Seven Million Flowers
Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden — approximately 32 hectares of meticulously landscaped beds containing over 7 million flower bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses, and other spring flowers) in a park setting of mature trees, ponds, canals, and sculptures. The garden is located near Lisse, approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam (about 40 minutes by road or 1 hour by bus).
Keukenhof is open for approximately 8 weeks each spring — typically mid-March to mid-May — and the timing is everything. The garden is designed so that different varieties bloom in succession, ensuring colour throughout the season, but the peak tulip display is typically mid-April. Outside the spring opening, Keukenhof is closed.
What You Will See
The outdoor flower beds are the main event — sweeping curves and geometric blocks of colour that are designed to be viewed from the garden paths and from the elevated viewpoints. The scale — millions of flowers across 32 hectares — creates a visual impact that photographs cannot fully capture. The colour saturation of a tulip field in full bloom is genuinely extraordinary.
The indoor pavilions — covered exhibition halls featuring themed flower displays, individual flower competitions, and cutting-edge floral design. The orchid pavilion and the tulip pavilion are the most impressive.
The surrounding bulb fields — the flat polder landscape around Keukenhof is carpeted with commercial tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil fields during the bloom season. The strips of colour stretching to the horizon are the classic Dutch flower landscape. Some tours include a drive or bike ride through the bulb fields alongside the Keukenhof visit.
Practical Tips
Keukenhof is seasonal — open approximately mid-March to mid-May only. If your visit to Amsterdam falls outside this window, the garden is closed. Plan your trip around the Keukenhof dates if the flowers are a priority.
Book tickets online before arriving. Timed-entry tickets are required and peak days (weekends in mid-April) sell out. Weekday mornings are the least crowded.
Allow 3–4 hours for the garden. The grounds are extensive and the variety of displays, pavilions, and garden areas warrants a full half-day. Rushing through in an hour wastes the admission.
Arrive early. The garden opens at 8:00 AM and the first 1–2 hours are the quietest. By 11:00 AM, the paths are busy with tour groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Keukenhof open?
Approximately mid-March to mid-May each year (approximately 8 weeks). Exact dates vary — check the Keukenhof website for the current year’s dates.
When is the best time to visit Keukenhof?
Mid-April is typically peak tulip season. Late March to early April features crocuses and early tulips. Late April to early May features late tulips and irises. The garden is designed for continuous colour throughout the season.
How do I get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam?
Direct bus services run from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal during the opening season. Guided tours from Amsterdam include transport (approximately 40 minutes by road). Rental car with parking at the garden is also practical.
Is Keukenhof suitable for children?
Yes. The scale, the colours, the playground, and the outdoor environment engage children. The garden paths are pushchair-accessible. Children under 4 enter free.