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Keukenhof

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Landmark
—°14
Keukenhof (Netherlands)

Weather…

Keukenhof, located in the town of Lisse, is world-famous as the 'Garden of Europe' and stands as the ultimate showcase for the Dutch floral industry. Spanning 32 hectares, it features approximately seven million flower bulbs planted by hand each year. The park is only open for about eight weeks, from late March to mid-May, aligning with the natural blooming cycle of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. It is not just a park but a massive exhibition ground for Dutch bulb growers. The name Keukenhof means 'Kitchen Garden', referring to the 15th-century estate of Keukenhof Castle where herbs were grown for the countess's kitchen. The modern flower park was established in 1949 to promote the export of Dutch bulbs. Beyond the outdoor gardens, several indoor pavilions host rotating floral shows, while a historic windmill gives views over the surrounding commercial flower fields. Each season features a specific theme depicted through intricate flower mosaics. Transportation is well-organized with direct 'Keukenhof Express' buses from Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, and Leiden. To fully experience the region, many visitors rent bicycles near the main entrance to tour the vast striped fields of the surrounding Bollenstreek area. The best time to see the tulips in full glory is typically mid-April, though weather conditions can influence the exact timing of the bloom.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C556912151818161396
Rain mm826956415663809678939092

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Keukenhof is a paid garden, open only during the spring season. Visitors can explore the entire grounds on foot or by boat.
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Typical hours
The park typically opens daily from late March to mid-May, 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Exact dates vary yearly - check before your trip.
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Photography
Photography is highly encouraged throughout the garden, even for private use. Drones are not allowed - stay on the paths.
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Time needed
Allow at least three hours for a thorough walk. If you also want to take the boat trip through the bulb fields, plan for four to five hours.
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Combine with
Combine Keukenhof with the nearby tulip fields or the coastal town of Noordwijk. Amsterdam is also just about 40 minutes away.
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Getting there
Keukenhof is best reached by bus from Schiphol Airport or Leiden Station (bus line 854). Parking is available but limited and paid.
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Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning (before 10 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds. Book your tickets online in advance, as they often sell out on-site.

Geography

Population
22,321 (2017)
Coordinates
52.26889, 4.54722

Facts

  • 7 million flower bulbs planted
  • 800 different varieties of tulips
  • 32 hectares of park area
  • Open only 8 weeks per year
  • Established in 1949
  • Former kitchen garden of the castle
  • 15 kilometers of walking paths
  • Historic windmill from 1892

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KeukenhofKeukenhof<1 km · NEExplore →
HillegomHillegom3 km · NEExplore →
De ZilkDe Zilk4 km · NExplore →
SassenheimSassenheim5 km · SWExplore →
VoorhoutVoorhout7 km · SWExplore →
NoordwijkNoordwijk9 km · SWExplore →
HoofddorpHoofddorp10 km · EExplore →
OegstgeestOegstgeest11 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Keukenhof (14)

Kinderboerderij Poelepetaat🎡 recreation

Poelepetaat children’s farm in Keukenhof has petting animals, a herb garden and a tea room.

Hoogeveensemolen📍 landmark

Polder windmill for drainage, in Keukenhof.

Lageveensemolen📍 landmark

Thatched-roof windmill in Keukenhof.

Landgoed Keukenhof🌿 nature

A large estate with gardens, forests and meadows surrounding the Keukenhof in Keukenhof.

Kabouterdorp Lisse📍 landmark

Kabouterdorp Lisse in Keukenhof park features tiny houses and gnome figurines for children.

Huis Dever🏰 castle

Huis Dever in Keukenhof is a historic small castle with a moat and park.

Tulpomania🏛 museum

Tulpomania in Keukenhof is a museum on tulip mania featuring historical paintings and bulbs.

🆓

Sint-Agathakerk⛪ religious

Sint-Agathakerk in Keukenhof, built in 1902, a listed monument.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is Keukenhof open?
Only about 8 weeks a year, from mid-March to mid-May.
When is the best time for tulip bloom?
Usually mid-April, but it depends heavily on the spring weather.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets are only available online for a specific time slot.
How much time should I plan for the park?
At least 3 to 5 hours to see the various gardens and pavilions.
Are you allowed to pick the tulips?
No, touching or picking the flowers is strictly prohibited.
Keukenhof: where is it located?
Keukenhof is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Keukenhof: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kinderboerderij Poelepetaat, Hoogeveensemolen, Lageveensemolen.
Keukenhof: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Keukenhof: why is it worth visiting?
Keukenhof, located in the town of Lisse, is world-famous as the 'Garden of Europe' and stands as the ultimate showcase for the Dutch floral industry.
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History & landmarks

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