Keukenhof is one of my bucket list destinations. It took a lot of planning and coordination to visit Amsterdam when the tulips were in full bloom. The garden is open every year from March-May. But visitors have a narrow 2-week window to see the flowers in bloom. Ideally, the 3rd or 4th week of April would be a perfect time to visit the gardens. Flowers would be in full bloom and the weather would be generally mild.
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| Flowers Infinity |
This garden was started as a flower exhibit. The idea was that the bulb growers can showcase their flowers and eventually boost the Dutch export industry. The actual product of trade is bulbs. Walking in the Keukenhof garden was like walking into a beautiful tulip wallpaper. The garden designers created beautiful artwork with colorful tulips as their medium. Do not expect straight rows of tulips in the garden. You will rather encounter a creative combination of colorful flowers. It is quite impressive to see a variety of flower combinations creating a perfect flower carpet.
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| Beautiful Flower Combinations |
How to reach the garden? Reaching Keukenhof is quite easy. Driving is the easiest option if you have a car. Airport transfers and hotel transfers are available from almost all hotels. Check with your hotel reception if they have a transfer to the garden. Regular tours are available from Amsterdam city center. Few tours include bulb farm tours as well. Plan an entire day for the garden visit. Despite the huge crowds, you will encounter queuing only in few places. Viator, GetYourGuide, and TravelAdvisor have reliable tours and transfer to the garden. Public transportation might be cheaper but might be a questionable means of transport for first-time visitors. If all means fail, there are always taxis available.
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| Flower Carpet |
What to expect? Keukenhof is a 32-hectare garden showcasing 7 million bulbs with 800 varieties of tulips. The garden is stroller accessible. A variety of sculptures are spread across the garden with beautiful backdrops. It is not only a flower lover's paradise but also a perfect destination for a family outing. With a variety of playgrounds, maze, petting zoo, boat ride, and a windmill to explore. Kids will have a fantastic day as well. For more tips, visit the garden's website.
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| Notice The Crowd In The Background? |
There are several pavilions spread throughout the garden. Each pavilion is dedicated to a purpose. William-Alexander pavilion, the largest of all is located in the middle of the garden. With hundreds of tulip varieties in bloom, this is a tulip paradise.
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| Beautifully Coordinated Flowers Outside William-Alexander Pavilion |
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| William-Alexander Pavillion |
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| Flower Power 2019 |
Oranje-Nassau Pavilion is filled with beautiful flower shows every week. Beatrix pavilion, located at the far end of the garden, is dedicated to Orchids whereas Juliana pavilion is dedicated to the flower and bulb history. Visiting all the pavilions and all the walking will make one hungry. Yes, there is a pavilion dedicated to food. Wilhamena pavilion is a dedicated food court with a vast seating area. Irene pavilion, which was an old entrance, now has gift shops, food court, and toilets. Keukenhofmolen is a windmill right next to beautiful rows of tulips. This is a perfect place for a picture and hence is overrun by tourists. There is an hour-long boat ride starting from the windmill that would take tourists around the tulip fields adjacent to the garden. If you have time and patience to wait, don't miss the windmill and boat ride.
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| My Favourite Display |
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| Bulb Farm Nearby |
