Keukenhof: millions of tulips in the Dutch spring

Keukenhof near Lisse is one of the world's most famous flower gardens, open for only about eight weeks each spring. Millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths bloom in carefully designed beds, surrounded by striped bulb fields stretching across the countryside.

Fun facts

• Around seven million bulbs are planted by hand each autumn.
• The name means kitchen garden, as the estate once supplied herbs to the castle of Countess Jacoba of Bavaria in the 15th century.
• Keukenhof first opened to the public as a flower exhibition in 1950.

What to see

• The themed flower beds and pavilions with orchids and lilies.
• The historic windmill in the park, with views over the bulb fields.
• The Bloemencorso flower parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem, held in April.

What to taste

• Dutch apple pie with whipped cream, served in the park cafés.
• Poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes with butter and powdered sugar.
• Kibbeling, fried pieces of white fish with garlic sauce.

What to do

• Rent a bike and cycle along the colourful bulb fields around Lisse.
• Take a whisper boat tour on the canal beside the gardens.
• Spend an afternoon in nearby Haarlem or Leiden.

💡 Tip: Buy timed tickets online, and use the combined bus ticket from Schiphol airport. Arrive at opening time or late afternoon to avoid the tour bus crowds.