Endless Fields of Color: Keukenhof Guide - All You Need To Know
Planning a trip to the Netherlands in spring? Then Keukenhof is probably already on your radar — and for good reason. Known as one of the world’s largest and most colorful flower gardens, it’s where you’ll find millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in full bloom. Keukenhof is set up as an exhibition rather than a working flower field, making it easy to explore and enjoy. You’ll find walking paths, boat rides through the surrounding fields, art installations, and beautifully designed pavilions throughout the park.
The garden is open for just eight weeks each year, from mid-March to mid-May, and draws more than 1.4 million visitors from around the world. It gets busy, but it’s easy to see why. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit to Keukenhof: when to go, how to get there, what to see inside, and tips to help you make the most of your day surrounded by endless fields of color.
Let’s go - Here is everything you need to know before visiting Keukenhof:
What is Keukenhof and Why Should I Visit?
Keukenhof is one of the most famous spring gardens in the world, located in the small town of Lisse, about 40 minutes from Amsterdam. It started in 1949 as a showcase for Dutch flower growers and has grown into a seasonal event that attracts over a million visitors each year. Millions of bulbs are planted by hand to create a vibrant display of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and more, all arranged into themed gardens with walking paths, art installations, and floral shows inside the pavilions. If you're looking for a unique and colorful experience to add to your spring trip to the Netherlands, Keukenhof is a great addition to your itinerary.
One more thing: remember that Keukenhof is an exhibition garden, not a working flower field. The large tulip fields you often see in photos are nearby, also in Lisse, but not inside the park itself.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Keukenhof?
Keukenhof is only open for about eight weeks each year, usually from mid-March to mid-May, which means it gets busy — especially on weekends and public holidays like Easter. The gardens attract over a million visitors during this short season, and it can get particularly crowded during school vacation periods, not only in the Netherlands but also in neighboring countries like Germany and Belgium. For a more relaxed experience, the best thing you can do is visit during the week and avoid national holidays or peak holiday periods. If possible, aim to arrive early in the morning when the park opens, or go later in the afternoon when the crowds start to thin out.
How Do I Get to Keukenhof?
Keukenhof is located in Lisse, about 40 minutes from both Amsterdam and The Hague, and it’s easy to reach by public transport. If you’re coming from Amsterdam, one of the most convenient options is to take a train to Schiphol Airport and then hop on the special Keukenhof Express bus (Line 858), which runs directly to the entrance during the season. There are also direct buses from cities like Leiden (Line 854) and Haarlem (Line 850).
If you're driving, on-site parking is available and costs €8 per car. Just keep in mind that traffic can build up on busy days, especially on weekends and holidays. If you’d rather not think about transport logistics at all, there are also pre-booked tours that include your entry ticket and round-trip shuttle, like this one departing from Amsterdam, which can be a stress-free option.
Ticket Types & Prices: What Do I Need to Know
Keukenhof tickets are available online, and it’s best to book in advance, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or during a holiday period. Standard entry tickets for adults cost around €19.50, and children aged 4-17 pay about €9. Kids under 4 can enter for free. If you're planning to take public transport, combo tickets that include both entrance and round-trip bus fare are available and can save you time and hassle. There are also guided tour packages and skip-the-line options for a more structured visit.
Keep in mind that tickets are dated and time-slotted, so plan your day accordingly — especially if you want to catch the early morning light or avoid the peak afternoon crowds.
Insider Tips: How to Make the Most of My Visit
To make the most of your Keukenhof visit, arrive early — ideally right when the park opens. This allows you to enjoy the gardens before the crowds arrive and makes for the best photos with softer light. Wear comfortable shoes since there’s a lot of walking, and bring a bottle of water or snacks, as the park can get spread out. While there are places to eat inside the park, they tend to get busy, and prices can be on the higher side. If you’re looking to save a bit, you might want to bring your own snacks or eat outside the park in Lisse. Be sure to check out the smaller themed gardens that are often less crowded, like the Japanese Garden and the Natural Garden, which offer unique takes on flower arrangements. For a different perspective, consider taking a boat ride through the nearby flower fields to see the tulips from the water. And don’t forget to bring your camera — the colors are stunning, and there are plenty of picture-perfect spots throughout the park. Lastly, remember to check the Keukenhof website for any special events or flower shows during your visit.
For a complete experience, consider combining your visit to Keukenhof with a trip to the nearby tulip fields. Just 5 kilometers away, De Tulperij in Voorhout offers a chance to walk through vibrant tulip fields, visit a show garden, and even create your own bouquet in the picking garden. Tickets are €7.95 for adults and €5.95 for children aged 4–12. You can book your visit in advance on their website.
There you have it - everything you need to know about Keukenhof. Still have some questions? Send me a message, and I’ll be more than happy to answer them. Happy Travels!
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