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About Keukenhof 2025 | The largest flower gardens in Europe

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Keukenhof, home to seven million tulips spanning 800 varieties. Located in the scenic Bollenstreek region, it's the ultimate Amsterdam day trip during tulip season. Don't miss the tulip festival – book Keukenhof...

Also Known As

Garden of Europe

Founded On

1950

Founded By

Jan David Zocher

Quick Information

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

1500000

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

2

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The word ‘Keukenhof’ can be translated to ‘kitchen garden’ in Dutch, in reference to the herbs that used to be gathered in the area for the castle kitchen.

The park is home to an English landscape garden, a Japanese landscape garden, a spring meadow, a natural garden, a historic garden, a garden maze, and several inspiration gardens that are uniquely planted each year.

Keukenhof was established in 1949 by a consortium of bulb growers and flower exporters to showcase their products.

























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Keukenhof Entry Tickets
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Keukenhof Entry Tickets with Luxury Bus Transfers from Amsterdam
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€31.50
From Amsterdam: Keukenhof Guided Tour with Roundtrip Transfers
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From Amsterdam: Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Tour
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Why is Keukenhof famous?

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Keukenhof is known worldwide for its tulips. Each year, over 7 million flower bulbs are planted across the gardens' 32 acres, resulting in a stunning display of spring flowers. The riotous colors created by the tulips, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations, and hyacinths are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Keukenhof also hosts an annual Tulip Festival between March and May, which features flower shows, parades, musical events, and more. It attracts over a million visitors yearly and is a Dutch calendar highlight.

Tulip Festival in Amsterdam

March 20 to May 11 

The annual Tulip Festival in Amsterdam is held in April, during the spring, when the entire town brightens with tulips in various vases and pots adorning the streets. The festival, which goes by the motto ‘A Tulip for every citizen of Amsterdam,’ strives to protect the iconic Dutch flower, which has been witnessing depleting numbers.

This event involves enthusiastic locals planting almost 800,000 tulips every fall, which bloom right during spring. During this time, various enjoyable affairs are held, including a Carnival for children, cruise tours, Dutch dance workshops, and several open-air concerts that bring life to the festival.

Keukenhof in the Netherlands also organizes several flower shows during the spring season. 

Amsterdam Tulip Festival

Things to see and do at Keukenhof

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Tulip gardens

See over 7 million flower bulbs planted each year in the autumn come into bloom.

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Indoor flower shows

Step into the indoor pavilions brimming with flowering bulbs, cut flowers, and pot plants.

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Mill

Explore an authentic windmill from 1892 at Keukenhof and see epic views of the gardens.

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Keukenhof Castle

Also called Kasteel Keukenhof, the castle was built in the 1600s.

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Keukenhof Castle gardens

Explore an English landscape garden, a walled garden, and a Japanese Country Garden.

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Whisper boat

Go on a 45-min boat trip through the canals that cut across the tulip fields.

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Keukenhof rental bike

Rent a bike or a tandem and ride alongside the flower fields.

Inspirational gardens at Keukenhof

If you plan to visit Keukenhof, make sure you visit these themed inspirational gardens. Each year there are different themes depicted, and these are the themes at Keukenhof in 2025.

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Hilltop Heaven

Hilltop Heaven stands true to its name, thanks to the countless spring blossoms and their vibrant colors. As you ascend to the top of the hill, the flowers and petals unfurling in hundreds of rows will make you feel like you are in heaven. It's an ideal spot to capture your Keukenhof odyssey with a timeless selfie.

Keukenhof

Beach Garden

Beach Garden is a tropical sanctuary where Ibiza's ambiance is mixed with Keukenhof's flowery brilliance. Come here to seek a cool respite amidst swaying palms and thatched parasols and get inspired to transform your personal garden into a lush oasis similar to this garden. Beach Garden also has a bar where you can enjoy the laid-back ambiance.

Keukenhof

Mediterranean Garden

In the Mediterranean Garden, you will be surrounded by terracotta tones, flora, and rustic wood designs. Linger in this garden's unconventional charm, highlighted by cacti and other exotic botanical vegetation. The Mediterranean Garden proves that northern European gardens can exude vibrancy like their southern counterparts.

Keukenhof

Sounds of Spring

Stimulate your senses at the Sounds of Spring Garden. Here, art, music, and nature converge: see vibrant bulbs blossoming in pots covered in artistic graffiti. The minute you arrive in the garden, you will be embraced by classical compositions and breathtaking floral showcases, inviting you to bask in nature's melodic tunes.

Keukenhof

Romantic Mystery

To celebrate the depths of love and romance, visit the Romantic Mystery Garden, nestled within Keukenhof's heart. The charm of the garden's pergola and its centerpiece of a blooming heart of roses will captivate anyone. For those seeking some more excitement, check out the iconic vintage motorbike with its charming sidecar!

