Hi, lovely readers! Did you know April is the best time to visit one of the most beautiful and largest tulips garden in the world? Come spring, and Keukenhof (or the ‘kitchen garden‘) located in Lisse, Holland offers a sight extremely pleasing to the soul, with its vivid and vibrant rows of fully bloomed tulips – in their brilliant pinks, reds, yellows and oranges. According to several official websites, approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted each year. No wonder, Keukenhof is called the Garden of Europe!
The popularity and fascination of Keukenhof is such that it attracts visitors from all over the world. So if you haven’t been there, and would like to visit, start making your travel plans now!
Hope some of my pictures below make you jump off that couch, and hit the flight and hotel booking sites, right away! 🙂
Best time to visit!
The garden opens in the last week of March, and shuts down mid-May. Having lived in Holland for a few years, I can vouch that the bloom and vibrance of the garden is absolutely unparalleled during the last two weeks of April. Possibly the first week of May too. That’s when the garden and the long fields of tulip bulbs are at their stunning best, and the popular ‘Flower parade’ is also scheduled on a Saturday. Of course, it gets the busiest during that time, so it’s advisable to plan ahead.
How to get here?
Depending on where you are coming from, the official website of Keukenhof provides a complete information on the various transport and ticket options. Check out which one suits you the best!
Since we were arriving at the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, we had bought a ‘‘Combi Ticket” online in advance, which included a return trip to Keukenhof from the airport, as well as entrance to the garden. It was a long queue to get on these special Keukenhof Express buses, but nevertheless, it worked rather well for us. We didn’t have to wait much to enter into the garden.
How much time do you need?
From the airport, it is only about 30 – 40 min ride to Keukenhof, and the bus drops directly outside the garden main entrance. First time visitors would really like to spend 2 – 3 hours in the garden soaking in the admirable and breathtaking beauty of these spring flowers. Due to our flight timings, we arrived at the garden at 13.30 and caught the return bus at around 17.00. You could also start start early to avoid the crowds and leave the garden by afternoon.
Get a bike to explore the surrounding area!
When in Holland, a bike is the best way to get around! A bike can be a fun and easy way to explore the beautiful, colorful flower fields area surrounding Keukenhof. The most popular and closest bike renting store is Rent-a-bike Van Dam, which offers bikes for €10 per day. We couldn’t do it due to other plans, but I’m sure it will be super exciting if you grab your gang and get biking!
And in case you find yourself in Amsterdam, don’t forget to check out the ‘I Amsterdam’ letters – a cool, funky city sign.
READ ALSO : Got yourself clicked at the iconic ‘I Amsterdam’?
So, are you visiting the beautiful Keukenhof this spring?
Happy Travels!
Pen and Paradise 