Each year, I count down the days until the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands open – just like a child counting down to Christmas. My excitement for this world-famous tulip garden near Lisse never fades. If there’s one attraction I would visit over and over again, it’s Keukenhof.
Keukenhof is closed now! In 2027 Keukenhof is open from 18 March to 9 May.
In this article, you’ll discover 5 reasons to visit Keukenhof Gardens and 1 reason not to, plus handy travel tips and the best things to do in Keukenhof. Don’t forget to check the comments section – it’s packed with extra tips from fellow visitors. Have a question that hasn’t been answered? Leave a comment, and I’ll gladly help! You can also read my other post, All Your Keukenhof Questions Answered, where I cover the most frequently asked visitor questions.
Tip: Are you visiting the Netherlands when Keukenhof is closed? Consider visiting the Gardens of Appeltern.
Contents
- Why You Should Visit Keukenhof Gardens
- Who Might Skip Keukenhof?
- How to Make the Most of Your Keukenhof Visit in 2027
- Buying Keukenhof Tickets: What You Should Know
- Choosing the Best Time to Visit Keukenhof
- Getting to Keukenhof: What Works Best
- Where to Stay Near Keukenhof Gardens
- Keukenhof vs the Tulip Fields: What’s the Difference?
- Buying Tulip Bulbs at Keukenhof: Is It Worth It?
- How Much Time You’ll Want to Spend at Keukenhof
- Why You Won’t See the Tulips from the Old Paintings
- More Than Just a Walk: Things to Do in Keukenhof
- Take Pictures in the Gardens
- Climb the Historic Windmill
- Take a ‘Whisper’ Boat Trip Through Keukenhof
- Attend Special Events at Keukenhof Gardens
- See the Flower Shows in the Pavilions
- Learn Flower Arrangement Skills
- Listen to a Traditional Dutch Street Organ
- Rent a Bike to Explore the Surrounding Fields
- Walk Through the Tulip Fields Nearby
- Explore Keukenhof Castle
- Admire the Flower Parade
- Kid-Friendly Activities at the Gardens
- Final Thoughts on Visiting Keukenhof
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.
Why You Should Visit Keukenhof Gardens
Here is why I keep visiting this place year after year: every time I walk through the gardens, I feel that same spark of excitement I did on my very first visit.
1. Keukenhof is Always Different
Whether you visit Keukenhof at the end of March, in April, or in May, the garden is always changing. Some tulips bloom early in the season, others later, so no two visits are ever the same. Is there a best time to go? My favourite is when the trees are in blossom – usually in late April – but in an unusually warm spring, most flowers might already be past their peak by early May.
Fun fact: The park regularly publishes flowering reports on its website and Facebook page, so you can check which tulips are in bloom before you plan your visit.
2. The Variety of Tulips is Amazing
I still remember my first visit to Keukenhof – I was like a child unleashed, unstoppable. I probably took at least three close-ups of every tulip, crocus, and daffodil, plus a zillion photos of the gardens. Over the years, I’ve calmed down a bit, and now I can spend more than half my time simply walking through the park and enjoying it with my own eyes, rather than through a camera lens.
I love stopping to read the names of the tulips – every showcased flower has a small plate with its name and the supplier – and imagining what might have inspired the tulip growers when naming them. I’ve admired a Pushkin tulip, a Danceline, a Caravaggio, and many more, each one as beautiful and unique as the next. My favorite tulip? The Ice cream, of course.
Rose, orange, purple, white, and even near-black – single, double, lily-flowered, fringed, or parrot – you’ll find them all at Keukenhof! If you want to learn more about the different tulip varieties and their history, I also recommend visiting the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam. Their website is full of fascinating and educational information about these iconic flowers.
Fun Fact: For the 2026 season, Keukenhof planted over 7 million bulbs, representing more than 800 tulip varieties. All the bulbs are planted in the autumn of the previous year, ensuring the park bursts into color every spring.
3. Each Year Keukenhof Has a New Theme
Every year, Keukenhof features a different theme, and all exhibitions and activities in the park revolve around it. There is always a centerpiece mosaic made of tens of thousands of flower bulbs, beautifully depicting the theme.