Events at Keukenhof

Several events occur in Keukenhof and on the grounds of Castle Keukenhof. Here are the ones that will be held in 2025:

  • Tulip Festival: A display of spring flowers, especially tulips. In 2025, it will be from March 20 to May 12.
  • Dutch Sounds: Celebrate the beginning of spring with the tunes of Dutch music played by mop bands on March 22 and 23.
  • Holland Heritage days: From March 28 to 30, enjoy authentic Dutch culture, see Dutch costumes, and meet craftsmen demonstrating mastered skills. 
  • Flower Parade: Awe at colorful floats covered in bulb flowers such as hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils at the Flower Parade on April 12. If you’re up for it, join the parade on their 42 km route from Noordwijk to Haarlem.
  • Easter: Greet the Easter Bunny as he hops around Keukenhof with a basket full of chocolate eggs on April 20-21.
  • Romance at Keukenhof: Celebrate Mother’s Day and enjoy classical music amidst beautiful spring flowers on May 10 and 11.

More events

History of Keukenhof in a nutshell

  • Keukenhof dates back to the 15th century when it was part of the hunting grounds and kitchen garden (known as keukenduin in Dutch) of Countess Jacoba van Beieren at Teylingen Castle. 
  • The estate was purchased by a naval commander, Adriaen Maertensz Block, in 1638. In 1641, he built Keukenhof Castle, whose grounds covered 200 hectares.
  • In 1857, the estate's owners, Baron and Baroness Van Palland, hired landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher to redesign the castle gardens. This was done in the English style, and they remain the foundations of Keukenhof.
  • Keukenhof as you see it today was established in 1949 by a group of flower bulb growers and exporters to exhibit their spring-flowering bulbs. 
  • The garden opened its gates to the public in 1950 and was a big hit, welcoming 236,000 visitors in its first year alone. 
  • Over the past 75+ years, Keukenhof developed into a world-famous attraction and sees millions of visitors each year. 

Design & landscape of Keukenhof

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The first gardens at Keukenhof were designed by landscape architects J.D. Zocher and his son. However, in 1949, a section of the gardens was repurposed to exhibit tulips and other spring flowers. In 2016, Dutch architects Mecanoo constructed a new main entrance and gatehouse. It features an open roof made of timber triangles that create a spacious and light atmosphere and a fence with a tulip motif.

Inside the gardens, seven million flower bulbs are planted across 32 hectares in new and innovative designs each year.

Frequently Asked Questions about Keukenhof

Do I need tickets to enter Keukenhof?

Yes, you need tickets to enter the gardens. Keukenhof is a seasonal attraction and tends to sell out quickly, especially during peak tulip season. Booking your tickets online in advance ensures you don’t miss out and helps you skip long lines at the entrance. You can purchase tickets to Keukenhof online.

Where is Keukenhof located?

It is located around 35 km south of Amsterdam in the small town of Lisse.

What’s the best way to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam?

The easiest way to reach Keukenhof from Amsterdam is by taking a direct bus from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Bus 858, the Keukenhof Express). You can also opt for Headout packages that include both transport and entry for a seamless experience.

What are the opening hours of Keukenhof?

The gardens are open daily from March 20 to May 11, from 8am to 7pm.

When is the best time to visit Keukenhof?

Keukenhof is open only for a limited time each year, typically from mid-March to mid-May, during the peak of tulip season. The best time to visit is in April when the tulips are in full bloom, offering a spectacular display of colors.

How much time should I plan for my visit?

A visit to Keukenhof can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, but if you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want to soak in the beauty, you could easily spend the whole day strolling through the gardens.

What happens if it rains during my visit?

Keukenhof has indoor pavilions where you can admire flower exhibitions, so even if it rains, there’s still plenty to see and do. Carrying a small umbrella or raincoat is a smart idea just in case.

Are guided tours available at Keukenhof?

Yes, guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history of Keukenhof, Dutch tulip farming, and the different flower varieties in the garden. Audio guides are also an option for a more flexible experience.

Is Keukenhof wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Keukenhof is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. There are paved pathways, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs available for rent at the entrance.

Is Keukenhof suitable for kids?

Definitely! Keukenhof has a special children’s playground, a petting zoo, and a scavenger hunt that makes the visit fun for little ones.

Can I buy tulips at Keukenhof?

Yes! While you can’t pick tulips in the gardens, there are multiple shops selling tulip bulbs and souvenirs. If you want to take a piece of Keukenhof home with you, this is the place to do it.

Is visiting Keukenhof worth it?

Yes, a visit to the Tulip Garden is absolutely worth it. Each year, Keukenhof is only open for 60 days, and during this time, the Keukenhof Tulip Festival is held. You will be able to view 800+ different varieties of tulips, apart from other flowers, spread over 79 hectares.

Are there any tulip farms nearby that I can visit?

Yes! The areas around Keukenhof, such as Lisse and Noordwijk, are home to beautiful tulip farms. You can rent a bike or book a guided tour to explore the endless fields of tulips just outside the park.