I was lucky to be in the Netherlands when Keukenhof was opened. The park, also known as the Garden of Europe, opens about 2-3 months every year in spring, around Mar-May. Spring is when the tulips and other flowers bloom. Keukenhof park opened to the public in 1950.
Tickets
I didn’t buy the ticket in advance, but we were very early so my friend and I managed to get tickets easily. Plus it was drizzling a bit in the morning, maybe that’s why it was a bit more quiet. But the rain was brief, so it all worked out great. Just in case you need them -they sell umbrellas at the gift shop near the entrance. I got myself a beautiful keukenhof-tulip-patterned umbrella – worked out great as a souvenir!
I didn’t buy the ticket in advance, but we were very early, so my friend and I managed to get tickets easily. Plus it was drizzling a bit in the morning, maybe that’s why it was a bit quieter. But the rain was brief, so it all worked out great. Just in case you need them -they sell umbrellas at the gift shop near the entrance. I got myself a beautiful Keukenhof-tulip-patterned umbrella – worked out great as a souvenir!
You can see the opening dates in 2020 now on their We got there by taxi from our hotel in The Hague. If from Schiphol, you can take the Keukenhof Express that stops at the entrance – it’s about a 35min ride. Other departure locations include Amsterdam Convention centre in the Amsterdam business district.You can see the opening dates in 2020 now on their website.
We got there by taxi from our hotel in The Hague. If from Schiphol, you can take the Keukenhof Express that stops at the entrance – it’s about a 35min ride. Other departure locations include Amsterdam Convention centre in the Amsterdam business district.
What To Expect
Why, Tulips of course!
Beautiful flowers in every corner…Now, I am not that big on flowers etc. but even I was impressed. Gorgeous!
The millions of flower bulbs are provided by approximately 100 suppliers every year free of charge. Every year the planting and design is a bit different.
Beautiful Landscaping
Look at the beautiful view. How can you not fall in love with that? Have added this to my list of favourite parks to visit! Especially when there are not too many visitors around…
It can be daunting though if you think about it. The park is opened only roughly 8 weeks a year and they get approximately 1 million visitors annually. Think it was 1.5mil in 2019. But it didn’t feel crowded on the day we were there – and it was a public holiday. Or were we just lucky? I think the trick is to go super early in the morning. See how serene everything is…
The Old Windmill
The windmill which is over a century old, was donated to Keukenhof in 1957 by a shipping company. It was built in 1892.
The Flower Pavilions
There are also pavilions which showcase tulips, and other flowers like lilies and orchids by growers and suppliers.
And you can get have some snacks and coffee here while you’re at it.
Lovely Morning Walk
If you are in town in those months – you should really pay Keukenhof a visit. Highly recommended – beautiful and peaceful – that’s how I will sum it up. Nice way to start your morning. Plus if you are into photography, you can really get some gorgeous pictures.
Read more about Keukenhof here.