Over the years, Keukenhof has celebrated a wide range of themes: in 2022, it was Flower Classics; 2020 and 2021 – World of Colors; 2019 – Flower Power; 2018 – Romance; 2017 – Dutch Design; 2016 – The Golden Age; 2015 – Van Gogh; 2014 – Holland; 2013 – UK; 2012 – Poland; 2011 – Germany; and 2010 – Russia.
In 2023, the park didn’t have a theme, but in 2024 Keukenhof’s celebrated its 75th anniversary, which was a great theme. The theme in 2025 was World of Flowers, and we are still waiting for the 2026 theme announcement.
4. Keukenhof is Not Only About Tulips
When you mention Keukenhof, everyone immediately thinks of the famous tulip gardens in the Netherlands – and of course, the tulips are stunning. But Keukenhof is much more than that. It’s a showcase of Dutch bulb growers, and the gardens feature many other bulb flowers: daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, lilies-of-the-valley, bluebells, snowdrops, and irises.
Beyond the park gardens, three of the six pavilions – Beatrix Pavilion, Oranje Nassau Pavilion, and Willem-Alexander Pavilion – host flower shows with orchids, gerbera daisies, callas, amaryllises, and more.
Keukenhof isn’t just about flowers either. Every year, the park displays amazing art installations, and I’m always amazed at how seamlessly they blend with the blooms!
Fun fact: You can also find inspiration for your own home and garden in the inspirational gardens. Previous years the themes included Hilltop Heaven, Beach Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Sounds of Spring, and Romantic Garden.
5. Keukenhof is an Ode to the Dutch Historical Heritage
Tulips originally come from Asia and became popular in the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) in the 16th century. That same century, tulips were introduced to Europe and quickly became a sensation. Things really got out of hand in the early 17th century – during the Dutch Golden Age – when prices for tulip bulbs skyrocketed after the introduction of a speculative futures market.
At the height of it, a single tulip bulb could cost more than a house! After the enormous peak in 1636, the market collapsed in February 1637, and overnight many people lost everything. (Just a subtle side note – funny how history seems to repeat itself, isn’t it?) This period is famously known as Tulip Mania. You can visit the Juliana Pavilion at Keukenhof to learn all about it.
Fun fact: Tulip Mania is considered the first economic bubble in history.
Who Might Skip Keukenhof?
Now, you might wonder – why do I, someone who usually seeks out quiet, off-the-beaten-path places, still recommend Keukenhof? Isn’t it just a tourist trap, with more than a million visitors in 50 days – about 20,000 people per day on 32 hectares? In fact, in 2025, the park welcomed 1.4 million visitors, which shows just how popular it is.
Honestly, there’s really only one reason I’d suggest skipping it: if you don’t love flowers, Keukenhof probably isn’t for you. But if you do, trust me – the colors, the scents, and the sheer variety make it totally worth a visit, even with all the crowds.
Tip: If you are not into flowers, then maybe you can consider another day trip from Amsterdam.
How to Make the Most of Your Keukenhof Visit in 2027
Feeling inspired to explore one of the most spectacular gardens in the world? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands and enjoy everything this colorful park has to offer.
Tip: For more practical details, check out my other post: All Your Keukenhof Questions Answered, my complete guide to the park.
Buying Keukenhof Tickets: What You Should Know
Since 2023, Keukenhof has changed its ticket policy, and tickets are now best bought online. For a short period, tickets were only available online, and while it is now possible to buy them at the counter again, you’ll pay 4 EUR extra.
For this reason, I highly recommend buying your Keukenhof tickets online and well in advance, especially as tickets for specific days and time slots can sell out. On busy days, there may be no tickets available at the counter at all.
2027 Keukenhof tickets aren’t on sale yet. Tickets will be available from October 2026.
The good news is that the new online tickets are not personalized, so someone else can use your ticket if you’re unable to go. If you need to change the date or time slot, this is possible up to 24 hours before your visit.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit Keukenhof
Everyone asks when to visit Keukenhof, but I’ll start by telling you when you shouldn’t go. When planning your visit, try to avoid weekends and national holidays at all costs. The best time to visit Keukenhof is on a weekday, preferably early in the morning when the park opens. That way, you’ll skip most of the crowds and, as a bonus, enjoy the soft morning light, which is perfect for taking photos.
