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Keukenhof flower gardens

Streaks of purple, lilac and white hyacinths painted the landscape just a few miles away from the famed Keukenhof gardens.  I stepped out of the car and was immediately enveloped by their gorgeous fragrance. Yellow and red dots on the green patch on the opposite side of the canal indicated the colors of the tulips that were getting ready to impress the world. Did you know that the Netherlands produces about 62% of export flower bulbs?

If you’re looking for what most people associate with the Netherlands, you don’t need to go any further than the Keukenhof, the famous flower exhibit in the small town of Lisse, about 40 minutes from Amsterdam.  Every spring, Dutch flower and bulb growers display their wares in a cacophony of color and smells that draws in thousands of visitors each day. It is a magnificent flower display in stunning gardens, wooded areas, lakes and canals, just a few miles from the bulb fields – and something that shouldn’t be missed if you visit Holland in the springtime.

In addition to the flora, you’ll find many other characteristically Dutch things in the Keukenhof; canals, a windmill, wooden shoes galore (some of them large enough to sit in).  We enjoyed listening to the wide range of traditional and modern songs played by an old-fashioned music organ while we were resting our feet in one of the open air cafes.  (The Dutch will enjoy their coffee or adult beverages outdoors as soon as a ray of sun peaks through the clouds!) Want to enjoy some Dutch treats? We came across stroopwafels (the typically Dutch and gorgeous “syrup wafers” now also available at Starbucks in the USA – and on some United Airlines flights!), broodje kroket (bread roll with a croquet), patat met (fries with mayonnaise), licorice (drop) and some more unusual items that even caught this born-and-bred Dutchman off-guard: brown beans in a cup, anyone?

Dutch flower fields

But truly, the star attractions of the Keukenhof are the flowers: orchids in a rainbow of color; tulips of any kind imaginable; fragrant hyacinths; blood red anthuriums; lilies and daffodils; crocuses and more.  You’ll find them in beds dotted around the gorgeous park, in special displays that vary by year (don’t miss this year’s “Delft Blue” display that combines the famous pottery with flowers in white and blue) and in big pavilions named after members of the Dutch Royal family. Another themed display this year combined gorgeous flowers with fashion, including hats by royal milliner Philip Treacy that were adorned with live flowers.

Want to visit the Keukenhof? We walked around the entire garden in about four hours, with a break for coffee (of course), although some horticulture fans may take longer. Many river cruise lines include it in their spring itineraries to/from Amsterdam, although of course we can also plan a separate trip for you to explore the Netherlands.

Best time to visit Keukenhof? As the gardens are outdoors and open from late March until May, the flowers on display vary based on the weather and seasonality.  We were there in early April and riots of daffodils and crocuses greeted us. A few weeks later, tulips and other plants would add color.  In addition, the pavilions have a more controlled climate which allows for a wide range of flowers to be available throughout the entire opening season. Keukenhof is popular with foreigners as well as the Dutch, so try to visit Keukenhof on a weekday to avoid big crowds.
 

You can visit the Keukenhof on a river cruise, an ocean cruise or by land. Clients of Q Cruise + Travel benefit from local insight, hotels that provide extra benefits (daily breakfast for two; room upgrades, early check-in and/or late check-out if available and a local amenity per stay). And our local partners can create a truly personalized, authentic experience for you. Want to learn more? Just give us a call.