When you think of the Netherlands, or Holland, as it is sometimes referred to as. Typical images of Windmills, Tulips and Clogs will come to mind, and you aren’t far wrong, especially if you are going at this time of year.
March in Holland, is when the country springs forth its Tulips, in an array of colours. You can spot them in many towns and cities, such as Amsterdam, or just at the side of the highway.
However, the best place to see them is by taking a trip to Keukenhof, which is known as the most beautiful Spring garden in the World, and I couldn’t agree more.
The Keunkenhof gardens are open from March 23rd to May 21st 2017, so if you are just beginning to plan your visit to Holland, and want to ‘tick off’ seeing an amazing display of Tulips and other flowers, then read on for more information on how to get there, how much it costs, and of course some stunning pictures, which will win you over.
Where is Keukenhof?
Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the World, and is in the town of Lisse, South Holland. It is situated 13 miles south of Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport, or 23 miles from the Amsterdam Centraal Station.
How to get there?
When I visited Kenukenhof last year, I decided to hire a car, as I felt that it would be a great way of seeing more of Holland, as the plan was to go to Rotterdam after the gardens. However, it being a Saturday, and with a festival in full swing, I got stuck in a gridlock traffic, for quite some time.
Add to that, the cost of parking. It makes a little more sense to get public transport to the gardens, which you can do from the airport, or central station, and if visiting the gardens, you can get a combination ticket, which will cover your entry to the gardens, as well as return transport (see under for costs).
Or you could go Dutch, and cycle there. The cycling distance is about 21 miles, and the roads are in great condition for that; it is flat too, so not too hard on the legs. You’ll also be able to stop off at some scenic spots for a rest.
How much does it cost?
If you are driving to Keukenhof, it will cost 6 Euros to park your car all day. The entry ticket will cost 16 Euros, per adult, and 8 Euros for children. There are no concessions (i.e. seniors or students), but if you travel as a group of 20 or more, a ticket will cost you 13 Euro 50.
If you plan to take public transport, then a combination ticket is the best option. These start at 24 Euro, up to 29 Euro, depending on what route you take, and where you are coming from. For these options, visit the Keukenhof website for more details, and to buy your tickets.
Keukenhof Gardens
Visiting the Keukenhof gardens was incredible, it felt as if Spring had just been magnified twenty times. Spring is one of my favourite seasons, and I love
What might surprise you when visiting Keukenhof, is that the gardens are not filled entirely of Tulips, but a range of flowers from the Cherry Blossom (one of my favourites), to Lilies, Carnations, Chrysanthemum and Daffodils, to name but a few.
You could spend a whole day exploring Keuknehof gardens. I spent about 2 hours wandering around it. Although it was busy, being the weekend. It felt like a tranquil oasis, and I enjoyed seeing all that was in bloom.
There are various events and shows happening within Keukenhof throughout the season, and you can find out up to date information on the website. These events include some prestigious flower shows, were local growers will present their blooms to leading flower arrangers.
As well as wandering around the gardens, you can also opt take a boat trip in an electrically powered whisper boat, which is a more relaxed way of seeing the flowers.
Boat trips are 45 minutes long, and cost 8 Euros.
If you are planning on visiting Holland this Spring, then do not miss the opportunity to visit Keukenhof. Its display of colour, and simply stunning flowers will leave you feeling happy, and with a spring in your step.
[…] In April I took my first trip with my now husband to Amsterdam. We briefly stopped in Rotherdam and got to see the Tulips in Keukenhof. […]