is not only a testament to the country’s floral heritage but also serves as a canvas that showcases the latest in the world of horticulture.
Keukenhof is a testament to the beauty of nature, showcasing an ever-changing tapestry of blooming flowers. It is most famous for its breathtaking tulips, which come in a myriad of colors and shapes, but the garden also features daffodils, hyacinths, orchids, roses, irises, lilies, and many other types of flowers. Every year, Keukenhof chooses a new theme to inspire the design of its floral displays. This thematic approach ensures that no two visits to Keukenhof are ever the same, with each year offering a unique experience. The garden’s expertly curated flower shows are perfect for photography enthusiasts and garden lovers alike, often inspiring visitors with ideas for their own gardens.
The themes chosen are not only a celebration of horticultural diversity but also a reflection of culture and current events. For example, in past years, themes have paid homage to Dutch artists, like Vincent van Gogh, or focused on fostering international relations, such as the ‘Holland and the USA’ theme. These themes guide the planting of the seven million flower bulbs by a team of gardeners, creating an immersive landscape of color and fragrance that attracts over a million visitors each season.
The layout of Keukenhof Gardens is a masterpiece of landscape architecture, blending formal and informal garden designs. It features a variety of different gardens and styles, including the English landscape garden, the Historical Garden, the Natural Garden, and themed gardens like the Japanese Country Garden. Each section of Keukenhof is carefully designed to allow the natural beauty of its flowers to shine, with the garden paths directing visitors through a living gallery of color and scent.
Notable features include the tranquil water gardens, which are a serene oasis of reflection and beauty, and the inspirational gardens, which provide ideas for gardeners to take home. The Keukenhof is not only a showcase for floral beauty but also a testament to Dutch design excellence. The seamless integration of art and nature is evident in the way sculptures and works of art are displayed among the flowers, creating a harmonious balance that is both stimulating and relaxing.
Throughout its open season, Keukenhof is a hub of cultural and horticultural activity. The garden hosts a variety of events that celebrate Dutch heritage and the art of gardening. Flower shows are a major draw, with different halls within the gardens dedicated to flower arranging demonstrations and competitions. These shows are often themed and feature some of the finest florists in the country, showcasing their talents and competing for prizes.
In addition to these, Keukenhof also organizes art exhibitions, musical performances, and the much-anticipated annual flower parade. The parade is a highlight of the garden’s calendar, with beautifully decorated floats and arrangements that travel through the surrounding towns. For those interested in the technical aspects of gardening, Keukenhof offers workshops and guided tours that delve into the science and skill behind the beauty, led by experts in the field of horticulture.
Experience a relaxing day away from Amsterdam’s hectic city centre with this half-day Keukenhof tour. Visit the scenic Dutch countryside location with a chartered bus. Once at the Keukenhof you can explore this magical garden indecently at your own pace. An added bonus of these Keukenhof Tulip Gardens tickets is that they also give you access to a canal cruise in Amsterdam. Experience the beautiful Keukenhof Tulip Gardens and see UNESCO world heritage canal ring of Amsterdam.
The Keukenhof Tulip Gardens tour starts off in Amsterdam. Leave by coach from the set meeting point and journey across the splendid Dutch countryside. See the flat countryside filled with flourishing flowers whilst getting information from your tour guide on the history of this region of The Netherlands. Once at the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens set off at your own leisure pace. A provided map helps you easily explore the 79-acre (32-hectare) tulip gardens. Walk along the many pathways all lined with millions of blooming tulips.
Fun fact: Did you know that blue tulips do not exist?
Blue tulips do not exist in nature because tulips do not have the genetic makeup to produce blue pigment. Although there are a variety of colors and shades that tulips come in, including red, yellow, pink, white, and purple, blue is not one of them. While scientists have attempted to genetically modify tulips to produce blue pigment, it is difficult to achieve as blue is a rare color in the plant kingdom. Therefore, if you see a blue tulip, it is likely to be either a result of a dye or a product of photo editing.
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Besides the tulips the bluebells, daffodils and hyacinths are also in their springtime bloom during your visit. Bring your own Picnic lunch and settle down next to the many beautiful brooks, greenhouses and ponds. For those who’d rather eat out, there also many option at the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens for having lunch.
After seeing the entire Keukenhof head on down back to the coach where the tour ends. Once back in Amsterdam you can join an Amsterdam canal cruise through its UNESCO World Heritage canals. Tickets for the canal cruise are included with your Keukenhof Tulip Garden Tickets!