In 2027, I strongly recommend avoiding Keukenhof on the dates below. Some of these are public holidays, and if the weather is nice, traffic jams and overcrowding are almost guaranteed:
- 26 March (Friday) – Good Friday
- 28 March (Sunday) – Easter Day
- 29 April (Monday) – 2nd Day of Easter
- 27 April (Tuesday) – King’s Day
- 6-9 May (Thursday-Sunday) – Ascension Day long weekend
On King’s Day, many Dutch people will be dressed in orange celebrating the King’s birthday rather than visiting Keukenhof, but travelling by public transport on this day can be a nightmare.
Tip: Keep in mind that Keukenhof is open only for a limited time each year. In 2027, the park is open from 18 March to 9 May, so plan ahead and book your tickets in time. Ticket sale starts in October 2026.
Getting to Keukenhof: What Works Best
Many people think Keukenhof Gardens are in Amsterdam, but they are actually located near Lisse, a small town in the Dutch province of South Holland. This area is known as the Dune and Bulb Region (Duin- en Bollenstreek in Dutch).
Getting to Keukenhof is very easy, whether you’re travelling by public transport or by car. If you have a layover at Schiphol Airport, there is an express bus that takes you directly to Keukenhof and back. Travelling with luggage? There are lockers at Keukenhof where you can safely leave your bags.
Another convenient option is to book a tour where transportation and the entrance ticket are included in the price.
You can also choose from several combination tickets that include both transport and park admission. Detailed information about these combi tickets is available on the official Keukenhof website. Personally, I recommend using public transport, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend, as traffic jams around Keukenhof are very common.
If you’re looking for the most hassle-free way to visit Keukenhof, signing up for an organized tour is hard to beat – you won’t need to worry about tickets, parking, or transportation at all.
Where to Stay Near Keukenhof Gardens
With hotel prices in Amsterdam reaching unheard-of heights, and an extra influx of visitors during the Keukenhof season, it can be wise not to stay in Amsterdam at all. In April and early May, hotels in the city are often either sold out or simply too expensive.
My advice is to stay somewhere that is well connected to both Keukenhof and Amsterdam. This way, you’ll avoid inflated prices while still having easy access to the gardens and the capital.
Great base locations with good public transport connections to Amsterdam and organized transport to Keukenhof include Leiden, Haarlem, Katwijk, Noordwijk, and Noordwijkerhout.
Keukenhof vs the Tulip Fields: What’s the Difference?
The short answer is: yes, the experience is completely different. That’s not to say the tulip fields aren’t beautiful or worth seeing – they absolutely are. But the experience is not the same.
The fields are vast, colourful blocks of one single type of tulip at a time, stretching as far as the eye can see. They often remind me of Mondrian paintings. Keukenhof, on the other hand, is all about design: tulips and other spring bulb flowers are carefully arranged in gardens, mixed to perfection, and shaped into intricate patterns and forms. Add water features, rocks, trees, and gentle hills, and you get a completely different atmosphere.
If you want to see both, there are combined tours that include Keukenhof and the tulip fields. Alternatively, you can rent a bike at Keukenhof and explore the surrounding area on your own.
Tip: April is the best month to visit the tulip fields. In late March most fields are not yet in bloom, while in May the tulips are usually already topped.
Buying Tulip Bulbs at Keukenhof: Is It Worth It?
Short answer: not really – at least, not for spring flowers. Spring flower bulbs are harvested in the summer and need to be planted in the autumn. So, if you buy tulip bulbs at Keukenhof (I know, they make a great souvenir!), it means they were harvested the previous summer, and you’ll have to wait until October or November to plant them. By that time, there’s a good chance the bulbs may no longer be viable.
If you want spring flowers at home, a better option is to order bulbs from one of the local growers nearby; they can ship them in the autumn so they’ll bloom the following spring. If you live in a country without four seasons, it’s best to skip tulip bulbs altogether – they need a cold winter with temperatures below 0°C (32°F) to bloom properly. For a deeper understanding, you can also sign up for a tour at a bulb farm to learn everything about tulips and their cultivation.
