SPRING IS HERE!! For many, if not most of us, that means sunshine, and when there is sunshine (and, yes, a little rain), that can only mean one thing. Flowers! If I’m thinking of flowers, why not think of one of my favorites: the lovely Tulip. And, should you be thinking of tulips AND happen to be in Europe, this can only mean one thing: the Keukenhof in Lisse, the Netherlands. The what? The Keukenhof, what some call The Garden of Europe, simply means the Kitchen Garden in Dutch, hearkening back to its origin.
Before we go further, let’s get a little housekeeping out of the way. Most Americans pronounce it as Koo-kin-hoff, but a Dutch person would say it more like Koe-kin-hoff (but with a Dutch accent)!
So, you heard that all the beautiful tulips are in Holland? Yes, yes, they are. Holland (including the provinces of North Holland and South Holland) is just a discrete geographical region within the country of the Netherlands. And, yes, if you are fortunate enough to go to Holland, you will see breathtaking fields of tulips across the countryside. For the best views, the Keukenhof is the place to be. This gorgeous garden spans 79 acres and houses more than seven million flowers—all cultivated for our viewing pleasure. If you are anywhere on the horticultural spectrum, from admirer to “black thumb” (I’ve killed my share of plants!) to avid professional gardener, you won’t forget the Keukenhof. Its beautiful scenes are only bested by the vista around the next curve in the miles of winding paths.
But you don’t just like tulips? The Keukenhof has got you covered! It is not just tulips, but a variety of the most beautiful spring flowers, greenhouses, lakes and even a windmill. A visit provides an understanding of the natural beauty of the Netherlands, presented in a tableau of breathtaking colors in a way that is fun for kids of all ages. It’s an easy way to sample the vitality of the Dutch floral scene (including the history of the tulip industry) without the need for a bicycle or car, and I am certain even your most diehard traveler will give up and yield to the natural beauty. Plan on spending most of the day as there is plenty to do and see.
The Details
In 2023 the Keukenhof is open from 23 March through 14 May, from 8am until 7:30pm. For updates and tickets, visit the Keukenhof website directly. Although you can purchase tickets at the Keukenhof entrance, it’s better to get them (discounted) in advance, online, as they may sell out. If you to use the convenient public transportation from one of several departure points, you can buy combination tickets from their website. If you are planning to drive to Keukenhof, you will need to purchase your parking token and entrance tickets at the same time. (Note: for those in need, there are a limited number of automobile charging stations in the parking lot near the front entrance). The garden is least busy before 10:30am and after 4:00pm, and in the middle of the week.
There will be flowers blooming every day the Keukenhof is open, but because the timeline of blooming flowers depends on the weather, check the flower report for updates on which flowers are currently blooming before visiting, especially if your purpose is to see the tulips.
Our Friends With Limited Mobility
You can make it through most everything at Keukenhof without climbing stairs. There are plenty of benches where you can stop and rest. However, it is a large garden. If you are unable to walk for long periods of time, I recommend renting a wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs are allowed on the premises, but only manual wheelchairs are available for rent at the park. If you have issues walking from the parking lot, tell a parking attendant and they will escort you to handicapped parking.
Things To Do
Bicycling
Although bicycles are not allowed inside the Keukenhof, there is a rental location just outside of it. You are welcome to cycle around the perimeter of the park.
Boat Ride
For an additional fee, you can take an electric boat ride to see the bulb fields surrounding Keukenhof. It lasts around 45 minutes and includes an audio tour of the fields and the history tulip cultivation, of one of Holland’s oldest industries.
Restaurants
There are several restaurants scattered throughout the park. They don’t take reservations, but you can view their menus for more details. If you do not want to take the time for a sit-down meal, there are several mobile food carts throughout Keukenhof. Don’t forget to try a stroopwafel! (Just be forewarned, it is impossible to eat just one of them.)
Guided Tours
If you are part of a large group, you may want to sign up for the 60-minute overview guided tour. It’s a great way to see what Keukenhof has to offer before wandering off on your own.
For for Kids
There are plenty of activities for kids at Keukenhof. Upon entrance they can pick up a free scavenger hunt booklet. It has information and challenges, including brain teasers about tulips. If kiddos complete the booklet, they can pick up a gift from the information desk by the entrance. There is also an animal meadow (peacocks, goats and rabbits, oh my!) and, of course playgrounds and a maze for kids just about the time you want to sit down for a minute! Keukenhof does a great job making sure there is something for the entire family.
Special Events
There is always an event somewhere in the Keukenhof, to include specialty flower shows (Lilies, summer flowers, orchids, roses, daffodils, etc) as well as events other than looking at the beautiful blossoms. Just check the schedule.
Miffy in Keukenhof
This year Miffy will be visiting the Keukenhof! This is a one-day only event, so grab the kids and all of your Miffy lovers for an extra fun day! If you don’t know who Miffy is, your kids will quickly fall in love with this cute little Dutch rabbit, beloved star of almost 30 books throughout the years.
Fien and Teun
Fien and Teun will be visiting the Keukenhof in early May, a fantastic opportunity to see them in person instead of on the television. Maybe they will be inspired to plant beautiful flowers on their farm! Ahh, you don’t know them either? Well, Go. To. Holland! Fien and Teun are Dutch farmers starring in numerous animated kids’ films about their adventures throughout Holland.
Romance at Keukehof
No, not romance for lovers, but a throwback to the romantic era! This incomparable event takes you back to the 18th and 19th century with classical music and costumes. Experience the Romance at Keukenhof!
Flower Parade
One day each spring is the 42 kilometer Flower Parade. It runs from Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing Keukenhof by the main car park on Keukenhofboulevard. If you’re a parade person, join the others for a visual treat filled with uh-mazing floats! (It’s also an opportunity to buy more stroopwafel—you know you want one!) Whether you are viewing the parade or not, come early. I can assure you that there WILL be crowds. Even more important, the roads in the area will close starting in the late morning, and it will be impossible to reach the event or the Keukenhof if you are not already on site. Road closures and traffic will also result in long (but scenic) detours after the parade ends (ask me how I know!).
For more special event information, check here.
If you are in the Netherlands in the spring, consider visiting Keukenhof. This kind of beauty doesnt come along every day. It is truly a spectacular sight and an easy trip (less than one hour driving) from Amsterdam.
