Six unique reasons to visit Keukenhof Gardens this spring

Spring is almost upon us, and you might have already seen snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils starting to emerge in your local parks. While wildflowers are a welcome sight wherever they’re found, some places around the world simply can’t be matched in terms of variety, colour and breathtaking beauty. Topping the list, though, is the Netherlands and its world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, which consistently ranks amongst the world’s most beautiful spring-time attractions.

What are the Keukenhof Gardens?

These 32-hectare flower fields, located just a 40-minute drive from Amsterdam in the charming town of Lisse, are renowned for their colourful annual spring festival. Comprising more than seven million tulip bulbs and a wide assortment of vibrant wildflowers, this exquisite Dutch bulb field is the largest flower garden in Europe and is a sight to behold in bloom.

With unique annual themes, nearby attractions, and easy access to the Netherlands’ most impressive cities, there are more reasons than just the flowers to visit elegant Keukenhof.

Why You Should Visit Keukenhof This Spring

The variety of flowers

As one of the world’s largest wildflower gardens, Keukenhof boasts a truly spectacular range of plant species, from its 800 varieties of tulips and hyacinths to lilies, irises and orchids. Each spring, the site is filled with fascinating themed displays and more than seven million bulbs, meaning there’s always something new to admire as you explore.

This year’s displays include ‘Tulipmania’, which tells the stories of bulb theft, and rotating exhibits which will be changed weekly. The highlight of the gardens’ flower festival, though, is sure to be the annual Bollenstreek Parade, which is set to take place on Saturday, 18 April.

The views from above

You can get an excellent view of the colourful displays by simply wandering the pathways that connect all the gardens and attractions. For the best views of the sprawling fields, though, there’s no better place than from above, and you can soak up the true scale of this magnificent spot by getting a little higher up.

The Keukenhof Molen is a classic example of a Dutch windmill and is one of many which dot the landscape in this region of the Netherlands. During your visit, you have the option to climb the staircase for unobstructed views of every breathtaking vista in bloom below.

The colourful history

The Netherlands is the leading global grower and trader of flowers, with the industry generating more than £5.3 billion for the country each year. While tulips make up a massive part of the country’s floral exports, you might be surprised to know that tulips aren’t actually native to the Netherlands. Despite becoming a staple of Dutch gardens, they were only introduced to the country in the late 16th century, having been imported from the Ottoman Empire.

Keukenhof was established before this as the private grounds for a local Countess in the 15th century. The gardens were initially used to grow her herbs but were reinvented in 1949 when 20 leading flower exporters devised a plan to use the grounds to display exquisite bulbs during the spring. By 1950, the garden had opened to 236,000 visitors, gradually becoming an internationally recognised attraction

The annual theme

One of the best things about Keukenhof Gardens is that no two experiences are the same. Every year, the gardens’ annual spring festival takes on a new theme, ranging from ‘Flower Power’ and ‘Romance in Flowers’ to a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. Opening on Thursday, 19 March, this year’s festival will be inspired by ‘A Colourful Spring Adventure’. Guests can enjoy the festivities until Sunday, 10 May, and see the annual Bollenstreek Flower Parade on Saturday, 18 April.

Canal ride amidst the colour

For a more leisurely experience in Keukenhof, take a break from the tulip trails with a relaxing canal boat ride. As you meander along the gardens’ winding waterways, you’ll soak up scenic landmarks with unobstructed views over the flower-lined banks. After some time on board, simply hop off to continue your exploration on foot.

Convenient access to Amsterdam

As Amsterdam is under an hour’s journey from Keukenhof, you might like to pair your visit to the gardens with time spent in the fascinating Dutch capital. Explore the city’s charming canals and cobblestone streets, stopping by historic museums and unique coffee shops.

Experience the Breathtaking Dutch Bulb Fields with Newmarket Holidays

Whether you’re a veteran gardener or simply want to sprinkle some colour on your spring-time plans, book your spot on our best-selling escorted tour, Amsterdam and the Dutch Bulbfields. For more information on this wish-list itinerary, or to get the ball rolling on your next escape, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If you have somewhere else in mind, you can explore our full range of escorted tours on our dedicated destinations page.