Tip: If you’re visiting the Netherlands in the autumn, it’s a great time to buy bulbs. Just make sure you check customs regulations for your home country. At Schiphol Airport, bulbs are available with a customs-friendly sticker, but don’t forget to declare them at customs when you travel!
How Much Time You’ll Want to Spend at Keukenhof
This one really depends on your pace – especially how many photos you plan to take and how often you stop to admire each tulip variety. Keukenhof covers a large area (32 hectares), so I recommend planning at least half a day for your visit.
Ideally, spend a full day there. That way, you won’t feel rushed and can fully enjoy the gardens, the exhibitions in the pavilions, and the art installations. There’s truly no risk of getting bored! Once you’ve seen everything in the park, you can even take a boat tour through the surrounding tulip fields, which departs from the windmill inside the gardens.
Tip: Be sure to pick up a map of the gardens at the entrance, or download the latest version from the official Keukenhof website in advance – it’s a huge help for planning your route.
Why You Won’t See the Tulips from the Old Paintings
If you’ve seen paintings by the Old Dutch Masters, you might remember those stunning tulips with intricate patterns and blends of two or more colors. These were the famous Rembrandt tulips, but there’s a reason you won’t see them in Keukenhof today: they were infected with a virus that caused the solid color to break and produce those striking effects. Unfortunately, most of these tulip varieties have disappeared, as the virus eventually kills the bulbs.
Today, you’ll find “broken tulip” look-alikes, but these patterns come from careful hybridization, not the old virus. If you’re curious about the tulip breaking virus and its history, you can read more about it in this specialized article.
Tip: For a taste of historical tulips, visit the Hortus Bulborum in Limmen, which is open from 22 March to 15 May.
More Than Just a Walk: Things to Do in Keukenhof
Uhm… Keukenhof is a garden, right? So, does that mean all you do is wander around the flowers? Not at all! There’s so much more to experience here than just walking among tulips. From unique activities to special exhibitions, Keukenhof offers plenty of ways to make your visit fun and memorable.
Here’s what you can do in Keukenhof besides strolling through the gardens:
Take Pictures in the Gardens
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just enjoy snapping photos for fun, the gardens of Keukenhof are a paradise for photography, especially for macro shots. With all the vibrant colors, intricate tulip shapes, and busy bees, there’s always a perfect moment to capture.
Keukenhof is also a popular choice for special occasion photography, like engagement or wedding photos. The gardens provide a stunning backdrop that makes every shot memorable.
Climb the Historic Windmill
One of the most iconic spots in Keukenhof is the traditional Dutch windmill, and you can actually climb it. Inside, the windmill functions like a small museum, where you can see how the internal mechanism works and learn more about the role windmills played in Dutch history.
Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a lovely view over the surrounding area, including the nearby tulip fields and canals. It’s a great place to pause for a moment, enjoy the scenery, and get a different perspective on Keukenhof beyond the flower beds.
Take a ‘Whisper’ Boat Trip Through Keukenhof
At Keukenhof, you can take a ‘Whisper’ boat trip through the surrounding tulip fields, offering a completely different perspective on the flowers. It feels almost like gliding through a forest of tulips, with vibrant colors stretching as far as the eye can see.
The boats depart from the windmill inside the park, making it easy to combine the tour with a full day in the gardens.
Attend Special Events at Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof isn’t just about wandering among flowers – each year the park hosts special events and festivals that add an extra layer of fun and atmosphere to your visit.
In 2026, you can enjoy:
- Dutch Sounds – 21–22 March: Traditional Dutch music with marching bands.
- Holland Heritage Weekend – 27–29 March: Experience authentic Dutch traditions, crafts, and a nostalgic atmosphere.
- Easter Bunny Weekend – 5–6 April: The Easter Bunny pays a visit to the gardens – a delight for families.
- Flower Parade – 18 April: The famous Bloemencorso of the Bollenstreek (The Bulb Region) passes by Keukenhof, with floats decorated entirely with flowers.
- Fien and Teun in Keukenhof – 27 April–1 May: Meet Fien and Teun, popular TV characters who live on a countryside farm – perfect for young visitors.
- Romance at Keukenhof – 2–3 May: Step back in time with classical music, romantic atmosphere, and period costumes from the 18th–19th century.
