Keukenhof
Ideal: Ideal for photography, spring routes, nature, flower gardens, and calm travel.
Each autumn about seven million bulbs are planted by hand in the 32-hectare garden, which opens only eight weeks a year from late March to mid-May. Bulbs are removed and discarded after the season; everything is replanted from scratch the next year. The site was originally the vegetable garden of Countess Jacoba van Beieren's estate in the 15th century — hence the name. Today's form began in 1950 as a showcase where bulb growers presented their products to buyers.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1950
- Area
- 32 hectares
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Is Keukenhof open all year?
No. The park opens for only about eight weeks a year, from late March to mid-May. Some 7 million bulbs are planted by hand each autumn and the design is created afresh every year.
Is the tulip actually native to the Netherlands?
No — tulips originate in Central Asia and reached Europe via the Ottoman Empire. After arriving in the Netherlands in the 16th century the country became the centre of the commercial trade.
Did tulip mania really happen?
In the mid-1630s some rare bulbs reached the price of a house, and the market collapsed in 1637. It is remembered as one of the first recorded speculative bubbles in history.
Why go?
- To see Dutch tulip culture at its strongest
- For a colorful, photogenic garden route in spring
- To add a short but impressive nature trip outside Amsterdam
Travel tip
Keukenhof is seasonal — always check opening dates and tulip season before you go.
