Visit Keukenhof: The Garden of Europe

About the Keukenhof in Lisse

Keukenhof is a famous garden in Lisse, the Netherlands. Every spring, national and international visitors come from many countries to see the beautiful flowers. The garden is open only for a couple of months each year, from March to May. This is the best (and ONLY!) time to see the flowers in full bloom.

The name Keukenhof has its origins from the Castle Keukenhof at the start in 1642

You can walk through the gardens, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air. There are also small lakes, fountains, and beautiful paths. It is a peaceful place to relax and feel close to nature.

Keukenhof is perfect for families, couples, and friends. It is a must-visit place for people who love flowers and nature. Everyone can enjoy the beauty of spring at Keukenhof.

Why the Keukenhof is worth it visiting

It is one of the largest flower gardens in the world. The Keukenhof is also called the ‘Garden of Europe’. At Keukenhof, there are millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in many colors.

How to reach Keukenhof by car or by public transportation

Reaching Keukenhof in Lisse is convenient whether you’re driving or using public transportation. If traveling by car, you can take the A4 or A44 highways from Amsterdam, The Hague, or Rotterdam, and follow signs for Lisse or Keukenhof. The journey from Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes, and there is ample parking available at Keukenhof for a small fee.

For those opting for public transportation, springtime shuttle buses run directly to Keukenhof from Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam RAI Station, and Leiden Central Station. One popular option is to take a train to Schiphol, then transfer to the Keukenhof Express Bus 858, which offers a quick and scenic route to the gardens. Alternatively, from Haarlem or Leiden, you can catch Bus 850 or 854, which also provides a direct connection. Public transit packages, including admission and transport, make this a seamless option for visitors.

Why the Keukenhof is only opened from mid-March towards mid-May

Keukenhof is open only from mid-March to mid-May. This is when spring flowers, like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, bloom. These flowers grow best in cool weather, and tulips need a cold winter to grow well. The tulips are most colorful from late April to early May.

If Keukenhof stayed open in summer, the flowers would not look good because the warm weather makes them wilt. In autumn, the gardeners plant over seven million flower bulbs so they bloom at different times in spring. This way, visitors can enjoy colorful flowers throughout the season.

In regard to only being open for a couple of months: ‘absences makes the heart go fonder’.

The short opening time makes Keukenhof special. People look forward to seeing the garden every year. This schedule keeps the flowers healthy and makes Keukenhof famous as a beautiful, unique place.

Travel tips for international visitors

To enjoy your visit, buy your tickets online to save time. You can take a train to Schiphol Airport or Leiden and then a bus to the park. Wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking. Bring a jacket or umbrella if it might rain. You can eat at the cafes in the park or bring your own food. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays. Don’t forget your camera to take pictures of the amazing flowers!