Tulips and a Walk in Keukenhof, Holland

When people think of Holland, images of wooden shoes, windmills, and tulips come to mind. Never are the tulips more apparent than at Keukenhof, a giant flower display in Lisse, just outside Amsterdam. Keukenhof operates two months out of every year – from late March to late May – and attracts thousands of tourists with its colorful, varied displays both indoors and outdoors. Aside from the tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, crocuses, and other early spring flowers that cover a large colorful swath of the 32 hectares of land, visitors can also view rotating displays in the indoor pavilions. There is something different to see each week during Keukenhof’s run. The beauty of Keukenhof’s grounds and the perfection of its meticulously tended flowers make it one of the best known sites in the Netherlands, and one of the most photographed locations in the world.

Although flowers are the main attraction, there are other things of interest. Keukenhof has a windmill, in which you can climb up to the top to see views of the surrounding countryside. There are parades (especially around Easter), birds of prey demonstrations, a playground and a petting zoo. There are various musicians performing around the park and in the pavilions. Craftsmen sell their wares, from stained glass to hand-painted aprons. The Klompenhof (wooden shoe house) has wooden shoes – the ubiquitous Dutch souvenir – available for purchase. And of course, you can purchase tulip bulbs and other plants. There is enough in Keukenhof to keep anyone happy all day, and enough shopping to get gifts for everyone on your list.

Keukenhof’sBackground

The concept for the Keukenhof’s flower exhibition was conceived by the mayor of Lisse in 1949. The Keukenhof estate, which has existed since the 15th century, was determined to be the best location for the event. In its first year, more than 200,000 people attended. In present times, an average of 600,000 to 700,000 visitors come each year, including famous political figures, such as US presidents Eisenhower and Clinton and Queen Elizabeth II.

Each year, about seven million bulbs are planted at Keukenhof. More than ninety bulb-growing companies take part in the displays; in Keukenhof’s early days, there were only ten. Sculptures and fountains complete the beauty and the simplicity of the gardens, making Keukenhof not only one of the world’s finest gardens, but an art gallery as well.

Visitor Information

Keukenhof is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Both can be reserved in advance, if needed, but there is a refundable deposit. Each restroom also contains disabled toilets and a baby changing area.

There are four restaurants in the park (try the frites – French fries – with mayonnaise). Visitors are also allowed to bring in a picnic lunch.

Guided tours can be booked at least two weeks in advance, and are available in various languages. Tours take 90 minutes, and are for a maximum of twenty people. Generally, five hours is recommended in order to get a good look at the entire park.

The opening dates for Keukenhof are different every year. The peak time to visit, however, is generally the last two weeks of April and the first week in May. Tickets can be purchased online or at the park the day of your visit.

Don’t Forget Lisse

Even though Keukenhof is the main attraction, Lisse is a wonderful little town in its own right, and it’s worth spending a few hours exploring there. Lisse is part of the Bloemen Route (Bulb District Route), and you will see fields of flowers surrounding the little town. Lisse is a town made for strolling. Pretty houses line the main street. The spire from the large, beautiful church can be seen all over town.

The center of town boasts a wonderful little shopping street, known as Kanaalstratt. There is an excellent pannekoeken restaurant located there – Vrouw Holle Pannekoekenhuis – if you want to try a typical Dutch treat (pannekoeken is a flat, crisp pancake that is baked with the fillings of your choice, savory or sweet, inside). Lisse has a surprising number of diverse restaurants, so finding something to satisfy your appetite should not be a problem.

Lisse also boasts an excellent chocolate and pastry shop, known as Vermeer, which is located on the main street (Heereweg 155). Their unique offerings will make your mouth water, but it will be hard to decide what to choose. Everything is delectable, from their chocolates to their mini Sacher tortes. A visit to this shop is a great way to cap off any meal, and your visit to Lisse.

If you are in Amsterdam during Keukenhof, it’s worth getting out of the city for a day to spend some time tiptoeing through the tulips. Lisse is just a short train or car ride away, and while Keukenhof is very commercial, Lisse will give you a taste of small-town Dutch life. Both offer a nice contrast to the metropolitan feel of Amsterdam. And long after the blooms fade, your memories, and your pictures, will remain.