The Dutch tulip mania of 1636 – 1637 is considered to be one of greatest (and most bizarre) economic boom and bust in world history. Tulips originally come from Central Asia and were first cultivated by the Turks. The word ‘tulip’ actually derives from the Turkish word for turban. When a new director of Hortus botanics Leiden (Europe’s oldest botanical garden) brought the tulip with him he soon found out that the cool damp Dutch climate and the fertile delta soil were perfect for tulip cultivation and cross breeding.
Exotic versions of the tulips had frilly petals and flamelike streaks of colour. These features attracted the attention of Holland’s many wealthy merchants at that time. They bought them and put them on display in their living rooms and hallways to impress their visitors. The trickle down wealth and savings during Holland’s golden age stoked the taste for all kinds of exotics and the number of tulip growers increased to satisfy the rocketing demand.
What followed was a speculative frenzy. People paid large sums of money for the finest bulbs, many of them changing hands multiple times before actually sprouting. Fortunes were made in the trade and speculators went crazy in outbidding each-other.
But all good things must come to and end. When multiple Haarlem based bulb traders failed to get their expected prices in February 1637 the bottom fell out of the whole market. In a couple of weeks time many of Holland’s wealthiest merchant went bankrupt and many others, with far less wealth, also lost everything.
But miraculously the Dutch love for tulips didn’t disappear. They are to this day the world leaders in the cultivation of tulips. To get a taste for the Dutch love of tulips one must visit the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens! This guided tour takes half a day and included 1 one canal cruise too. Especially on sunny spring days this is one of the best activities outside of Amsterdam.
Tulips and other flowers predominately bloom during the spring time. In the Netherlands this is from March through May. These are the best months to visit the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens to see all the flowers bloom. If you prefer a higher chance of sunshine during your visit we’d advice you to come in May.
The best time to visit Keukenhof is before 10:30am and after 4pm when the gardens are relatively quieter. Keukenhof is only open for eight weeks. Peak bloom time varies from year to year and can depend on weather conditions. Be sure to check the best weather apps in Holland.
You can get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam by bus, train or car. There are also direct buses from other cities in the Netherlands like The Hague and Rotterdam.
Yes, you can buy Keukenhof tickets online in advance. There are also discounts available for children, seniors, and groups.
It typically takes about 2-3 hours to explore Keukenhof, but it can depend on your pace and how much you want to see. Guided tours are available for an additional fee.
Other nearby attractions and activities include cycling through the bulb fields, visiting nearby castles, exploring the beach at Noordwijk, and visiting the Aalsmeer Flower Auction.
Pets are not allowed in Keukenhof Gardens, with the exception of guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired. This ensures the safety and preservation of the floral displays and a pleasant experience for all visitors.
This activity is rated with a 4,5/ 5 by 1.652 people.
If you want to see the world’s largest bulb flower garden, be sure to book your tickets to Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. With more than 7 million tulips in bloom, it’s no wonder this attraction is one of the most popular in The Netherlands. You won’t want to miss out on this incredible floral display!
A visit to Keukenhof Gardens is a delightful experience not just for the eyes, but for all the senses. To ensure visitors get the most out of their visit, Keukenhof provides a range of amenities and services. There are numerous cafes and restaurants where one can relax and enjoy traditional Dutch snacks or a full meal. The garden is also very family-friendly, with a petting zoo, a maze, and a playground available for younger visitors.
Practical information such as the best times to visit to avoid the crowds, wheelchair accessibility, and the availability of guided tours can be found on the Keukenhof’s website. The garden is open for just eight weeks each year, typically from mid-March to mid-May, which is the prime blooming period. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets in advance, especially if planning to attend during peak weekends when the tulips are in full bloom. Keukenhof is more than just a garden; it’s an experience that provides lasting memories and the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
We went the last week of the blooming season, on May 14, 2019. Although some tulips had been harvested, it seemed that the vast majority were still growing and were beautiful. So many colors. We had lunch at a cafeteria within the gardens which had a nice selection of hot and cold foods at reasonable prices. The tour provided the round trip transportation with 3 hours for independent wandering. The Canal Cruise scheduled at our convenience was an added plus.
this was my first time in Netherlands. This place is my favorite place ever in whole Netherlands. you just enter and forget about everything else in the world. the smell of flowers and scenes and the sun all will stick to your mind for ages. there are many places for food and ice-cream so don’t worry about that. there is a boat trip between tulip fields if you want to join just go directly to reserve your tickets because it takes a while.