by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:22nd May 2017
A Dutch spring sensation
Ahh, the enchanting scent of spring flowering bulbs is such a welcoming fragrance.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love the pleasure of spotting our first spring bulbs emerging through the soil in our garden; however, the accomplishment of planting over 7 million bulbs in Keukenhof is one tulip too far for me.
It is quite astounding when you wander through the entrance of Keukenhof and see the swathe of magnificent blooms before you. Row after row of meticulously laid out beds reminiscent of a fragrant rainbow.
It’s not surprising that this beautiful garden welcomes 1 million visitors each spring, from near and far, within just an 8-week window.
Why not Pin it for later?
Where is Keukenhof?
How to get to Keukenhof
- By Public Transport
It is possible to purchase an online public transport combi-ticket to Keukenhof to include the train and bus from a nearby town/city or Schiphol Airport.
- By Car
There is plenty of parking at Keukenhof, which costs €6 per day. A car park ticket can be purchased on the day or online through Keukenhof with your entrance ticket.
The theme of 'Dutch Design'
Dutch artists Mondriaan & RietveldEvery year at Keukenhof, a different theme is chosen for the park. In 2017, the 68th year that Keukenhof opened its gardens to the public, the theme was ‘Dutch Design’.
Mondriaan Design
This vibrant modern theme of clean symmetrical lines celebrates the famous Dutch artists and designers Piet Mondriaan and Gerrit Rietveld, both pioneers of the 20th-century.
The beautiful display captures the iconic De Stijl art movement.
Exploring Keukenhof
Springtime in LisseThe picturesque Keukenhof gardens are designed for you to meander around as you wish, following no particular route or rules. Grab yourself a free pop-up map when you enter the grounds, and off you go on a voyage of discovery.
Select a path and wander
The displays throughout Keukenhof are stunning and so incredibly well-kept and manicured.
The profusion of flowers is painstakingly maintained and cared for to ensure that a spectacular floral parade is continually blooming and looking its best for the eight weeks of the event.
The wonderful designs throughout Keukenhof
Keukenhof must be one of the most beautiful spring gardens in the world.
Save time arriving at Keukenhof
You’ll want to spend a whole day at Keukenhof, so why don’t you buy and print your e-ticket in advance online from the Keukenhof website. It is valid for one day, just book your timeslot and away you go.
You can also pre-book parking online.
A whole day in Keukenhof
Get lost in the daffodilsYou mustn’t underestimate the time spent winding your way around the exquisite gardens at Keukenhof; it is so easy for hours to disappear. You’ll be swept along the snaking scented pathways from one stunning display to another.
To ensure you make the most of your day at Keukenhof, why not bring along a picnic and eat al fresco at one of their picnic tables. That way, you can spend the whole day exploring outside.
An ideal lunch spot
Not only are there an abundance of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths for you to admire, which are waving delicately in the breeze, but you’ll also discover the delightful lake and meandering waterways, which are equally pleasant to stroll around.
Be brave and take a leap of faith across the stepping-stones in the lake.
The stepping stones
Heading to the Netherlands from the UK?
How to get to Keukenhof
- By Train
If you're travelling from the UK, it is now possible to let the train take the strain and catch the relaxing Eurostar to Amsterdam. The direct route takes just over 4 hours.
- By Car
There are a couple of choices for getting to the Netherlands; If you’re venturing from the UK, jump on Le Shuttle and tour Holland under your own steam. Don’t forget to take a look at our helpful road trip checklist.
Alternatively, if you're arriving at an airport, it’s so easy to explore on a road trip. Rental Cars searches multiple well-known car hire brands and discovers the best deals that suit you.
- By Air
The nearest airport to Keukenhof is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, about 25 minutes (14mls/22km) from Keukenhof by taxi. Take a browse through ebookers.com for departures from your local airport.
Keukenhof, an assault on your senses
A Dutch sensationWe visited Keukenhof a few years ago, and one of the resounding memories that I have of wandering around the magnificent gardens is the captivating and overwhelming fragrance of the hyacinths.
Sweetly scented hyacinths
We always knew that hyacinths were nearby as you didn’t need to be upon them to appreciate their presence; their scent was enough and spellbinding.
