The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Amsterdam Tulips’ And Keukenhof Gardens
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Are you planning to visit the Keukenhof Gardens?
Spring in The Netherlands is one of the best seasons to visit the country.
The Netherlands is famous for different things, like windmills, wooden clogs, canals, bicycles, and Van Gogh, but only one thing is seasonal: the tulips.
As a lover of tulips, and having visited many times the Keukenhof Gardens and its fields.
I created this guide to help you plan your visit to Amsterdam and the Keukenhof Gardens. We’ll speak about why Amsterdam is famous for its tulips, what is the best time to visit, and everything you need to know about the Keukenhof Gardens, and the Tulip Day and museum in Amsterdam.
Why is Amsterdam Famous for Tulips?
Amsterdam is famous for tulips because of its historical connection to the Dutch Golden Age and the country’s flourishing tulip trade during that time.
In the 17th century, tulips were a status symbol and a sign of wealth.
Moreover, the demand for tulips in the Netherlands skyrocketed, leading to a speculative market for tulip bulbs.
Tulip Mania
In the 17th century, the Dutch began importing tulip bulbs from the Ottoman Empire, and the flower quickly gained popularity in the Netherlands.
Dutch growers started experimenting with breeding and they developed new tulip varieties, which led to the creation of many of the tulip varieties we see today like the blue aimable tulips.
The tulip trade became, then, a lucrative business during the Dutch Golden Age and continued until nowadays, when we still associate Holland with tulips.
This period, known as Tulip Mania, saw tulip bulbs sold for exorbitant prices, and many people became wealthy overnight.
The highest price of which there is evidence nowadays was 5,200 guilders for a single bulb.
That is three times the price of The Night Watch that Rembrandt charged for the painting just five years later, and 20 times the annual income of a skilled worker, such as a carpenter (BBC, 4 March 2020).
Today, the Netherlands is the largest producer and exporter of tulips in the world, and Amsterdam remains a popular destination for people all over the world to see the flowers in bloom, although the origin of the tulip originated in Central Asia and Turkey.
What is the Best Time to See the Tulips?
The best time to see the tulips is between mid-March to mid-May, with its best moment during mid-April when all tulips bloom.
However, the exact timing can vary depending on the weather conditions, so it’s best to check the weather forecast before planning your visit.
Keukenhof Gardens
The Keukenhof Gardens, located outside of Amsterdam, is one of the largest tulip gardens in the world and attracts millions of visitors each year during the spring season.
The Keukenhof Gardens are open annually from late March to early May.
The exact dates vary depending on when the tulips bloom, but typically, the gardens are open for eight weeks during this period.
They are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., but please check in advance for any changes.
The history of Keukenhof dates back to the 15th century when the area was used by Countess Jacoba van Beieren (Jacqueline of Bavaria).
In the 16th century, the land was used as an herb garden for the nearby Teylingen Castle, and it was later developed into a kitchen garden for the castle’s residents, hence the name Keukenhof.
Keuken in Dutch means kitchen and Hof means garden.
In 1949, a group of Dutch flower bulb growers organized the first spring exhibition at Keukenhof, with the aim of promoting the Dutch flower industry.
The exhibition was an immediate success, and the garden has been a popular tourist attraction ever since.
Getting from Amsterdam to Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse
There are different options to travel to the Keukenhof Gardens from Amsterdam.
There is public transportation available, you can drive, rent a bike or go on an organised tour.
The gardens are to be found next to the town of Lisse 35 kilometres / 21.7 miles from Amsterdam.
Bus from Amsterdam to Keukenhof Gardens
One of the easiest options to travel from Amsterdam City to Keukenhof Gardens is to take the Keukenhof Express Bus.
The stations from where you can board the Keukenhof Express Bus are the following:
- Schipol Airport – Bus No. 858
- Amsterdam RAI Station – Bus No. 852
- Haarlem Station – Bus No. 850
- Haarlem Station – Bus No. 50
- Leiden Station – Bus No. 854
- Noordwijk / Katwijk beach – Bus No. 90
Drive from Amsterdam to Keukenhof Gardens
Rent a car and you’ll easily reach the gardens via the A4 (exit Nieuw-Vennep) and the A44 (exit 3 Lisse) in around 35 minutes.
Just follow the route in your GPS Stationsweg 166A, Lisse.
The exact address of Keukenhof Gardens is Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM, Lisse, Netherlands.
Note that there is parking on the site at the entrance and it will cost you 6 euros a day.
Cycle to the Keukenhof Gardens
For the most adventurous one, I recommend you to bike to the Gardens.
This way you will have the opportunity to see the Dutch countryside and the tulip fields along the way.
This will take you around 1h and 50 minutes but it will be worth it!
Parking the bike outside The Gardens is free of charge.
Tours to Keukenhof Gardens
There are several tour companies who will offer you a guided tour of the Keukenhof Gardens and most of them start at the Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Tip: for using public transportation in The Netherlands I suggest you download 2 apps on your phone to make it easier to plan transportation: 9292 and NS Travel Planner.
What to See and Do at Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof covers an area of over 32 hectares where you can get lost in a sea of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other flowers.
The garden also features several pavilions with diverse flowers and plants as well as souvenir shops.
In addition to the stunning floral displays, you can also take a boat ride, visit a windmill, and enjoy live music and performances.
There are also several cafes and restaurants in the gardens where you can grab a bite.
Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
- Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Have a bank card you can use, as cash might not be accepted.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Don’t forget your camera!
- Plan to spend at least half a day at the gardens to fully appreciate everything they have to offer.
- You are not allowed to pick flowers.
- If you’re visiting on a weekend, expect larger crowds and plan accordingly.
Amsterdam Tulip Fields
In addition to the Keukenhof Gardens, there are other places in the Netherlands where you can see tulips in bloom, such as the fields in the Bollenstreek region, which is located close to Lisse and the Keukenhof Gardens.
Another hidden gem when it comes to tulip fields is the province of Flevoland, the newest province of The Netherlands.
The province has six regions, but the one you’ll want to visit is called Noordoostpolderr.
There is a tulip festival that takes place at the end of April and the beginning of May in case you visit on these dates.
You can choose from tulip routes by car or bike, in the province of Flevoland.
Do you want to pick up your own tulips? Then head on here for more information.
National Tulip Day
National Tulip Day takes place every year on the 3rd Sunday in the month of January.
A temporary tulip garden is created on Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam.
There are thousands and thousands of tulips in different colours that you can pick for free.
The event is organised by Dutch tulip growers, and it is meant to promote the Dutch flower industry and encourage people to buy tulips throughout the season.
Usually, there is live music, the TV recording of the event and food stalls.
If you love tulips but cannot visit them in springtime, you have a chance to enjoy these beautiful flowers. You can read more info here.
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Did you know that Dutch people love so much the tulips that they have a Tulip Museum in Amsterdam?
The museum shows the history of the tulip from its origins in Central Asia to its cultivation and trade in the Netherlands.
You can smell different varieties of tulips and learn about the cultural and economic significance of tulips in Dutch history.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the tulip and its history in this small museum located in the Jordaan neighbourhood of Amsterdam, close to the Anne Frank House, on the canal of Prinsengracht.
It is open daily between 10 am to 6 pm and the entrance costs only 5 euros.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting Amsterdam in springtime is one of the most beautiful trips you can do.
Overall, Amsterdam and the Netherlands offer a unique and unforgettable experience for flower enthusiasts and tourists alike, with stunning tulip displays, vibrant cultural events, and rich history and heritage.
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