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About Keukenhof Tulip Gardens | The Largest Gardens in Europe

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Keukenhof Gardens, 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 Ke...

Also Known As

Garden of Europe

Founded On

1950

Founded By

Jan David Zocher

About

Quick information

ADDRESS

Damrak 26, 1012 LG Amsterdam, Netherlands

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

1500000

TICKETS

From €NaN

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

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.

Things to See and Do at Keukenhof Gardens

Tulip Gardens

The Tulip Gardens are the most famous attraction at Keukenhof. They are open during the Tulip Festival in the spring. Over 7 million flower bulbs are planted by hand each year in the autumn, and in the spring, over 800 different tulips come into bloom. There are also flower shows, surprising inspirational gardens, unique artwork, and other events.

Indoor Flower Shows

Once you've walked around the tulip fields, step into the indoor pavilions brimming with flowering bulbs, cut flowers, and pot plants. Inside these pavilions, over 500 growers present their prized blooms to the leading flower arrangers to use in their unique shows. These include hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations, and irises.

Keukenhof Castle

It is also possible to explore Keukenhof Castle. Built in the 1600s and expanded over the years, this castle is full of interesting rooms and historical tales. Also called Kasteel Keukenhof, the entrance to the Castle estate is free (except during special events). You can also opt for a guided tour, which costs around €10.

Keukenhof Castle Gardens

Apart from the tulip gardens, Keukenhof has several other lush gardens. These include an English landscape garden with winding paths, a walled garden with historical plants, and a Japanese Country Garden. Additionally, four more pavilions feature displays and flower exhibits.

Whisper Boat

The landscaped gardens, pavilions, and exhibits are the main attractions of Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam. You can also go on a 45-minute boat trip through the canals that cut across the endless tulip fields surrounding the park. It's sure to be spectacular!

Keukenhof Rental Bike

Another way to explore the flower fields is to rent a bike and ride alongside them. A bicycle costs about €15 for 3 hours or €20 a day. You can book your bike online and get a FlowerCard, which comes with a digital magazine about the surroundings of Keukenhof and information on the best hotspots.

About the Keukenhof Tulip Season >

History of Keukenhof Gardens 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 still remain the foundations of Keukenhof.
Keukenhof, as you can 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 72 years, Keukenhof developed into a world-famous attraction and sees millions of visitors each year.

Why is Keukenhof Gardens Famous?

Keukenhof Gardens are known worldwide for their 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.

The Tulip Festival in Amsterdam

21 March to 12 May 2024

The annual Tulip Festival in Amsterdam is held in April, during the beautiful season of 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 Gardens in the Netherlands also organizes several flower shows during the spring season. Additionally, this year will be extra special because it marks the 75th anniversary of Keukenhof!

Amsterdam Tulip Festival >

Inspirational Gardens at Keukenhof

If you plan to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, make sure you visit these themed inspirational gardens. Each year there are different themes depicted, and these are the themes at Keukenhof in 2024.

Hilltop Heaven

Hilltop Heaven stands true to its name, thanks to the countless spring blossoms and their vibrant colors against the bright blue sky backdrop. As you ascend to the top of the hill, the tapestry of flowers and petals unfurling in hundreds of rows will genuinely make you feel like you have landed in heaven. It's an ideal spot to capture your Keukenhof odyssey with a timeless selfie, for no other place can be like Hilltop Heaven.

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 a bunch of ideas to transform your personal garden into a lush oasis akin to this paradise. Beach Garden also has a bar where you can enjoy the laid-back ambiance amidst the abundant gift of spring.

Mediterranean Garden

In Keukenhof's captivating Mediterranean Garden, you will be surrounded by terracotta tones, expressive flora, and rustic wood designs. You will be irresistibly drawn to linger in this garden's unconventional charm, highlighted by whimsical cacti and other exotic botanical vegetation. The Mediterranean Garden is a testament to how northern European gardens can exude vibrancy like their southern counterparts.

Sounds of Spring

Stimulate your senses at the Sounds of Spring Garden. Here, art, music, and nature converge, creating a symphony where graffiti art meets the ultimate symbol of spring: vibrant bulbs blossoming in pots. 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.

Romantic Mystery

To celebrate the depths of love and romance in a colorful surrounding, visit the Romantic Mystery Garden, a poignant tribute nestled within Keukenhof's heart. The charm of the garden's immaculate pergola and its centerpiece of blooming roses is a sight sure to captivate any heart. For those seeking some more excitement, check out the iconic vintage motorbike with its charming sidecar!

Keukenhof Flower Shows>

Events at Keukenhof

Several events occur in the Keukenhof Gardens and the grounds of Castle Keukenhof. Here are the ones that will be held in 2024

Tulip Festival - A display of spring flowers, especially tulips. In 2024, it will be from 21 March to 12 May.
Romance at Keukenhof - This event celebrates the late spring blooms and features classical music, orchestras, and dances. It will take place on 11 May-12 May.
Fien and Teun in Keukenhof - From 29 April to 3 May, celebrate Fien and Teun's 10th anniversary by participating in a meet-and-greet, playing games, and attending mini-shows.
Flower Parade - The Flower Parade event on 20 April celebrates the 77th Dutch Flower Parade with colorful floats of tulips and daffodils.
Miffy in Keukenhof - Say hello to the cute rabbit, Miffy, only on 17 April.
Holland Heritage Days - The event will occur on 29-30 April and will celebrate Dutch culture with tulip displays, music, and fun workshops.
Dutch Sounds - The Dutch Sounds event on 23-24 April showcases Dutch mop band music amidst vibrant spring flowers.
Symphony of Colours - The Symphony of Colours event, which will be held on 21 March at Keukenhof, will present opera and dance to mark 75 years with vibrant displays.

Events at Keukenhof Gardens >

Design & Landscape of Keukenhof Gardens

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 Tulip Gardens

What are Keukenhof Gardens?

Keukenhof Tulip Gardens are the world’s largest flower garden. Each spring over 7 million tulip bulbs burst into bloom, along with a variety of other flowers. It also hosts several events and activities, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Where is Keukenhof Gardens located?

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

Do I need tickets to enter Keukenhof Gardens?

Yes, you need tickets to enter the gardens. You can purchase tickets to Keukenhof Gardens online.

How much do Keukenhof Garden tickets cost?

Tickets to Keukenhof Tulip Gardens are available starting from €33.

Is visiting Keukenhof Gardens worth it?

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

What are the opening hours of Keukenhof Gardens?

The gardens are open daily from 21 March 2024 to 12 May 2024, from 8am to 7:30pm.

Does the Tulip Festival take place at Keukenhof Gardens?

Yes, Keukenhof Tulip Gardens hosts Holland’s Tulip Festival in the Netherlands during the spring.

When is the Tulip Festival being held at Keukenhof Gardens?

The Tulip Festival will be taking place from 21 March to 12 May at Keukenhof Tulip Gardens.