Seven Million Reasons to Visit the Netherlands
When you think of the Netherlands, what come to mind? For me, it’s cheese, wooden clogs [silly, I know] and tulips. When I think of tulips, Keukenhof comes to mind.
Keukenhof has been called the world’s most beautiful spring garden, and it’s not an exaggeration. Seven million spring-flowering bulbs bloom on 79 acres of Dutch parkland. The star of the show is the tulip, but you’ll also see crocuses, hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, anthurium, and orchids, to name a few. It’s an experience that you and your family will never forget.
The park showcases the Dutch floricultural sector, with a special emphasis on flower bulbs. The idea for a floral exhibition was spawned by a group of bulb growers and exporters way back in 1949. They wanted to organize an exhibition to showcase the flower bulb trade. They succeeded, in a big way!
More than 100 flower bulb companies display their goods, and 500 growers showcase a mind-boggling array of of cut flowers and potted plants at more than 20 flower shows. Growers bring their “best and brightest” to the park. In addition to 9.3 miles of paths that meander through the park, three indoor pavilions feature colorful and whimsical displays.
Fields of Gold
Each year, a theme brings unity to the park. Curated by designer Carien van Boxtel, the 2026 “Fields of Gold” theme features a “sparkling spring glow” evolving into deep gold, ending with, as described by Pro Landscaper, “striking black and blue accents.”
Helpful Information
You’ll also find lots of food and beverage outlets. You can bring your own food, but it may only be eaten in marked picnic areas. Picnic tables and terrace areas are reserved for restaurant clients.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are coming from Schipol airport or have lots to carry, it’s nice to know there are storage lockers available.
Best Time To Visit
My favorite time to visit is in April when tulips are at their best. It’s hard to predict what week is optimal as blooming times depend on weather conditions. If you are curious about what’s out there when you are visiting, check out the bloom schedule.
Bloom Calendar
March – early April
Early in the season, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and early small tulips are in bloom. You can find the indoor flower shows and activities during this period here.
Early April – early May
Next up are the larger tulips, daffodils, muscari, fittalaria and late-flowering hyacinths. Indoor flower shows and activities are plentiful in this period: during this period bloom schedule.
Early May – mid-May
At the end of the season, the last late-flowering tulips, irises and alliums are in bloom. The other flowerbeds are finished blooming by then, but gardeners maintain the park at its best. The high trees, rhododendrons and azaleas add color to the park then. You can find the indoor flower shows and activities during this time here.
Helpful Information
You’ll also find lots of food and beverage outlets. You can bring your own food if you eat in specially marked picnic areas. Watch out: Picnic tables and terrace areas are reserved for restaurant clients.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are coming from Schipol airport or have lots to carry, it’s nice to know there are storage lockers available.
Best Time To Visit
My favorite time to visit is in April when tulips are at their best. It’s hard to predict what week is optimal as blooming times depend on weather conditions.
Bloom Calendar
March – early April
Early in the season, early blooming varieties such as crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and early small tulips are in bloom. You can find the indoor flower shows and activities during this period here.
Early April – early May
Later in the season, the later species bloom, including larger tulips, daffodils, muscari, fittalaria and late-flowering hyacinths. Indoor flower shows and activities are plentiful in this period: during this period bloom schedule.
Early May – mid-May
At the end of the season, the last late-flowering tulips, irises and alliums are in bloom. The other flowerbeds are finished blooming by then, but gardeners maintain the park at its best. The high trees, rhododendrons and azaleas will add color to the park then. You can find the indoor flower shows and activities during this time here.
Book A Tour
Discover the highlights of Keukenhof in 60 minutes with a professional guide. Learn about the history of Keukenhof, the theme of this year’s show, different planting techniques, the inspiration gardens, the windmill and the different flower shows. This gives you a good basis for the rest of your visit. Tours are available in Dutch, English, German, and French with a maximum of 25 persons per guide.
Tickets
Tickets are sold for pre-determined time slots in half-hour arrival increments. Watch out! You need to be on time to guarantee entrance. Tickets are €21 for adults and € 10 for children 4-17. Children younger than 4 are admitted for free. You can buy your tickets online via www.keukenhof.nl. Tickets bought at the park are €25 for adults and €14 for children. Parking costs €9.
How To Get There
By Car:
Set your GPS to Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse. Parking is €9 per car or motorcycle. Traffic is heavy, so be sure to give yourself LOTS of time to get there and park so you don’t lose your entrance time slot.
By Public Transportation:
Travel by bus from Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam RAI, Leiden Central Station and Haarlem Station
Special Event
If you are up for a special day with lots of flowers and even more people, don’t miss the Bollenstreek Floral Parade on Saturday, April 18. You’ll need to arrive well before noon when the roads close for the Flower Parade, making it impossible to reach Keukenhof. Roads reopen at 5 p.m. The park recommends that you choose another day if you are only interested in seeing Keukenhof.
Helpful Tips
- The best time of day to visit is in the early morning or late in the day. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are less crowded. Try to avoid weekends, if you can. It’s just too busy!
- Buy a combination ticket that combines transport and your park entrance fee. It’s the best value. This day ticket is both your entrance ticket for Keukenhof and the ticket for your journey by public transport on that day. Click here for more information.
- Preview the garden at www.keukenhof.nl to get an idea of what you are most interested in seeing.
- Say those good weather prayers. I’ve been to Keukenhof on sunny and rainy days. Trust me, the sunny days are better, but with a good raincoat and an umbrella, you’ll be fine even on rainy days.