- Lounge Music Live – 4–10 May: Enjoy live lounge music in a relaxed and vibrant setting.
When the 2027 Keukenhof program is available, these dates will be updated with the relevant ones.
See the Flower Shows in the Pavilions
I absolutely love the flower shows at Keukenhof – so much inspiration and creativity all in one place! When you visit the gardens, make sure to take the time to explore the pavilions; you definitely won’t be disappointed.
The 2026 flower show schedule hasn’t been announced yet, but here’s a look at the 2025 lineup to give you an idea of what to expect:
- Hyacinths and Tulip Show – 20–25 March at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion
- Anthurium and Orchid Show – 20 March–11 May at the Beatrix Pavilion
- Freesia and Chrysanthemum Show – 27 March–1 April at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion
- Rose Show – 3–8 April at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion
- Daffodils and Special Bulbs Show – 10–15 April at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion
- Alstroemeria and Calla Show – 17–22 April at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion
- Gerbera, Lisianthus and Calla Show – 24–29 April at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion
- Carnation and Summer Flowers Show – 1–11 May at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion
Even if the exact dates vary each year, the pavilions are always packed with breathtaking displays, making them a must-visit for any flower lover.
When the 2027 Keukenhof program is available, these dates will be updated with the relevant ones.
Learn Flower Arrangement Skills
If you love flowers, why not try your hand at arranging them? During the flower shows in the pavilions, you can join workshops and learn to create beautiful flower arrangements – a fun, hands-on way to take a bit of Keukenhof’s magic home with you.
Listen to a Traditional Dutch Street Organ
While walking through Keukenhof, you might suddenly hear cheerful, slightly nostalgic music filling the air. On one of the squares, a traditional Dutch street organ regularly plays, adding a wonderfully local touch to your visit. Street organs are a well-known Dutch tradition, and you can still see (and hear) them playing in city centres across the Netherlands, especially at weekends.
These large, elaborately decorated organs used to be a common sight on the streets and at fairs, and for many Dutch people the sound instantly brings back childhood memories. If this sparks your curiosity, you can dive deeper into this tradition at the Museum Speelklok in Utrecht, which houses one of the largest collections of street organs and self-playing musical instruments in the world.
It’s one of those small details that makes Keukenhof feel not just beautiful, but unmistakably Dutch.
Rent a Bike to Explore the Surrounding Fields
At Keukenhof, you can rent a bike just outside the main entrance and explore not only the surrounding tulip fields, but also venture further toward the sea and the dunes! It’s a fantastic way to combine fresh air, exercise, and the stunning Dutch spring landscapes.
When you rent a bike, you’ll also receive a map with various cycling routes, ranging from 1 km to 25 km, so you can choose a ride that suits your pace and time.
Walk Through the Tulip Fields Nearby
Once you’ve explored the carefully designed gardens of Keukenhof, you can take a walk through the surrounding tulip fields for a completely different experience. These fields are accessible from the Keukenhof parking area, so it’s best to visit them after your garden tour, as tickets do not allow re-entry.
Keep in mind that the tulip fields are private property, so you should walk only in the designated areas to respect the growers and their crops.
Explore Keukenhof Castle
Bet you didn’t know there’s a castle just outside Keukenhof Gardens! You can visit the castle grounds and gardens free of charge, although access to the interior currently requires a tour. Guided tours can be booked on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
It’s best to explore the castle after your visit to Keukenhof Gardens, as the park tickets don’t allow re-entry. Even just wandering the castle gardens gives you a glimpse of Dutch history and adds a charming twist to your day among the tulips.
Admire the Flower Parade
If you want to see something truly spectacular, the Flower Parade (Bloemencorso) should be on your bucket list. Dozens of floats decorated with stunning figures made entirely from bulb flowers wind their way through the streets of the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) and pass right by Keukenhof. Just a heads-up – this is one of the busiest days of the year, both in the gardens and the surrounding area!
In 2027, the Flower Parade will take place on Saturday, 17 April. The 42 km route begins in Noordwijk and ends in Haarlem, giving spectators plenty of chances to catch the colorful procession.
Fun Fact: In 2021, the Dutch flower parades (known as ‘corso’) were added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage!
