Cradled near the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, Keukenhof rings in spring with its vast tulip gardens boasting a whopping seven million flowers, predominantly tulip bulbs. Based in Lisse, this floral exhibition celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, with each bloom meticulously tended to by one of Keukenhof’s 40 skilled gardeners.

Opened on March 21, this year’s Keukenhof spectacle will enchant visitors until May 12.

A brief history of the tulip gardens of Keukenhof

Popularly called the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof’s floral exhibit was established on March 21, 1949. Conceived by a consortium of flower exporters and bulb growers, the exhibition aimed to showcase the Netherlands’ thriving export industry. The following year, it opened its gates to the public, attracting an impressive 200,000 visitors.

The roots of the current-day Keukenhof Gardens, one of the largest flower gardens in the world, can be traced back to 1638 when Adriaen Maertensz Block, a Captain and Governor of the Dutch East India Company, acquired the land and constructed a majestic manor called Castle Keukenhof. In 1857, the estate’s then-owners, Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt, hired landscape architect Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher to give a facelift to the gardens, parks, and grounds enveloping the building.

Blossom-filled days in Keukenhof: Here’s what to expect

Alongside the striking display of vibrant-hued tulips, Keukenhof welcomes approximately 600 trading companies and growers who contribute their finest flowers, shrubs, and trees to the event. In addition to the 800 varieties of tulips, visitors can also marvel at roses, orchids, and cherry blossoms. The displays boast rare 16th and 17th-century tulip varieties, showcasing the Netherlands‘ 400-plus years of tulip-growing heritage.

Themed pavilions further enhance the visitor experience. The Beatrix pavilion, named after the former queen of the Netherlands, features orchids and anthuriums, while the Oranje Nassau pavilion showcases chrysanthemums, daffodils, and roses.

In addition to admiring the floral frenzy, the exhibition also features a children’s maze, a scavenger hunt, the Dutch rabbit icon, a Miffy-themed park, and a petting zoo. Tourists can also appreciate over 100 sculptures scattered throughout the blooming lawns or delve into Keukenhof’s history by visiting the park’s windmill, built in 1892.

Elevate your trip with bicycle tours and boat rides around Keukenhof. A range of electrically powered boats traverse the channels between the myriad bulb fields, ensuring a comfortable and picturesque experience.

Planning to visit Keukenhof? Keep these tips in mind

While the Netherlands’ is a bucket list destination for many, those visiting the country primarily to witness Keukenhof’s blooming marvels should consider booking a hotel in nearby Lisse. From there, Keukenhof is just a short local bus ride away.

If you’re staying in Amsterdam, take the metro to the Europaplein stop. From there, hop on the 852 bus (Keukenhof Express), which takes about 30 minutes to reach the gardens. This bus operates approximately 10 times an hour.

Additionally, the journey from Keukenhof to Schiphol Airport, onboard the 858 bus, takes about half an hour.

(Feature Image Credit: @visitkeukenhof/Instagram)

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