Probably the best place on earth to see beautiful tulips

A river scene with tulips at Keukenhof, near Amsterdam

If there’s one thing that’s completely synonymous with the Netherlands, it’s the humble tulip. A love affair that has last centuries, these gorgeous flowers are still grown with the utmost devotion to the point where the fields of blooming tulips become an attraction in themselves. And if you want to see the best of the best tulips, then you can’t go far wrong with a visit to Keukenhof Park.

What is Keukenhof Park?

Tulips from the Netherlands are famous all over the world. In April and May, you should visit the Netherlands to witness the Dutch tulip fields in bloom. This is also the time when Keukenhof, the world's largest flower park, opens its doors.

Every year, more than 7 million flower bulbs are planted in Keukenhof, a park near Amsterdam. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, carnations, irises, lilies, and many other flowers are shown in the gardens and four pavilions. The kaleidoscope of colours and scents will take your breath away.

Keukenhof history

Colourful rows of tulips grow at Keukenhof Garden, near Amsterdam

Keukenhof has a long and illustrious history dating back to the fifteenth century. Fruit and vegetables were collected from the nearby dunes by Countess Jacoba van Beieren (1401-1436) for Teylingen Castle's kitchen. The estate increased to nearly 200 hectares after Keukenhof Castle was completed in 1641.

The castle grounds were renovated in 1857 by landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, who were also responsible for Amsterdam's Vondelpark. Keukenhof's foundation rests on that very park which is designed in the English landscape style.

In 1949, a group of 20 top flower bulb producers and exporters devised a plan to use the estate to display spring-flowering bulbs thus establishing Keukenhof as an annual event.

When is the best time to visit Keukenhof?

The only time to visit Keukenhof Park is in spring when the flowers are in full bloom. The park is open daily between late March and mid-May, from 09:00 to 19:30. Sunny days provide the best photographs but the park is just as beautiful on cloudy and rainy days.

Where is Keukenhof Park?

Keukenhof Park is around 30 minutes by car from Amsterdam. It is located close to the town of Hoofdorp. There are regular coach connections from Amsterdam.

Keukenhof virtual tour

Since 2020, Keukenhof Park has been offering virtual tours of the gardens. These tours may continue in the future so check the Keukenhof Park Website for updates.

Keukenhof Castle

The estate on which Keukenhof Park is located is part of the ground of Keukenhof Castle. This well-known country home dates back to the Golden Age of the Dutch Republic. It was erected in 1641 by Adriaen Maertensz Block, a Dutch East India Company official.

Keukenhof Castle is a seperate attraction to the gardens. Guided tours of the palace and its Golden Age treasures are available year-round and the estate organises a range of special events such as festivals, Christmas markets and Hallowe’en celebrations.

Keukenhof Park facilities

Visitors enjoy the gardens at Keukenhof, Netherlands

Keukenhof Park has ample parking, guest bathrooms and a variety of on-site restaurants and food outlets. Guests can also hire bicycles to explore the local area, and there are lockers to store small luggage items and bags.

Keukenhof gardens tickets

Keukenhof tickets can be bought at the ticket office on the day, but it’s always advisable to book in advance to prevent disappointment. A great option to to buy a skip the line guided tour with transfers from Amsterdam to avoid the queues and remove the stress of getting there, plus you’ll get a local guide who will provide plenty of insights.

Book tickets