KEUKENHOF GARDENS – A BOOST OF BEAUTIFUL COLOURS

Although it doesn’t look like from the window, it’s the first day of spring today. I am stuck indoors with my poorly son so I thought I would write a blog post about our last year’s visit to Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam in Holland. 

Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof Gardens, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, situated in Lisse, Netherlands. Approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted every year in the park, which covers an area of 32 hectares (79 acres).

They are located about 30 mins drive south of Amsterdam and are accessible by bus from the train stations of Haarlem, Leiden and Schiphol. 

Visit at the Right Time of the Year

If Keukenhof is on your bucket list, then you will want to visit the gardens between mid-March and mid-May. The gardens are only open for 8 weeks each year as this is when the flowers are in bloom.

Remarkably, over 1.5 million people visit Keukenhof each year and this means it can get very busy, especially at the weekends. To avoid crowds, try to visit the gardens on a weekday, either during the early morning or early evening. The gardens are open every day from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. 

 

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Perfect Place for a Flower Addict

Keukenhof Gardens are flower lovers’ and photographers’ paradise. It’s not just about the tulips though. Amongst millions of varieties of tulips, you will also be able to see crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and orchids.

Each year they host a number of flower shows in the pavilions. We went to see the impressive orchid pavilion. My mother would love it as she is an ultimate orchid lover.

Family Fun for Everyone

Keukenhof Gardens have something for everyone to enjoy. Accessible to all ages, there is a petting zoo, maze and play area for the young ones as well as restaurants, cafes and picnic areas.

Moreover, a number of wonderful sculptures and fountains are dotted in between the spring bloom flowerbeds in the gardens. Give yourself enough time for your visit, you can easily spend a whole day there.  

You can see more about our visit to Keukenhof Gardens with more photos in my video below. Enjoy!