Kid-Friendly Activities at the Gardens
Visiting Keukenhof with kids? They won’t be bored for a minute! The gardens offer plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained. There’s a small animal farm where children can pet and interact with the animals, a treasure hunt through the park, and a maze that’s fun for both kids and adults alike.
These activities make Keukenhof a great family-friendly destination, where everyone – big and small – can enjoy the magic of spring flowers.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Keukenhof
Keukenhof is truly one of those places that you’ll want to visit again and again, whether it’s for the dazzling tulips, the creative flower shows, or the fun activities for the whole family. Each visit is a little different, and there’s always something new to discover.
Have you been to Keukenhof, or are you planning your trip for 2027? I’d love to hear about your experiences and questions! Share them in the comments below – whether it’s tips, favorite spots, or questions about planning your visit, your insights help everyone make the most of their Keukenhof adventure.
And if you have questions that haven’t been answered here, check out my complete Keukenhof FAQ – or just leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help.
We are visiting on May 12th I was wondering about cool it may be. I checked the forecast but really wanted to hear from a local since we are coming from Texas.
Hi Mindie, I’m checking the local weather app right now and it says 20-25 degrees centigrade (in the 70s F) and no rain on the 12th. I would love to trust it but the weather changes so quickly those last days here in the Netherlands. The site/app that we use here is https://www.buienradar.nl/. Then you type in Lisse for the weather in Keukenhof. My personal opinion – it’s not summer hot, so I would have an extra layer (a jacket or a vest) and if it feels reaaaaly hot I can take it off and walk in my short sleeves. I hope this helps.
Your article is so informative. Thanks a lot!! We are visiting this April 5th 2024. Rose display? This is just great.
Anyways, I have a question.
1.Are we allowed to take double strollers/ if allowed is it comfortable for the kids.
2.Can we store it when we take a bike.
3. Do we get bikes with child seat too.
4. Do we have to prebook the bikes too
Hi Ranjani,
Thank you for your kind words! Regarding your questions about the bike rentals, maybe you can check this page: https://keukenhof.nl/en/facilities/cycling-in-the-area/ They also have an e-mail where you can ask specific questions. To answer you question:
1. I think so. If you want to be 100% sure, you can contact Keukenhof via the chat on their website.
2. You can check this with the rental company: keukenhof@rentabikevandam.nl
3. Yes, you can have a child seat as well.
4. It’s not necessary, but I would prebook, just to make sure that the child seats are secured, as I guess they will be having a limited number of these.
Enjoy your time in Keukenhof! I’m sure you will love it!
Hello ,
I am travelling to AMS on May 4th 2019 , will there be any farm fields to explore. Please do guide
I hope you’ll have great time in Amsterdam! Most of the farmers had already topped the tulips, so by May 4 there won’t be hardly anything to see. However Keukenhof is still open and you can enjoy the beauty of the tulips there.
I am from India, It is very nice Article, and giving detailed and useful information about Keukenhof.
For the last 43 years I was wanted to see this place. The desire to visit my “Dream Destination” started in Year 1976, when I first saw its colored slides taken by My Father, during his visit to “Netherlands” in year 1976. This year i.e April 2019 I will be there to see it from my eyes.
I am early riser, I would like to know, how much early I should reach to avoid the rush and be the first ones to enter. Should we reach at 8 am ?
Thanks once again.
Thank you for your kind words! It’s so exciting when a dream comes true! I really hope you will had good weather in order to enjoy Keukenhof Gardens the most. Indeed, if you arrive there when the park opens (@8:00 am) there won’t be too many people. The crowds are the biggest between 11:00 and 16:00. The earliest I have been at the park is around 9:00 am and it was pretty OK.
The theme this year is Flower Power dedicated to the 70s and the 70th anniversary of the park, so it will have a kind of symbolic meaning since your father visited the park the 70s.
Enjoy your trip and have a great time!
Hello!! Thanks for all this useful information. I have a question , my mom is coming and I would like to take her but we can’t make it before the 15 of May. Is it worth it to go too close to the ending of the season to the keukenhof? The park closes on the 19th of May. Are we going to see tulips if we go on the 16 of May ? Thank you!!
