When spring has sprung and all the flowers bloom, there's one event you need to visit in the Netherlands, Keukenhof Gardens outside Amsterdam. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower exhibitions and can be found in Lisse, the Netherlands. Lisse is a town on the border of the provinces North-Holland and South-Holland.
The Keukenhof gardens are situated next to a castle where a former commander of the Dutch East India Company used to live in the 19th century. Nowadays you can visit the castle and even get married there. Check the website of the castle for availability of tours, since they’re sometimes renovating the old building.
The Keukenhof season is in March, April and May. This time a year the gardens of Keukenhof castle turn into a giant park full of flowers. You’re able to see up to 7 million flowers and 800 different types of tulips. The garden and the exhibition are open every year from the end of March to the second week of May.
In 2025 the Keukenhof is open to the public from March to May. So, mind you, there’s not a lot of time to enjoy the enormous fields full of flowers. Which makes sense, since most flowers only bloom for a little while during spring and makes these few weeks the best time to visit Keukenhof.
The flower park is open daily from 8:00 in the morning (8AM) to 19:30 in the evening (7:30PM). In general, the park is quieter daily before 10:30 am and after 4:00 pm.
The easiest way to buy a ticket for Keukenhof Garden is online. Purchase a ticket for the bus tour Keukenhof Gardens & Tulip Experience or the bus tour Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans. Both tickets also include a guided Amsterdam canal cruise.
The springtime has been quite sunny the last few years. But hey, you’re still in The Netherlands, so opt for light layered clothing and bring an umbrella or raincoat just to be sure. And do not forget to check your favourite weather apps/website to check the forecast!
Whatever you choose, have fun!