Keukenhof Travel Guide

Introduction

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world's largest flower gardens located in Lisse, Netherlands, approximately 35 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam. Established in 1949 on the grounds of the former Keukenhof Castle estate and opened to the public in 1950, this horticultural masterpiece covers 32 hectares (79 acres) and features approximately 7 million flower bulbs planted annually. The garden is renowned for its stunning displays of tulips, with over 800 varieties on show, but also showcases numerous other flowers including hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations and irises.

Keukenhof is only open for eight weeks each year, from mid-March to mid-May, with the 2025 season running specifically from 20 March to 11 May. The gardens attract over 1 million visitors annually from more than 100 countries, making it one of the Netherlands' most popular tourist attractions. Each autumn, 30 full-time gardeners spend approximately three months planting bulbs by hand in completely new designs to fit that year's theme. The name 'Keukenhof' translates to 'Kitchen Garden' in English, referring to its original purpose as a source of herbs and vegetables for Keukenhof Castle in the 15th century.

The modern garden features a series of different themed areas, including an English landscape garden, a Japanese country garden, and a historical garden with antique bulbs. Visitors can explore the grounds via 15 kilometres of footpaths, and the park includes various pavilions hosting flower shows and exhibitions. The garden's design changes annually, with each season featuring a specific theme that influences the planting schemes and artistic displays. Beyond the flowers, Keukenhof boasts impressive water features, sculptures, and art installations that complement the floral displays.

The site serves as a showcase for the Dutch floricultural industry, with nearly 100 royal suppliers exhibiting their living catalogue of flowering bulbs. Keukenhof's history is deeply intertwined with the Netherlands' tulip heritage, which dates back to the 16th century when tulips were first imported from the Ottoman Empire. The garden plays a significant role in preserving rare and historical varieties of tulips and other bulbous plants. For photography enthusiasts, the garden offers countless opportunities to capture the vibrant colours and patterns of the meticulously planned flower beds, while families can enjoy dedicated children's activities including a petting zoo, maze, and playground. The surrounding region, known as the 'Bollenstreek' or Bulb Region, features vast commercial flower fields that create stunning striped landscapes visible during the flowering season, making Keukenhof the perfect starting point for exploring the Netherlands' famous flower industry.

Opening Hours & Admission

The gardens are open from late March to mid-May. Check the official website for the exact dates and admission fees.

How to get there

Keukenhof Gardens is centrally located in the Randstad region and easily accessible via multiple transport options. By car, simply navigate to Stationsweg 166a in Lisse and park for €10 in the spacious car parks (booking in advance is recommended during peak times). Public transport offers several convenient routes: from Amsterdam, take the new direct Keukenhof Shuttle Bus from the city centre (€35 including garden entry) departing four times hourly, or use bus 852 from Amsterdam RAI or bus 858 from Schiphol Airport. From other cities, options include bus 850 from Haarlem Station (40-minute journey) and bus 854 from Leiden Central Station (25-minute journey). All these bus services offer combi-tickets that include both transport and garden entry, with prices starting from €31.50. For a more flexible experience, consider a taxi transfer (approximately €100 from Amsterdam) or hire a bicycle to explore both the gardens and surrounding tulip fields. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours in the gardens, or 4-5 hours if you're keen on photography.