Hi Caterin,
Thank you for your question! It’s been very cold the last days in the Netherlands and it will keep being like this for a few days more. This means that the tulips will stay open longer. So I would still go. Enjoy your trip!
Hi There,
Greetings from Germany. Great Blog and Wealth of Insights about Keukenhof.
I have planned to visit this friday, the 4th May (will be there by 10.30 am or so) with my family. As we plan to cover other parts of Netherlands as well, we have luggage ( 2 Hand Baggage) to carry. I was not clear as to will there be enough free lockers at Keukenhof to keep the luggage or should i keep them at Schiphol airport Baggage storage itself (on a safer side). What do you suggest?
Also, need your thoughts on the tickets availability pattern for the whisper boat rides… Are they usually full, with a long wait time or relatively free…. Should we go first for this ride before exploring the park, ….
Looking forward for your inputs…
Hi Amudhan,
Thank you for your questions!
Regarding the luggage: If you are travelling from Schiphol to Keukenhof and back, I would advise you to leave the luggage at Schiphol, thus you won’t need to carry it with you on the bus. But if you plan to head from Keukenhof directly to somewhere else, then you can use the lockers at Keukenhof. There will be enough free lockers at Keukenhof.
As for the whisper boats, I would advise you to first go at their kiosk (at the Windmill Square) and check the availability for the various departure times – thus you can buy the tickets you want for the time slot that suits you the best. Afterwards you can explore the park without worrying whether there wil be places left.
As I don’t know how much time you are planning to spend in Keukenhof, I would advise you to skip the boats, if you are spending 5 or less hours there. The trip takes 45 min and with all the time you need to buy the tickets, etc., it will cost you about 2 hours in total.
I hope my answers are helpful. Let me know if I need to further elaborate on something.
Have a lot of fun in the Netherlands and enjoy your time in this amazing tulip garden!
hi there! your blog is phenomenal – thanks for all the info and tips.
I am headed to AMS on Friday May 18th which is unfortunately after Keukenhof closes. Will there be any tulips at all to see?
Thank you for your nice words! And how nice you are coming to the Netherlands. Unfortunately, at this time there will be no more tulips. They do harvest the fields in the beginning of May, so that’s not an option either. I am so sorry you will miss them. But this is a good reason to come back to the Netherlands one day again. You will stil have here some unfinished business 🙂
Greeting from NYC! i am taking my mom and aunt for early Mother’s day gift to AMS especially to see the tulips. We arrive May 6th which falls on Sunday. We plan to visit Keukenhof garden on Monday. However, i am thinking of visiting a tulip field on the day we arrive. Looks like all the helicopter tours are suspended from May 7th so i am assuming that’s when they cut the flowers. If there a best way to go to these fields via public transportation? None of us drive and my mom cannot ride a bike. Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Teri,
Thank you for reading my post! I am sure you will love Keukenhof! Good choice that you are going on Monday. The spring holidays in the Netherlands just finish on May 6, so Monday 7 will not be that busy.
As for the fields, I really hope that there will be still tulips after/on May 6. When they gonna cut them, it all depends on the weather. We had a very cold spring this year and the tulips were late, but then it was so hot last week, that it kind of compensated it.
If you decide to go to the fields, than I would recommend you to take the train from Amsterdam to Hillegom (1 change). Then you can walk around there. (See the map of the Flowerradar below – there you can see where the fields are). You can check the train schedule here: https://9292.nl/en. I will advise you as well to check the status of the fields before you go. You can do this on this website: http://www.flowerradar.com/ or on this FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Bollenstreek.nl.
I really hope there will be tulips at the fields, but if there aren’t, you won’t be disappointed – Keukenhof will compensate it all – it’s soooo beautiful!
Wishing you great time in Amsterdam and let me know how it went with fields!
If you have other questions, just let me know.
Best,
Daniela
OMG! Thank you so much for the detailed information, Daniela! Yes, will be praying that we will get to see a tulip field during our visit. I will be checking the flowerradar website you shared. Definitely, will keep you posted. Again thank you so much this is so helpful. i wasn’t sure how to go about and what checking out Bollenstreek.
Thank you once again for your inquiry, Teri! Have a lot of fun in the Netherlands and enjoy your stay!
