Keukenhof, in Lisse, is the most famous spring garden in the world. Every autumn around seven million tulip, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs are planted by hand, and for roughly eight weeks in spring the park is in flower. In 2027 it is open from 18 March to 9 May.
Around the park, the fields of the Bollenstreek, the bulb-growing region between Haarlem and Leiden, turn into stripes of colour from late March. The garden and the fields together are what make a spring day here so memorable, and seeing both is the reason to go with a guide and a car.
Our advice: Comfortable full day
Travel time from Amsterdam: 50 minutes each way.
Keukenhof is close to Amsterdam, but the roads to the gardens get busy on spring weekends, so timing matters. The flower fields around Lisse are right on the way.
The season starts with daffodils. From early March yellow fields appear across the Bollenstreek, followed by hyacinths and then, from around mid April, the tulips. Keukenhof opens in the second half of March and welcomes more than a million visitors in eight weeks.
Not sure when to come? Our tulip bloom calendar shows what will be flowering on your travel dates, at Keukenhof and out in the open fields.
Want to know exactly where those fields are and when they bloom? See our guide to the tulip fields near Amsterdam.
In the 15th century this was the kitchen garden and hunting ground of Teylingen Castle, which is where the name comes from: keuken means kitchen. The castle of Keukenhof was built in 1641, and in 1857 the grounds were redesigned by Jan David Zocher and his son, the landscape architects who also laid out the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. In 1949 a group of bulb growers and exporters turned part of the estate into a showcase for their flowers, and the park opened to the public in 1950.
The park covers 32 hectares. Around 100 bulb companies exhibit here, and together they plant about seven million bulbs by hand every autumn, so that the flowering follows on in waves through the whole season.
Tulips are the main event, but you will also see hyacinths, daffodils, crocuses and, in the pavilions, roses, lilies and orchids from around 500 flower growers.
The windmill at the edge of the park was built in 1892 in Scharmer, in the province of Groningen, where it pumped water out of the land. In 1957 the Holland America Line gave it to Keukenhof. You can climb up to the balcony, which gives one of the best views over the bulb fields around the park.
The largest pavilion holds a tulip show with hundreds of varieties in bloom from the first day the park opens. Because it is indoors, it is the place to head for when a shower comes over.
A small Japanese-style garden with winding paths, ornamental trees and a bridge over the water. It is one of the quieter corners of the park, even on busy days.
The hedge maze has a raised platform in the middle, so once you have found the centre you can look out over the maze and the bulb fields beyond.
On one of the ponds, a path of round stepping stones shaped like lily pads sits just above the water. Crossing it looks as if you are walking on water, and it is one of the most photographed spots in the park.
Book your tickets online in advance, as Keukenhof works with timed entry. Arrive at opening time or later in the afternoon, when it is usually quieter. Mid April to early May is usually the peak for tulips, but the season depends on the weather, so check the tulip bloom calendar before you go. And do not spend the whole day inside the park: the fields around it are half the reason to come.
Tulip Experience Amsterdam, near Lisse, is run by a family of tulip growers. It tells the story of the tulip through exhibits, a greenhouse show garden and, in season, fields you can walk into. You can also buy bulbs that are certified for export, so you can take them home.
Across the road from the gardens stands Keukenhof Castle, the country house of the estate, built in 1641. Its park, laid out by the Zochers, is a calm place for a walk after the crowds of the flower gardens.
On the same estate is LAM, the Lisser Art Museum, a museum of modern and contemporary art with an unusual theme: almost everything in it is about food.
Keukenhof is in Lisse, about 35 kilometres from Amsterdam. By car it takes about 50 minutes, but on sunny weekends in peak season the roads and car parks around the park get very busy, so leave early.
By public transport, take the train to Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam RAI and change to the Keukenhof Express bus. From Schiphol the bus takes around 30 minutes, from RAI 35 to 45 minutes. On busy days a combined bus and entry ticket bought in advance saves queuing.
Keukenhof is open for about eight weeks each spring. In 2027 the dates are 18 March to 9 May. The tulips are usually at their best from mid April to early May, but the exact timing depends on the weather, so check our tulip bloom calendar.
Travelling outside the season? Our All Year Round Flower Tour shows you Dutch flowers at any time of year.
Most visitors spend three to four hours in the park, enough for the main gardens, the pavilions and plenty of photos. If you also want to see the flower fields by bike or boat, plan for at least half a day. Our private tours are at least six hours, so there is time for the park and the fields around it.
Yes. The park is surrounded by farmland where tulips, hyacinths and daffodils are grown for their bulbs. Inside Keukenhof you find the landscaped gardens, the pavilions and the windmill. Outside, you can see the fields by bike, on foot or on a small electric boat. Please stay on the paths and do not walk into the fields, which are private farmland.
Buy them online in advance. Keukenhof works with timed entry and popular dates sell out. Tickets at the gate are not guaranteed. If you visit with us, we arrange the tickets for you.
Expect 10 to 20°C (50 to 70°F). April mornings can be fresh and showers are common, May is usually a little warmer and sunnier. Bring layers, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes, as almost all of the visit is outdoors. And a little rain on the tulips only makes them look better.
