Last Tuesday I went to Holland again. My parents and I drove to Lisse, the location of the world’s most beautiful spring garden. At Keukenhof, more than seven million (!) flowering bulbs – daffodils, hyacinths and tulips – create an explosion of color. Carpets of flowers in the brightest of colors are spread out across 32 hectares (79 acres); there are wonderful flower shows and exhibitions and dozens of works of art.
This year the central theme of the park is Holland and tulips are featured now more than ever. Millions of tulips in a thousand – that’s right, a thousand – different varieties are displayed in their amazing gardens.
I can talk and talk and talk some more about it, but it really is all about the visual aspect here.
Keukenhof in 40 Pictures
Okay, we’re halfway!
Time to give our eyes some rest, shall we?
The area used to be part of the estate of Teylingen Castle. In the fifteenth century the surrounding woods and dunes were hunting grounds and supplied foods of all kinds. Game and gathered food was used in the kitchen of the castle. ‘Keukenhof” means ‘kitchen courtyard’ in English.
A father-son team of landscape architects redesigned the castle gardens in 1857, but it wasn’t until 1949 that the first flower exhibition was held. The exhibition, organized by the mayor of the town of Lisse and local flower bulb growers, was a great success and it turned into an annual event.
Nowadays the gardens are internationally renowned for its magnificent gardens of flowering bulbs and each spring it draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Our visit to the gardens of Keukenhof was an unforgettable experience. Honestly and seriously. You could easily spend a full day there, especially if you want to thoroughly explore every flower exhibition, held in several pavilions.
I would also like to suggest going for a drive or rent a bicycle. The surrounding area consists of hundreds of fields of tulips, hyacinths and/or daffodils. It’s an amazing floral spectacle.
Extra information:
- This year the gardens are open every day from March 20 to May 18, from 8am to 7.30pm.
- Tickets for adults are 15 euros.
- Keukenhof can be reached from Leiden Central with bus 854 and from Schiphol Airport with bus 858.
Visit the official Keukenhof website or Netherlands Tourism for more information!
You can find more of my photos in my travel photography portfolio.
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Mary Louise
Monday 6th of February 2017
I visited Keukenhof some 25 years ago. It was amazing. I wonder how many new varieties there are now!
elly stornebrink
Thursday 2nd of October 2014
Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos of Keukenhof. I had wanted to go SO badly years ago when I went with my folks. I thought that was part of the intent of the trip to go in May, and we ended up visiting relatives instead. Flying over the fields was spectacular, but I had also wanted to view this spectacle in person...was sorely disappointed. I love the photo in particular of the Dutch landscape motif with building architecture and a tulip or two on the side and Dutch flags in the background partly cause of my favourite complementary colours (blue and orange), but also the design. :) <3
Bram Reusen
Thursday 2nd of October 2014
Great comment, Elly, thanks! If you're ever in the area again, make sure not to miss it again. It is spectacular!
Jennifer
Wednesday 21st of May 2014
Such a beautiful display! I was bummed to have missed visiting the garden by just a few days last year.
Bram Reusen
Wednesday 21st of May 2014
I was so glad I went there in time this year. It was absolutely gorgeous.
Aryn
Sunday 27th of April 2014
Those orchids are stunning!!
Bram Reusen
Sunday 27th of April 2014
I know right :-)
Bella Vida Letty
Monday 21st of April 2014
What a feast for the eyes. So many eye popping gorgeous colors.
Bram Reusen
Tuesday 22nd of April 2014
Thanks! :-D