Visit Keukenhof Flower Gardens in Holland

The World’s Largest Tulip and Bulbs Park near Lisse, the Netherlands

© Henk Bekker

Dec 5, 2007
Keukenhof near Lisse, Holland, Netherlands, Lin Mei http://www.flickr.com/photos/leomei/
Keukenhof near Lisse, South Holland, is the world's largest flower garden park with around 7 million tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other flowering bulbs on display.

What is Keukenhof?

Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower park. Every spring since 1949, top horticulturists in the Netherlands have planted around 7 million bulbs here in displays that change annually.

The variety of flowers and colors are overwhelming. Tulips are the most famous of Dutch bulbs and careful planting of early, regular, and late flowering bulbs ensure that tulips are usually seen for most of the two-month season. Crocuses, narcissus (daffodils), and hyacinths are more prevalent early in the season when Japanese cherry blossoms can also be seen.

The gardens are laid out in a wide variety of styles – from the modern to more classical and historical styles. It is a joy to stroll around and discover new interpretations and ideas after each twist and turn of the smooth paved paths of this 32-ha (80-acre) park.

  • Keukenhof literally means kitchen court garden as it used to supply a nearby palace with fresh produce.

The main attraction of Keukenhof is obviously the flowers but children playgrounds, a full-scale windmill, public art and performances, as well as special displays add further entertainment. Restaurants are mostly self-service and picnicking is permitted. Dogs on leashes are allowed but no boom boxes – despite the huge number of visitors a visit to Keukenhof is supposed to be a relaxing experience.

  • Several Bloemencorsos (flower parade festivals) are held in the Netherlands. One of the largest is the Bollenstreek parade at the end of April from Noordwijk through the bulb region and past Keukenhof to Harlem.

Keukenhof Opening Hours

Keukenhof’s flower gardens are only open for two months in spring – end March (around the 20th) to end May. During this period, Keukenhof is open daily from 8 am to 7:30 pm.

  • The best time to visit Keukenhof depends on the weather but mid-April is usually the most reliable for tulips. Weekends are best avoided.

Transportation: How to Get to Keukenhof

  • By Car

The easiest way to Keukenhof is by car – it is near Lisse between Harlem and Leiden. From highway A4 use exit 4 and from highway A44 use exit 3. The route is well signposted once close to Lisse. Ample, reasonably priced parking is available.

  • Public Transportation to Keukenhof

Several public transportation options are available with the new OV-Chipkaart making traveling easier than ever before:

  • From Schiphol Airport: Bus 58 goes directly to Keukenhof during the season
  • From Leiden: Bus 54 (Keukenhof Express) goes directly to Keukenhof
  • From Harlem: Bus 50 and 51 pass Keukenhof
  • From Lisse: Bus 57 runs to Keukenhof
  • From Amsterdam: use a train to any of the above towns or inquire about direct day tours by bus.

Combination bus and admission tickets are generally available – the savings are minimal but do cut out queuing time.

  • By Bicycle

The Netherlands are famous for its cycling lanes and Keukenhof can easily be reached on bicycle. Free bicycle parking is available, as bicycles are not allowed inside the flower gardens.

  • Keukenhof’s flower gardens are in the Netherlands’ largest tulip-growing region. The surrounding flower and bulb fields can easily be explored on bicycle. Bicycle rentals (and suggested routes) are available from Keukenhof’s main entrance (Hoofdingang).

Keukenhof is an easy half-day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam or a full daytrip if combined with a visit to Leiden, birthplace of old Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. Another pleasant half-day trip from Amsterdam is to Zaanse Schans to see working historical windmills.


The copyright of the article Visit Keukenhof Flower Gardens in Holland in Netherlands Travel is owned by Henk Bekker. Permission to republish Visit Keukenhof Flower Gardens in Holland in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Keukenhof near Lisse, Holland, Netherlands, Lin Mei http://www.flickr.com/photos/leomei/
Keukenhof near Lisse, Holland, Netherlands, Jack Versloot www.flickr.com/photos/jackversloot
Keukenhof near Lisse, Holland, Netherlands, Jack Versloot www.flickr.com/photos/jackversloot
Tulip Fields near Keukenhof, Holland, Netherlands, Peter Theakston www.flickr.com/photos/petursey/
Keukenhof near Lisse, Holland, Netherlands, Peter Theakston www.flickr.com/photos/petursey/


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Comments
Dec 19, 2008 10:04 AM
Henk Bekker :
During 2009, Keukenhof will be open from March 19 to May 21 daily from 8 am to 7:30 pm. (Ticket counters close at 6 pm. Standard ticket prices are €13.50.

In 2009, Keukenhof will celebrate its sixtieth anniversary. The theme this year will be USA, New Amsterdam/New York, as it is 400 years since Henry Hudson founded New Amsterdam. 25,000 bulbs will be used to form a flower mosaic of the Statue of Liberty and many other USA-themed events and exhibitions are planned.

Nov 4, 2009 5:08 AM
Henk Bekker :
During 2010, Keukenhof will be open from 18 March to 16 May. The special theme will be "From Russia with Love" with a special flower mosaic of St. Basil’s Cathedral.
2 Comments