Spring is returning to the northern hemisphere. The greyness of winter is gradually replaced by the colors of spring. Across Europe, multicolored flowers wake up after a long winter sleep and reveal their beauty. And one perfect place to admire Mother Nature’s artwork is the Keukenhof Garden.
Located in the Netherlands’ southern province Lisse, Keukenhof is the largest bulb flower garden in the world. The area was once used as the hunting ground and a great source of herbs for the kitchen of Jacqueline, the Countess of Hainaut’s Castle in the 15th century. Thus, it earned the name Keukenhof, which means “Kitchen Garden”.
With over seven million bulb flowers, it is not exaggerated to call Keukenhof the “Garden of Europe”. Operating from middle March to middle May, Keukenhof attracts around 800,000 visitors annually and it is one of the Netherlands’ top attractions. The garden spills across 28 hectares of wooded parkland and is designed to demonstrate the art and skill of Dutch bulb growers.
In this garden, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and narcissi in various sizes and colors are proudly presented to align the walking path that winds around ponds, a windmill, and greenhouse pavilions holding the indoor display. But it isn’t just the bed of blooms that makesΒ the eyes pop, the dense flower fields stretching to the horizon just outside the garden will surely take your breath away.
The world’s largest bulb flower garden.
Tips for visiting Keukenhof
- Keukenhof is stone’s throw away from Leiden Centraal Station. There are special buses connecting the garden with the train station and Amsterdam Schipol’s Airport. The bus stop is just outside the station. For the airport, take a look here.
- A combi ticket is highly recommended because it covers the train, the bus ride and the entrance to Keukenhof. Purchasing the ticket online to avoid the huge queue at the box office.
- In order to really enjoy the garden, you should start early. The garden opens at 8:00. In the course of the day, it is getting very crowded and the flowers look not so fresh anymore.
- Consider taking the time to visit the flower fields in Lisse. Tulips can be directly bought from the farmers as well.
These pictures are stunning Len! I’ve lived in the Netherlands for a few months, but never visited the Keukenhof. What a pity! -Verne
Such a shame! Maybe now you have a reason to revisit the Netherlands π Thank you for your compliment!
These photos are so beautiful! I have always wanted to visit here because it looks so perfectly beautiful place… π
Thanks π The garden is indeed beautiful, especially at the morning when not so many people there.
The garden is just awesome! π
Thanks! I am glad that you like this post π
This is so beautiful. I just shared it with a friend of mind who was thinking of going there. Thank you for the tips!
You welcome! I am glad to hear that π
And if one manages to rent a bike, go outside of the gardens. Just around the corner barely 10 minutes’ ride one will be hit with all the flower fields. In fact, you can see it from the gardens itself. But the best experience is to walk the real fields!
It must be great! I can imagine. Actually, Keukenhof also offers boat trips to the tulip fields. But for some reasons, we didn’t do that π
Oh. reasons to go back next time. Every year the layout would be different!
Exactly!
The garden looks so beautiful! I am so excited to visit the place soon. Do you know any tulip fields near Amsterdam where we can cycle around?
Unfortunately, I do not know any field around Amsterdam. But the area around Keukenhof is full of tulip fields. Lisse is what the town is called. Maybe the tourist office there can give you some advice. Keukenhof also offers a boat tour to tulip fields. I think the tour takes around 45 to 60 min.
Thanks for the details Len! π
Amazing!! β€
Thank you, Sara π
Wow!
OMG Len, you make me want to hop on a plane to Netherlands. Keukenhof is my dream, although I have never seen photos of it as pretty as yours are! FANTASTIC!
Thanks a lot for your compliment, Nano! I guess I had a lucky day. The weather was totally in my favor and there were not so many people that jumped in front of my camera π
That’s always the biggest problem, people jumping into frame :/
You are making me very very jealous and very very upset that I will not be able to see it this year π I’ve always loved gardens and greenery…
Oh! Such a shame. But head up! There are still many flower fields in July. For example, lavender fields in Provence π
So idyllic! What is the theme of this year? When I went there 2 years ago, the theme was Van Gogh so it was really fun for art lovers. π
I think the theme for this year is Dutch Design. Not so sure π I remember the theme because there were a pavilion that displayed the blue-white porcelain from Delft.
How amazing does that look! I’d love to go there one day
The garden is opening till May. So you still have time to plan a weekend trip π I am sure you can make some wonderful photos of the garden.
Wow, I’m so jealous you are already experiencing Spring! Cold and grey on my side of the world π
Thank you for commenting, Eric! Be patient, Spring will come to Canada soon π
Beautiful images!
Many thanks! π
Beautiful…looks like the garden of heaven!
Thank you! π I am glad that you enjoyed my post
I saw the heading pictures and immediately recognised it, the Keukenhof in my home country. You have documented it really nicely! Did you know that most of these flowers end up on the flower auction that you can also visit? Quite something! https://bestregardsfromfar.com/2016/06/15/biggest-flower-auction/
Very impressive and colorful tulip gardens.
Thanks a lot for your compliments! π
This place looks so beautiful! every time I see pictures of Keukenhof, I ask myself why I didn’t go there yet π In real life the garden must be even more amazing))
Yep, the garden looks even more beautiful in real life. It could be an inspiration for this Eastern Holiday π
Absolutely exquisite photographs. I especially loved the colours of the flower field.
Thanks a lot, Isabel! π
Wow, that garden looks unreal! I wish Rome had something like that. So beautiful and definitely worth the trip for some insta-worthy photos.
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Many thanks! π
You have a talent in photography, so full of colours!
Your words made my day. Thanks a lot, Vinneve! π Spring is coming so we are going to see more colour. I am getting tired of the greyness and whiteness of winter haha.
You’re welcome, I am just saying the truth. I like Autumn colours and yes of course Spring!
Such a exquisite display of floral beauty! Nature has so much for us to behold and we need to take time before the seasons change again!
Indeed π Thank you for your compliment, Robert!
Beautiful…Gorgeous…Stunning!!:)
Thanks! π
Gorgeous!
Thank you! π
Wonderful images.
Thank you! π
Wow! It looks fantastic. Never heard of these gardens. And so much colour. Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece of paradise. π
You welcome! π
A work of art! That last photo is amazing. I would love to see this in person.
Those fields are indeed amazing. I wish I could have time to see more of them π Thank you for your compliments!
I hadn’t heard of this garden but it is so beautiful. Thanks for the photos.
My pleasure. I am glad that you like them π
Stunning colors! Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for your compliment! π