Keukenhof Gardens in Holland- fabulous spring destination

24.09.2022.

Keukenhof Gardens offer the colourful allure full of tulips, of course. It’s such a fabulous day trip from Amsterdam. Unfortunately, they’re open only few months- from late March till the mid May. Tulips intertwine with the incredible charm of hyacinths, daffodils and other flowers here in Lisse. Dreaming of its magic spell I realised that it has been my aim for years.

Definitely count to spend the whole day if you wish to visit tulip fields and do a bike tour.

If you haven’t been already, what are you waiting? The prettiest garden in the world will certainly enchant you.

What to see in Keukenhof

First tip- arrive early, this means at the openings even before. Though I arrive a bit after 8, the crowds were already dense after one hour with lots of people even at 8.

Stuck upon the question where you are- Keukenhof Gardens are somewhere between the Lisse village and flower fields.

The enchanting melody opens the door straight from arrival, the colourful shine comes in waves. Not only at Keukenhof itself, but the surrounding tulip fields.

Among the brilliant tulips and hyacinths the path leads to the main attraction of Keukenhof- the windmill.

Surrounded by iconic clogs and tulips, the allures rises from one moment to another. Specially when you see the lovely cherry blossom trees.

The charming installations bring loads of cuteness near the river that flows.

The small maze catches the enchanting spirit near the Willem-Alexander Pavillion. At the final viewpoint you can enjoy Keukenhof Gardens from above.

The Flower Parade

The Flower Parade usually takes the action the last weekend of April. In 2022 it was 22.04. With loads of charm the floral displays will completely allure you. The Parade starts in Noordwijk covering the lovely villages and ends in Lisse.

Pavillions of Keukenhof

Small oasis scatter along Keukenhof Gardens giving you the chance to take a snack or drink.

Willem-Alexander Pavillion is the highlight of your visit where instagrammable spots await. It’s the central point of Keukenhof with the restaurant and shop. The decorative splash of colours represent every possible tulip you can imagine here.

Wilhelmina Pavillion: Without any floral display Wilhelmina shines at the threshold of a small hut. Years ago it was the original entrance to the park. Lovely pond enriches the vibe.

Juliana/Tulpomania Pavillion holds the stunning history of tulip production. Marvellous waterways surround the area. The shop and cafe are included also.

Beatrix bursts with orchids of any kind. The unusual colours spell the charm here more uniquely than on the rainbow. Discover tulips in all its glory.

Irene Pavillion touches your senses with the musical installation and giant fountain. There are no floral displays here. It’s almost at the exit of Keukenhof. The colourful waves scatter along the relaxing stroll full of flowers. The surprise waits at the end, almost the exit with the musical installation. Little lake and theatrical music spice up the visit.

History of Keukenhof Gardens

The cultural charm of the place belongs to its history. Dating back to 1949 Keukenhof Gardens owe its existence to the mayor of Lisse. Only the first year received the spectacular 236,000 visitors.

Since then the number of visitors grew counting today 7 millions.

The famous Dutch architect Jan David Zocher designed  today’s shape of the Gardens already in 1857. Not only Keukenhof, he’s the creator of the Amsterdam’s Vondelpark.

Though symbol of Netherlands, tulips were actually brought from Turkey. It’s fascinating how Netherlands created its image from tulips alone.

You may wonder why Keukenhof and it literally means „kitchen garden“. Growing herbs here was the ancient tradition during the Dutch Golden Age. It was solely dedicated to Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut.

Keukenhof Gardens come with the theme

Every year the charm emphasizes the full meaning. No empty flow here. In 2022 the theme was flower classics.

„A World of Colours“ signed the year of 2021.

The previous years included the themes that I mention bellow:

Holland- 2014,

Van Gogh- 2015,

Romance and flowers- 2018,

Flower power (or how flowers connect people)- 2019;

How to reach Keukenhof and buy tickets

Keukenhof is a fabulous day trip from Amsterdam or surrounding towns like Haarlem, Zaandvort or Zaandam.

The best way from Amsterdam would be to take the Keukenhof Express bus from the Amsterdam Airport Schipol. Alternatively, Keukenhof Express also goes from the Amsterdam RAI station. The Schipol Airport can easily be reachable by bus from the city centre. With Tulip Festival Card (for 1, 2 or 3 days) you can have unlimited access to all public transport in Amsterdam area. This includes the ticket to Keukenhof Gardens. Direct bus also leaves from Haarlem, Leiden and Noordwijk / Katwijk beach.

Combi ticket is also a great way to save some money.

These kind of tickets have the option- skip the line so you can enter Keukenhof very quickly.

A guided tour releases lot of stress and might last around 6-8 hours. The prices are usually around 80$.

The flower fields in Lisse

Taking a bike tour is an excellent way to absorb the rural entice of Lisse. Rent your bike from the parking spot at Keukenhof and arrows will lead your way along the most beautiful flower fields. Not only Flower fields keep you attention but you can choose the direction. Get the know the Lisse village or lakes around. Choose the bike tour of your taste.

FAM Flower Farm is the most instagrammable flower field in Lisse. Not only tulip fields create the charming story here but also all the additional props. This includes hats, boots, flowers, baskets and similar. This is a fantastic way to enjoy your photos without leaving the disturbing impact on the flowers or owners. Though, throughout all the fields I saw in Lisse people were pretty cautios. I saw a similar field full of abundant colours where I even met an owner. With the cute caffe it was such a cozy place to visit. Maybe it was even this one though I didn’t see the decorations. I just like to notice the thinks on the way sometimes.

It’s even more charming when the owner decorate their farm to attract more visitors. Having a particular photo points will make it more appealing.

It takes around 3 hours on each bike tour so enjoy your time. I wanted to take a short trip about 1h just to see how it looks like but it’s definitely worth to absorb the feeling all the way.

What else to see in Lisse?

Just across Keukenhof Gardens you can notice the lovely Keukenhof Castle. Dating from 1642 the history buffs will find their piece of cake with special ticket.

Boat tour in Lisse

It’s a picturesque experience that brings new perspective to the stunning little village. It’s allways lovely to take a boat tour so take advantage of the additional 45 minutes. Costing under 10€ you’ll get new way to absorb the beauty of tulip fields.

Conclusion

The most beautiful gardens of the world dwell in the inspiring world of tulips. The enchanting atmosphere brings the admiring wonder how is it possible. Don’t hesitate to grab a bike a cycle around, it’s even more relaxing.

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