Keukenhof

Just miles away from Amsterdam are Europe’s welcoming flower gardens at The Keukenhof. Bringing spring fever to Europeans and tourists are the blooming gardens that are most synonymous with Dutch culture. It is Holland’s biggest tourist attraction, and the biggest flower garden in the world. Every spring, the garden opens its doors to flower and nature lovers who enjoy the star of the show: the Dutch tulip.

History of the Garden: The area where Keukenhof lies used to be a 15th century hunting ground, near by a castle for a Dutch countess. It wouldn't be until the 19th century that a landscape architect would begin to design flower gardens around the castle to beautify it. By 1949, the mayor of Lisse, where the garden is located, decided to create a flower exhibit that would attract growers worldwide to share their flower hybrids. It would also benefit the Dutch so they could export these lovely flowers. Today it is the biggest flower garden in the world, a historic park in a beautiful setting in the flat landscapes of Holland.

How to get there from Amsterdam: The Keukenhof gardens are easily located in the bulb region of the country. It is Southwest from Amsterdam, easily accessible by car or rail. From Amsterdam International Airport, you can drive towards The Hague and follow the exit for the town of Lisse, where there will be clear signs towards Keukenhof.  The green-friendly way to get to Keukenhof is via public transportation. There are now buses from the airport directly to Keukenhof, as well as combination bus-entrance tickets for a combined fair price.

What to do at Keukenhof: There are a wide variety of activities to do at the Keukenhof Gardens. For instance, each year, there is a theme for the park. In 2012, the theme was Poland- Heart of Europe, which featured cultural facts, displays and music that is significant to Polish traditions. There is also a flower walk of fame, with flower displays dedicated to special figures in history, like Mozart, Pink Floyd, even Spongebob. (You guessed it, the flowers are yellow!)

Each year, there is a flower parade that commemorates the annual opening of the gardens. Don't forget the grounds itself, which is extremely inspiring and beautiful to observe.  There are patio gardens, urban gardens, large displays and anything and everything in between that is filled with blooming and beautiful flowers.

Who will enjoy Keukenhof: Anyone who is interested in Dutch culture will enjoy learning about how tulips made it to Holland. Apparently, the Turks brought tulips to Holland via trades in the 16th century, a time when the Dutch Republic thrived. Also, flower lovers will love the different colors, shapes and sizes of not only tulips, but other hybrids of flowers. Bring the kids, the entire family, even a lover for a wonderful and leisurely time through the flower fields. It is especially nice to visit on a nice day, to relax outside of the busy city center of Amsterdam.


Book a flight to Amsterdam and visit Keukenhof, stop and smell beautiful flowers!

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photo: toniescuder