When driving around the surrounding roads of Lisse, if you park up safely near one of the bulb fields, you’ll always know if hyacinths are close by.
Where to stay near Keukenhof
Carlton Square Hotel
Our accommodation while visiting Keukenhof was in the nearby town of Haarlem at the Carlton Square Hotel.
The Carlton Square Hotel is centrally located and was a pleasant 10-minute stroll into the historic centre. If you are driving, this hotel has a public underground car park at a charge and has direct access to the hotel.
Climbing the Keukenhof windmill
A view across the Dutch bulb fieldsA visit to Keukenhof wouldn’t be complete without climbing the iconic Dutch windmill to admire the view across the widespread floral bulb fields.
The Windmill
It’s only a couple of flights of stairs up to the circular viewing platform. When you step out and wander around, you’ll also be able to admire Keukenhof park below.
The flower fields
It’s at this point in Keukenhof gardens that you are able to hop on the chargeable 45-minute boat tour through the bulb fields.
Our Keukenhof Tip
Although the 45-minute Whisper Boat trip at €10 is very pleasant, I would say that if the bulb fields that the windmill overlooks are not extensively in bloom, then you won’t really see much more on the boat tour.
You’ll get better photographs from the windmill platform, which you can climb for free.
A few more tulips
You can never have too many tulipsIf you are anything like us, when you visit Keukenhof, you will be continually taking photographs; we have so many in our collection.
So, just in case you are not all tulip’d out, here are a few more of our favourite shots.
Pinks & Reds
White Flutes
Mixed bedfellows
The brightest of oranges
Flowing Colours
Bold colours
Tempted to?
Discover more of Holland; you'll be amazed at how easy it is to tour around by car. You can then visit the iconic towns of Edam and Gouda and also see the 19 traditional windmills at Kinderdijk, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rental Cars searches multiple well-known car hire brands and discovers the deals that suit you the best.
Keukenhof has something for everyone
There’s even a mazeThere is so much to be discovered at Keukenhof, in addition to their spring flowering bulbs.
As you zigzag through the shady gardens, you’ll spot beautiful crimson oriental acers. Near is Keukenhof’s vast walled garden, with manicured Buxus hedging filled with bobbing daffodils.
The Walled Garden
There’s also amusement to be had for your little budding gardeners; you’ll find a fun-filled playground and a lovely petting zoo.
A big chess set
And if you have a bit of time on your hands yourself, indulge in a game of giant chess or lose yourself in Keukenhof’s maze.
2023 Keukenhof admission prices
The 2023 Keukenhof garden display opens from 23rd March until 14th May from 8am – 7:30pm.
Adult €19 (Online)
Children 0-3 Free
Children 4-17 €9
Parking €6
Acres of Keukenhof to discover
But first, it’s time for a restVisiting Keukenhof gardens was very pleasing because your weary feet were catered for.
An orchid from the Orchid house
Plenty of seats were dotted around the park for you to reinvigorate yourself and restore your energy levels, so you were once again as fresh as a daisy.
Although, I think once you have covered Keukenhof’s 79 acres, including their exhibition houses, I’m sure you will have deserved the rest.
We have created a little YouTube video of the Keukenhof Gardens. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
A few interesting facts;
• Every year, 7 million bulbs are planted
• The park covers 32 hectares (79 acres)
• 800 varieties of tulips
• Keukenhof features more than 20 flower shows
• The bulbs are supplied by 100 exhibitors
• Keukenhof has free Wi-Fi
Combine with a Dutch road trip
The Netherlands awaitsWe visited Keukenhof as part of our ‘Tulips and Cheese’ road trip of the Netherlands; we based ourselves at Haarlem for a few nights, as Keukenhof was only 11 miles (18km) south.
In addition to Haarlem, our Dutch road trip itinerary included overnight stays in Alkmaar and Utrecht.
If driving isn’t your thing, then you are able to buy combi bus/train tickets from the Keukenhof website.
If you're thinking of heading of to the land of tulips and cheese, then grab this DK Eyewitness guide to help with your planning.
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
Have You?
Always wanted to see Holland in Bloom? It really is a great way to spend a day, and why not enjoy some Dutch culture too? Have you been? What are your memories?
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