Postcards from the flower park Keukenhof in the Netherlands

One of the things I love most about exploring a new place is stumbling upon hidden gems. The most beautiful flower park, Keukenhof in the Netherlands, is truly a treasure! In fact, it’s considered the most beautiful park not only in its country but in all of Europe! And it’s really true! It’s simply incredible!

Many of you have probably been there, but for those who haven’t yet had the chance to run through the tulips with your camera or simply take a leisurely stroll and admire the unimaginable variety of early flowers, let me tell you about this place.

Keukenhof – The Kitchen Garden.

The flower park Keukenhof in the Netherlands is also called the “Kitchen Park,” and its owners are the local royal family. The park is surrounded by the tulip meadows of Lisse, where, in the past, aromatic herbs were grown for the kitchen of Jacoba of Bavaria’s castle. Once, there was a small castle here that supplied spices to the county. That’s why the park is called the “Kitchen Garden.”

Did you know that the birthplace of tulips is actually not the Netherlands but Turkey? And that in 1550, a Viennese diplomat, having stolen a few bulbs, brought them to the Netherlands, where they took root and became a symbol of the country. The flower got its name from the eastern headdress “turban.”

Keukenhof – A Tulip Extravaganza.

Spring is coming! The bad weather is leaving, the sun is starting to warm up stronger, flowers and trees are blooming, and you want to live and create again.

At such a wonderful time, when life is beginning to flourish, you want to be in the most beautiful place on the planet. I had been dreaming of Keukenhof for a very long time, and now my dream has come true.

I’m standing in the middle of a sea of tulips, absorbing their fragrance, while my eyes are dazzled by the rainbow colors of the petals.

Keukenhof Flower Park in the Netherlands is a unique place. You won’t find so many flowers anywhere else in the world. Tulips have long become a symbol of the country; they inspired people so much that they started inventing new and new varieties. In just one park, over 4 million bulbs of more than 100 varieties are planted.

Every year, they hold carnivals and flower shows here with huge floral installations. Each spring, they organize a parade of flower compositions called “Bloemencorso Bollenstreek,” where flowers are planted on a peat base.

Why here? Thanks to the Dutch soil and excellent weather conditions with a sufficient amount of precipitation, warm autumn, and mild winter. Originally, flower figure shows were held here, which remained here forever afterward.

This is not just a park with tulips, though there are many of them; it’s a place where landscape designers bring their dreams to life. Numerous alleys, waterfalls, flower mazes, ponds with snow-white swans, and much more.

If you’re looking for more whimsical and charming locations, I have a few posts that might interest you. Check out the Water village Giethoorn and the Charming city of Haarlem. These places are completely different, but they are so amazing in their energy. And I can definitely say that trips there were some of my favorite. I highly recommend you to visit it too!

Keukenhof Park Gardens.

The flower park Keukenhof in the Netherlands is divided into several gardens – historical, musical, natural, and Japanese.

The historical one looks like an English garden – a miniature grove surrounded by neatly “overgrown” banks.

The musical – here, flowers bloom to the accompaniment of music.

The natural garden – this is an ancient forest, century-old trees, tulips, daffodils, and lakes with mirror-like surfaces. Everything is very natural.

In the Japanese garden, everything follows Japanese culture – streams babble, sakuras bloom, and you are subtly immersed in the search for philosophical meaning.

In addition to this, in Keukenhof, you can find an ancient windmill from 1892. This windmill was used to pump water from the polder. It was built in the city of Groningen, and later in 1957, the company “Holland America Line” bought it and donated it to Keukenhof. You can see it on the grounds of the Japanese garden.

Keukenhof is blooming, fragrant, and all my thoughts are about how to prolong this fleeting part of spring.

Not enough tulips? Then check out my post on where to find blooming fields in Holland.

If you’re planning to visit the Netherlands for the first time, here’s a list of the most beautiful places I highly recommend you visit!

How to get to park from Amsterdam.

The Keukenhof flower park in Holland is a dream come true for nature lovers, a place where spring explodes in a riot of colors and fragrances. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time at this iconic flower garden.

Keukenhof is located in Lisse, in the heart of the Netherlands’ flower-growing region. The park is well-connected and easy to reach, whether you’re coming from Amsterdam, Haarlem, or other nearby cities.

