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Keukenhof, Nederland - Things to Do in Keukenhof

Keukenhof

Keukenhof, Nederland - Complete Travel Guide

Keukenhof, located in Lisse in the Netherlands, is one of the world's most spectacular flower gardens and a true testament to Dutch horticultural excellence. Known as the 'Garden of Europe,' this 79-acre wonderland showcases over 7 million flower bulbs that bloom in a dazzling display of colors each spring, creating what many consider to be the most beautiful spring garden on Earth. The park features meticulously designed themed gardens, winding pathways, serene lakes, and historic windmills that provide the perfect backdrop for the millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths that carpet the landscape. Open only from mid-March to mid-May each year, Keukenhof offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Dutch countryside at its most magnificent. Beyond the outdoor gardens, the park features several pavilions showcasing rare orchids, lilies, and other exotic flowers, along with flower shows, art exhibitions, and cultural events that celebrate Dutch heritage and the arrival of spring in the Netherlands.

Top Keukenhof

the Themed Garden Areas

Wander through Keukenhof's distinct themed sections, each offering unique flower arrangements and design concepts. From the English Landscape Garden to the Japanese Country Garden, each area presents different varieties of spring bulbs in carefully curated settings that showcase both traditional and contemporary garden design.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost around €20 for adults and can be purchased online in advance to avoid queues. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Consider combination tickets that include transportation from major Dutch cities.

Photography Tour of Tulip Fields

Capture the iconic Dutch landscape with guided photography sessions through both Keukenhof gardens and the surrounding Bollenstreek region. Professional guides help you find the most photogenic spots and provide tips for photographing the colorful flower fields that stretch beyond the garden's borders.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range from €45-80 per person and often include transportation to nearby tulip farms. Book tours scheduled for golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for optimal lighting conditions. Some tours provide professional photography equipment.

Historic Windmill Climbing

Climb the restored historic windmill within Keukenhof grounds for panoramic views over the flower gardens and surrounding Dutch countryside. The windmill offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the scale and artistry of the garden's design while learning about traditional Dutch milling techniques.

Booking Tip: Windmill access is included with garden admission but has limited capacity. Visit the windmill early in your visit to avoid disappointment, as it can close during high winds or maintenance. The climb involves steep stairs, so wear appropriate footwear.

Pavilion Flower Shows

Explore the indoor pavilions featuring rotating exhibitions of rare orchids, lilies, roses, and seasonal flower arrangements. These climate-controlled spaces showcase flowers that bloom outside the spring season and often feature award-winning displays from Dutch flower growers and international exhibitors.

Booking Tip: Pavilion access is included with garden admission, and exhibitions change weekly throughout the season. Check the official schedule for special flower shows or competitions. The pavilions provide excellent shelter during rainy weather while maintaining the floral experience.

Boat Tour Through Flower Fields

Take a scenic boat cruise through the waterways surrounding Keukenhof to see the commercial tulip fields from a unique perspective. These tours provide access to areas not reachable on foot and offer impressive views of the geometric patterns created by different colored flower varieties planted in strips across the landscape.

Booking Tip: Boat tours cost €12-15 per person and operate weather permitting. Boats depart every 30 minutes during peak season but can fill quickly on sunny weekends. Dress warmly as it can be windy on the water, and bring a camera with a good zoom lens for distant field shots.

Getting There

Keukenhof is located in Lisse, about 40 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam. The most convenient way to reach the gardens is by taking the special Keukenhof Express bus (bus 858) from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which runs directly to the park entrance during the flowering season. Alternatively, take a train from Amsterdam to Leiden Central Station, then catch bus 854 to Keukenhof. Many visitors opt for organized day trips from Amsterdam, The Hague, or other Dutch cities, which include transportation and often combine Keukenhof with visits to traditional Dutch villages or cheese farms. If driving, parking is available on-site for €6 per day, though spaces fill quickly during peak times.

Getting Around

Keukenhof is designed for walking, with well-maintained paved paths throughout the 79-acre garden that are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The park provides a detailed map at the entrance showing all themed areas, pavilions, restaurants, and facilities. Free wheelchairs are available at the entrance on a first-come basis. For those with mobility issues, there are several rest areas and benches throughout the gardens. The park is compact enough to see in 3-4 hours, though photography enthusiasts and flower lovers often spend the entire day exploring every corner of the gardens.

Where to Stay

Lisse town center
Leiden historic center
Haarlem old town
Amsterdam city center
The Hague beachside
Noordwijk coastal resort

Food & Dining

Keukenhof offers several on-site dining options ranging from casual cafes to full-service restaurants, all featuring Dutch specialties and international cuisine with views over the flower gardens. The Orangery Restaurant serves traditional Dutch dishes, while various snack bars offer lighter fare like Dutch pancakes, stroopwafels, and local cheeses. For a more extensive culinary experience, the nearby town of Lisse has charming local restaurants serving fresh seasonal ingredients, and many visitors combine their Keukenhof visit with dining in historic Leiden or Haarlem, both offering excellent restaurant scenes featuring everything from traditional Dutch cuisine to international fine dining options.

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When to Visit

Keukenhof is only open during the spring blooming season, typically from mid-March to mid-May, with exact dates varying slightly each year depending on weather conditions. The peak blooming period usually occurs from mid-April to early May when tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are all in full bloom simultaneously. For the best experience, visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and aim for mid-morning to early afternoon when lighting is optimal for photography. Weather can be unpredictable in spring, so prepare for both sunny and rainy conditions. The gardens are beautiful in any weather, but sunny days obviously provide the most busy colors and comfortable walking conditions.

Insider Tips

Purchase tickets online in advance and arrive when the park opens at 8 AM to experience the gardens with minimal crowds and perfect morning light
Bring layers of clothing as Dutch spring weather can change quickly, and wear comfortable waterproof walking shoes as paths may be damp from morning dew
Download the official Keukenhof app for interactive maps, bloom calendars, and information about special events and exhibitions happening during your visit

Activities in Keukenhof