Keukenhof (pronounced koh-ken-hof) is a world-famous flower garden located in the Netherlands. It is home to over seven million flower bulbs, which bloom in a riot of colour every spring. The gardens are open for just a few short weeks each year, so it is important to plan your visit accordingly.
The best and most popular time to visit Keukenhof is during the tulip bloom, which typically occurs in April. However, the gardens are also beautiful in May, and there are still many flowers to see.
Keukenhof bulb plants and their cultural meaningsTulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are all spring flowers that are popular in many cultures around the world. They are often given as gifts to express love, appreciation, or sympathy. Tulips are associated with love, beauty, and perfection. They are also a symbol of springtime and new beginnings. The meaning of tulips can vary depending on the colour of the flower. For example, red tulips are often associated with love and passion, while yellow tulips represent cheerfulness and optimism. Daffodils are associated with new beginnings, hope, and cheerfulness. They are also a symbol of springtime and rebirth. Daffodils are often given as gifts to express sympathy or to wish someone a speedy recovery. Hyacinths are associated with constancy, sincerity, and playfulness. They are also a symbol of springtime and new beginnings. Hyacinths are often given as gifts to express love, appreciation, or sympathy. These are just a few of the meanings associated with tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The meaning of these flowers can vary depending on the culture and the individual. |
What to do at Keukenhof
There are many things to see and do at Keukenhof. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, admire the flowers, and enjoy the many activities and events that are on offer (browse the calendar here to see what’s on). The gardens host regular flower-specific shows, incredible parades with flower-covered floats, and you might even get the chance to meet the famously adorable Dutch cartoon character, Miffy!
There are also several restaurants and cafes on site, so you can take a break and refuel during your visit. Alternatively, you can bring in your own food and drink for a lovely spring picnic!
How much does it cost to visit Keukenhof?
Tickets to Keukenhof cost €18 for adults and €10 for children. Children under 4 are free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance to the gardens.
How to get to Keukenhof
Keukenhof is located in Lisse, Netherlands. It is about a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam and a 45-minute drive from The Hague. There are also several train stations near Keukenhof, so it’s possible to get there by public transport. Find it here on Google Maps.
Keukenhof opening times
The gardens are open from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM from March 23th to May 15th, 2023. Once you’re in, you can stay until closing time. However, the average visitor usually stays for around three hours.
Here are some additional tips for planning your visit to Keukenhof:
- Book your tickets in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture all of the beautiful flowers (note, drones are not allowed in the gardens for safety reasons).
- Be sure to visit the Keukenhof website for the latest information on opening hours, ticket prices, and transportation.
Keukenhof is a true spectacle, and it is a must-see for anyone who loves flowers. With its stunning flower fields and displays, delicious food, and friendly people, Keukenhof is the perfect place to spend a spring day.
Discover more about the Keukenhof bulb gardens with The Plant Based Podcast’s special behind-the-scenes episode.
Michael has been involved with gardening and plants since he was just five years old. He is a self-professed Plant Geek, and was listed in the Sunday Times top 20 most influential people in the gardening world, thanks to his plant hunter role at Thompson & Morgan.
Michael was responsible for new plant introductions such as the Egg and Chips plant and the FuchsiaBerry and keeps busy travelling the world in search of new plants as well as lecturing worldwide, including stints in Japan. He is very active on social media – so why not give him a follow at @mr_plantgeek or Facebook – and writes a plant-focused Substack called Grow This, Not That.
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