Keukenhof is located 20 kilometers from Amsterdam and 7 kilometers from the small town of Lisse. Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Amsterdam if you’re traveling from another country.

Address: Stationsweg, 166a, 2161 AM Lisse.

By public transport: The easiest way to reach Keukenhof by public transport is to take a bus from either Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, or Haarlem. During the flower season, special direct buses (Keukenhof Express) run frequently. For example, you can take bus 858 from Schiphol or bus 50 from Haarlem, which drops you off right at the entrance.

By car: I highly recommend traveling around the Netherlands by your own transport, as it’s one of those countries where it’s easiest to get around by car! Don’t have your own car? Why not rent one for a day or two? You can check prices and availability of cars here.

What you need to know.

Best time to visit: Keukenhof is open only for a limited time each year, typically from mid-March to mid-May. The best time to visit is usually mid-April when the tulips are in full bloom. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the weather, so it’s a good idea to check bloom updates on the Keukenhof website before your visit.

Opening hours: From 8 AM to 7:30 PM daily. It’s worth arriving at the park right when it opens! There’s an incredible silence, and in the morning, there are almost no people since everyone is evenly distributed across the territory.

Ticket prices: For 2024, the entrance ticket for adults is approximately €19, and for children (4-17 years), it’s around €9.50. Children under 4 can enter for free. You can buy tickets online, which is recommended to avoid long queues at the entrance.

Dining and facilities: Keukenhof offers several restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a meal or snack. Picnicking is also allowed in designated areas.

Wear comfortable shoes: The park covers 32 hectares, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must!

Bring a camera: Keukenhof is one of the most photographed places in the world, and you’ll want to capture the stunning displays. From the famous tulip fields to themed gardens, every corner offers a picture-perfect moment.

Explore beyond the tulips: While the tulips are the star attraction, don’t miss the other flowers and features. The park also showcases daffodils, hyacinths, orchids, and more, along with beautiful ponds, fountains, and sculptures.

The most charming hotels near the tulip park Keukenhof in the Netherlands.

If you’re planning a visit to this floral paradise, why not enhance your experience by staying in one of the charming hotels nearby? Here are my top picks for the most enchanting places to rest your head after a day of exploring the vibrant tulip fields.

Hotel de Duif – Lisse: Nestled in the heart of Lisse, just a short stroll from Keukenhof, Hotel de Duif offers a cozy retreat perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of spring. The hotel is adorned with a mix of modern and classic decor, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each room is thoughtfully designed, with large windows that allow you to bask in the morning sunlight while sipping your coffee. After a day at the park, unwind in their lovely courtyard garden, surrounded by the fragrance of blooming flowers. This hotel is an ideal choice if you’re looking for comfort and charm in close proximity to the flower park.

Hotel Restaurant de Engel – Lisse: For a delightful blend of local charm and culinary delights, Hotel Restaurant de Engel is a gem worth discovering. Located just a few minutes’ drive from Keukenhof, this family-run hotel radiates warmth and hospitality. The rooms are simple yet cozy, each uniquely decorated with a touch of Dutch countryside elegance. But what truly sets this hotel apart is its restaurant, renowned for serving mouthwatering local dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Imagine ending your day with a hearty meal, surrounded by the rustic charm of a traditional Dutch inn, before retiring to your comfortable room—this is the essence of Hotel Restaurant de Engel.

Hotel Villa Flora – Hillegom: Just a short drive from Keukenhof, Hotel Villa Flora in Hillegom offers a charming retreat in a peaceful setting. The hotel is housed in a historic building, exuding old-world charm with its classic architecture and elegant interiors. Each room is individually decorated, offering a unique blend of comfort and style. The surrounding gardens add to the hotel’s charm, providing a tranquil space to relax and soak in the beauty of spring. The on-site restaurant serves delicious Dutch and international cuisine, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner after a day of exploration. If you’re looking for a serene and picturesque escape, Hotel Villa Flora is a wonderful choice.

Visiting Keukenhof is a truly magical experience, a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the rich floral heritage of Holland. It is a place that will leave you in awe. Enjoy your blooming adventure!

If you liked this post “Postcards from the most beautiful flower park Keukenhof in the Netherlands” then please follow me on Instagram, so you don’t miss any updates.

I am available for commercial work such as personal photography, brand photography, product photography and more. If you would like to work with me, feel free to email me – hello@foxgleann.com.