As someone born and raised in Amsterdam, I used to think I had seen everything the Netherlands had to offer. That was until I visited Keukenhof for the first time a few years ago. Honestly? I was hooked right away. It’s so much more than “just a garden full of flowers” – it’s a colorful spectacle that overwhelms your senses and makes your camera work overtime.
Since that first visit, I’ve found myself coming back every single year. It never gets old. Each season brings a new theme, new flower combinations, and a fresh dose of joy. In fact, Keukenhof even inspired part of this website – the tulip in the Amsterdamtours.nl logo is a little tribute to that very first visit! 🌷
🌼 A Little History: From Kitchen Garden to Flower Paradise
Did you know Keukenhof has a rich and fascinating history? The name dates back to the 15th century, when Countess Jacoba of Bavaria gathered herbs and vegetables for her castle kitchen from this very land – hence the name “Keukenhof”, which means kitchen garden.
In 1949, the idea of a flower exhibition on this historic estate came to life. Since then, Keukenhof has grown into the largest flower garden in the world and a proud symbol of Dutch horticulture.
That very first sunny April day I visited – surrounded by endless rows of red and purple tulips – I thought: This is so wonderfully Dutch, and so full of life… this has to be the symbol for my website. And that’s how the tulip found its place in the logo of Amsterdamtours.nl. 😊
📅 When Is Keukenhof Open?
Keukenhof is open each year from mid-March to mid-May. In 2025, the park welcomes visitors from March 20 to May 11.
If you want to catch the tulips in full bloom, aim for mid-April to early May – although the park is beautiful throughout the entire season, thanks to the staggered planting and huge variety of flowers.
🌷 What Can You Do There?
Keukenhof is so much more than just looking at flowers. It’s a full-on experience with loads of things to do:
Stroll through themed gardens like the romantic rose garden or the peaceful woodland garden.
Explore indoor pavilions with spectacular flower shows, changing weekly.
Hop on a whisper boat and cruise through the surrounding bulb fields – peaceful and picturesque.
Rent a bike at the entrance and cycle past blooming fields with well-marked routes.
Bring the kids – there’s a playground, maze, and even a petting zoo for little explorers.
And of course, photo opportunities are everywhere. My favorite spot? The small Dutch windmill at the back of the park, with views over the fields – perfect for that postcard shot.
📸 Picture-Perfect Moments
Everywhere you look, there’s color, texture, and symmetry. Keukenhof is basically an Instagrammer’s dream. From flower-lined paths to reflective ponds, it’s hard to take a bad photo here.
Pro tip: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to catch the best light and avoid the biggest crowds.
🧺 Practical Tips for Your Visit
A day at Keukenhof is magical – and with these tips, it’ll be even better:
Buy your tickets online in advance, especially if you’re visiting on weekends or during holidays.
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll easily walk 5 to 10 kilometers without noticing.
Pack a picnic or enjoy the food trucks and cafés scattered throughout the park.
Look for combo deals, like entry + transport or entry + bike rental.
Getting there is easy – you can drive (there’s plenty of parking), or hop on the Keukenhof Express bus from Amsterdam RAI or Schiphol. I usually take the express – it’s quick and stress-free.
💡 Fun Facts
Over 7 million flower bulbs are planted at Keukenhof – all by hand!
The park spans 32 hectares – that’s around 50 football fields.
Each year, Keukenhof welcomes over 1 million visitors from around the world.
The fields around Keukenhof are just as spectacular – especially in April when everything’s in bloom.
Keukenhof is a place where nature makes you stop in your tracks. Whether you’re visiting with your partner, family, or colleagues, it’s an outing that fills you with joy.
And honestly? Even if you’re not a flower person (yet), it’s hard not to fall in love with this place. For me, every visit feels like the first time. 🌸
🌷 And yes – the tulip in the Amsterdamtours.nl logo? That’s thanks to Keukenhof. Beautiful, right?
Thinking of going? Let me know! I’d be happy to share my favorite walking route or picnic spot inside the park.