Keukenhof are the largest flower gardens in the world with over seven million
bulbs planted every year and over 1,000 varieties of tulips. Converted to its
current format in 1949, the idea behind the gardens is to showcase the best of
flowers which the Dutch can produce.
The Keukenhof Gardens are not all daffodils and tulips
although bulb plants are definitely the focus as you would
expect from Amsterdam. In March, when the gardens are fully
opened, the daffodils start to bloom. The planting of different
varieties allow this display to occur over a six week period.
Then in early April the tulips start to appear and the display
lasts through to mid May. Other flowering plants such as lilies
and hyacinths make their appearance throughout April and May.
The plants themselves are a spectacular show, the planting plans
and sheer volume makes this a very memorable day out. You will
be amazed if you visit at any time in March to May but probably
mid to late April is the best time.
A dry day is the best time to visit for obvious reasons. But
if your only choice is to go when it's raining then don't
despair. There are literally thousands of square metres of huge
glasshouses to provide protection from the elements. All are set
out with masses of tulips, daffodils and other flowering plants.
Amongst other attractions the Keukenhof Gardens have the largest
fountain in Europe and a devilishly complicated maize. Keep an
eye out for the azaleas, rhododendrons and cherry trees which
are exceptionally beautiful.
Having walked round the gardens, which will take about
half a day, you are then able to buy bulbs to take back to your garden
as a living memory of the trip. The various planting schemes used,
including balconies and raised beds will also inspire you. Remember to
take your camera.
In 2009 the Keukenhof Gardens celebrated the 400th
anniversary of the founding of what was previously known as New
Amsterdam (now known as New York). Flower versions of the Statue of
Liberty, the Hudson River and various American cities and areas are
featured. The full press release can be found
here.
The Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom
offers endless photographic opportunities and they
attract both amateurs and professionals alike. Below
is a slide show the gardens to give you a taste of
some of the spectacular views and plants. Click on
any of the pictures in the slideshow for a larger
view.
Finally we present three short
videos of the Keukenhof Gardens.
The first is a view of the bedding
displays below:
Next is a view of the Windmill in the gardens:
Finally we show the adjoining bulb fields in all their glory:
OPENING TIMES AND DIRECTIONS:
Opening Times: The flower
gardens are open from mid March to mid May. In 2009,
the timings are from March 19th to May 21st. Hours
are 08.00 to 19.30 with entrances stopping at 18.00. Click here
for the official site to confirm opening times.
Location: Keukenhof Gardens
are in the town of Lisse about 20km outside of
central Amsterdam.
Public Transport: Catch the
train from Centraal station to Leiden Centraal.
These trains leave at approximately 30 minute
intervals. Then go to the bus station (next
building) and catch the number 54 bus to Lisse. This
is a shuttle bus which takes you directly to the
Kruekenhof Garden gates and runs every 15 minutes.
Entrance Prices: For 2009 the
entrance prices are
€13.50 with
concessionary prices for kids and those aged 65+.
See
this page for more details. At times, there
are long entrance queues and we recommend that you
try and buy the tickets in advance. You can buy them
online and print off the e-tickets at home.
Click
here for more information from the official
site.
Wheelchair Access: This is generally good around gardens
and other areas. If you want to use one of the wheelchairs supplied by
the gardens then book well in advance, at least four days. Electric
wheelchairs are also available but they will cost to hire for the day.
Full details can be found here.
