When spring is in full swing it's about time to go outside and enjoy the beauty nature has on offer during this season of the year. One of the best days out among flowers you can have is at Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, in the Netherlands. Keukenhof covers an area of 32 hectares and approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted in the gardens by hand annually, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The Best Day Out Among Flowers at Keukenhof
Keukenhof is widely known for its tulips, it also features numerous other flowers, including hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations, and irises. Though its grounds are open year-round for private affairs and festivals, Keukenhof is only open to the general public for a world-renowned 8-week tulip display from mid-March to mid-May. A unique sight to behold, that attracted 1.4 million people in 2024 - equivalent to almost 25,000 visitors per day.
Keukenhof Theme
Every year, Keukenhof dedicates itself to a specific theme. The theme for 2024 was 'Let's Dance' and the inspirational gardens, events, and artworks are adjusted accordingly. 2024 was very special because the exhibition celebrates its 75th anniversary.
What to See and Do at Keukenhof
From the 15 km (more than 9 miles) of hiking trails that run through Keukenhof, you will have incredible views of the flower gardens with its weekly changing flower shows, beautiful ponds, and various pavilions with restaurants that have outside seating. The perfect place to get those stunning selfies and flower photos! Besides, Keukenhof is also home to the largest statue garden in the Netherlands, where you can admire the work of national and international artists.
In addition to the tulip gardens, Keukenhof features a variety of other gardens. The English landscape garden features winding paths and surprise see-through vistas. The walled area of the historical features archival varieties. In the Nature Garden, shrubs and perennials are combined with bulb plants. The Japanese Country Garden is a non-traditional garden in a natural environment. Four pavilions house rotating displays and flower exhibits.
Taking the perfect pictures at Keukenhof. Via @emmasedition
When to Visit Keukenhof
Every fall, 40 gardeners plant the 7 million bulbs that are donated to the park by over 100 growers. The flowerbeds are synchronized to the different bulb flowerings to ensure beautiful blooms throughout the duration of the park's 8-week opening. To make sure the flowers bloom continuously, three bulbs are planted in each location. The shallowest bulb will bloom for the first three weeks, followed by the subsequent layers, meaning there are three different periods within the park's opening.
Floriculture Sector
Keukenhof is the international and independent showcase for the Dutch floricultural sector, with a special emphasis on flower bulbs. In the space of eight weeks, Keukenhof shows what the Dutch floricultural sector has to offer. The park’s focus is on the 7 million spring-flowering bulbs, which allow the 100 participating companies to show their living catalog. 500 flower growers present an enormous variety of cut flowers and pot plants at the over 20 flower shows.
That's what makes Keukenhof an excellent opportunity to network and meet business contacts. Trade events for growers are also organized regularly. Keukenhof has strong ties with all the relevant organizations in the floricultural and tourist sectors.
More Information and Tickets
Keukenhof is open daily from 08:00 - 19:30 from March 24th to May 15th, 2022. Tickets can only be purchased online via the Keukenhof website. The tickets are valid on a specific date during the opening season with arrival expected during a predetermined timeslot. Visit www.keukenhof.nl for more information.
