Keukenhof Gardens

The basics

Keukenhof is open for just two months each spring, making the annual event one of the most popular in Europe. In addition to the flower fields, the park is a kid-friendly venue home to canals, restaurants, a picnic area, maze, playground, and windmill, providing plenty to see and do as you walk around. Consider booking Keukenhof Gardens tours or purchase Keukenhof Gardens tickets with skip-the-line access to ensure your group gets to experience the flowers in bloom. Plan to spend a half or full day exploring the park. Combo tours are available if you'd like to check out additional locations in Holland such as Marken, Volendam fishing villages, or Zaanse Schans.

Things to know before you go

• Keukenhof is only open from mid-March to mid-May.

• There are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the little ones occupied.

• On-site restaurants and cafes offer food and drinks.

• Lockers are available to store luggage.

• The park is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.

• Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.

How to get there

Keukenhof is located in the town of Lisse, about an hour southwest of Amsterdam in the Dutch countryside. Booking a Keukenhof Gardens tour or ticket package with included transportation and admission is the most convenient way to get there, although public transport is also available from Amsterdam city center if you plan to visit on your own.

When to get there

Keukenhof is open from mid-March to mid-May each year. Check the Keukenhof website for a calendar for the best days to visit if you want to attend special events such as the flower parade and other exhibitions.

Keukenhof Flower Shows and Exhibitions

While the park is open, about 20 rotating flower and plant shows take place inside the park's pavilions, allowing travelers to see and learn about specific varieties of flowers such as orchids, lilies, and, of course, tulips.

Ways to explore

Set aside at least half a day to visit Keukenhof Gardens, or a full day if you want to explore more of the Dutch countryside. If visiting independently, be sure to purchase tickets well in advance. You can also buy a “combiticket” that includes admission to the gardens and round-trip public bus transportation from Amsterdam. Bike rentals are also available near the parking lot for those wanting to explore the surrounding tulip fields at their own pace.

Alternately, book a guided day trip from Amsterdam that includes comfortable, round-trip transportation as well as admission to Keukenhof Gardens—there are even combo tours that tack on additional Holland sights such as the windmills of Zaanse Schans and the harborside village of Volendam.

Accessibility

The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible; manual wheelchairs are available to rent for €5 in the ticket office.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, picnic lunch, credit card (the gardens are completely cashless)

What to wear

Layers, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Drones, motorized bicycles and scooters

Amenities

Restrooms with changing tables, Wi-Fi, storage lockers

Address

Keukenhof Gardens is located in Lisse, about 40 minutes southwest of Amsterdam in the Dutch countryside. It is accessible by both car and public transportation, though booking a Keukenhof Gardens tour or ticket package with round-trip transportation is the most convenient way to get there.

Driving

If you’re driving to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, take the A4/N207 highway and follow the signs for Lisse/Keukenhof once you’re near the area. From Rotterdam, take the A4/N208/N206 highway. Traffic guards will guide you to the correct parking lot when you arrive at the gardens.

Public transportation

From Amsterdam, take a train to Schiphol Airport or Haarlem, then hop on one of the direct buses (Bus 858 from Schiphol, Bus 50 or 850 from Haarlem) that run frequently during the garden’s open season.

Best times to visit

Arrive right when the gardens open to avoid the largest crowds. The early morning light also makes for beautiful photos, and the gardens tend to be more peaceful this time of day.

Best days to visit

To avoid even more crowds, visit during the week—especially Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays—rather than on weekends.

Best months to visit

Keukenhof is only open from mid-March to mid-May each year. The flowers reach peak bloom in mid-April, which means it’s the most colorful—but also the busiest—time to visit.

Special events

The Bollenstreek Flower Parade takes place every April. This event attracts thousands of visitors and is a fantastic opportunity to admire floats covered in Holland’s famous blooms.