Keukenhof Gardens

Overview

Keukenhof Gardens opens for about eight weeks from late March to May, displaying more than eight million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other bulbs, the largest spring flower show in the world. Its 32 hectares include 15 themed pavilions and displays by famous growers, and the nearby Dutch windmills set against the flower fields form the most representative rural scene in the Netherlands.

History

The site was originally hunting grounds and a kitchen garden for Slot Teylingen castle, which is where the name Keukenhof, meaning kitchen garden, comes from. The modern garden was laid out in 1949 by a group of bulb growers to showcase Dutch flower bulbs, and it has opened every spring since 1950, now drawing more than a million visitors a year.

Highlights

• •Eight million tulips in bloom
• •The indoor pavilion displays
• •Windmills framing the flower fields

Practical tips

• •Only open in spring, so check the dates
• •Weekday mornings are less crowded

Practical information

Best time

April to May

Tickets

About EUR 22, seasonal opening

Opening hours

8:00 to 19:30, spring only

Local food

Herring sandwiches, Dutch pancakes and cheese

Getting around

Trains between The Hague and Rotterdam are frequent; an OV card is recommended

Visa

The Netherlands is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Book an appointment one to two months ahead with complete documents.

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