Great article – we are heading through holland in the next week or so and wondering whether to just look st the fields or go to the tulip festival. After reading this we are definitely going to Keukenhof! ❤️
Thank you! Oh, next week Keukenhof will be just perfect! We are having a not so warm spring this year, so the tulips are kind of shy this season. I am sure you will love it there!
We visited Keukenhof today … it was absolutely stunning. It far exceeded our expectations… just awesome!! Thank you for your post which made us decide to visit.❤️
I am so happy you loved it and glad that my post played the decisive role!
ow! Really beautiful. I had not heard of Keukenhof. It looks amazing!
AMAZING shots!! Love every single one and I adore tulips. I just can’t explain why I was already 5 times in the Netherlands and never visited that stunning place. Oh well better planning next time, thanks for sharing 🙂
I’ve seen pictures of tulips in Keukenhof since I was little and since that I told myself that one day I will have to go there. Sadly, I haven’t make it until today. I believe I will make it though. Btw, all the pictures are super beautiful!
Thank you! I hope you will make it there one day 🙂
I love flowers, so I need to add this to my bucketlist. The variety of tulips is really impressive. I have never had a green thumb so I think it makes me appreciate gardens more.
Lovely photos!
Did you have to go really early in the day to avoid the crowds, or did you have to wait/crop people out of your photos? I especially love the blue carpet of flowers near the top of the post! <3
Thank you! I haven’t cropped anybody 🙂 I’ve mostly visited on a week day and when taking pictures, I always wait until there aren’t many people. In the morning until 10 o’clock and in the afternoon after 4 there aren’t many people, as well. The blue carpet is one of the designs they recreate each year. When you see it there, it pretty amazing.
Have you ever been to bluebell woods? It reminds me of that (I loooove bluebells!)
Good idea waiting for people to move on. It makes your piccies seem really peaceful.
Nope, Unfortunately haven’t been yet to a bluebell woods.. Still so many things to discover/see/visit in this world…
You will love them! I hope you can visit England one spring! The best part is, they are normally totally free. You just need to go for a walk to find them. 😉
Awesome pictures with tips and details. I didn’t knew that boat rides are also available. Good information.
I love tulips, probably because I can’t recognise other flowers. 🙂 This place looks surreal. Dreamy!
I am not usually a flower kind of lady but after reading this post I think I need to visit Keukenhof. I want all the flowers.
Haha.. there’s no other way but to fall in love with them…
How beautiful! I’ve always wanted to see the tulip fields but I hadn’t realised until now that Keukenhof was a better option- thanks for the tips!
The tulips look so beautiful! Those mosaics of tulips are a really unique and interesting idea. It definitely looks like a nice day out and I can see why kids would enjoy it too 🙂
Well this is absolutely amazing! I haven’t been to Amsterdam yet, but when I do go, I will definitely have to see this. The tulips are so beautiful! Thank you for the tip!
It’s very easy to visit Keukenhof, if you happen to be in Amsterdam 🙂
Wow, I have never heard of this festival! I’ve never been to a flower festival. Beautiful photos! Every summer I say, oh yeah this fall I am going to plant tulips, but alas I have yet to do it.
I would love to visit – I love flowers and the thought of all those tulips is magical! A very comprehensive guide! We aren’t in Europe at the moment but will definitely save this for when we do get the chance to go!
Hopefully you will make it one day there!
I have always wanted to go to a Tulip garden. Tulips are one of my favorite flowers and I never researched where to go to see the flowers in bloom. But this post has put Tulip Garden back on my radar and I might have to make a special trip to The Netherlands this year to see all of that beauty. Thanks for the tips about when to go and when not to. Great post!
You won’t regret visiting Keukenhof! It is such a delight for the eyes!
I can’t wait. I have already told my partner about it and we are hoping to make it this year!
Such a colourful place! Beautiful! And such great advice, all you need for a trip there! 🙂
I’ve never been to Keukenhof, but I’m a huge flower lover, so this looks like it’s right up my street! I’d love to take the bike ride that you suggested, along with learning how to do flower arrangements. Sounds super fun!
Yep, the bike ride is super fun! They even have tandem bikes, if you’re there with a friend!