Anyone looking for travel and tourism information related to the Dutch city of Amsterdam has probably heard the work “Keukenhof” at some point. In case you were wondering just what it is, Keukenhof is the world's largest flower garden. The word Keukenhof means kitchen garden in Dutch, and Keukenhof Park located near the town of Lisse, is also known as the Garden of Europe. Today, the park contains an astounding seven million annually planted flowering bulbs, mainly tulips, in an area covering over 80 acres.
Located on what once were 15th century hunting grounds, the immense garden was first established in 1949 to create a place where growers from all over the Netherlands and Europe could show off their hybrid flower creations and help ensure that the Netherlands continued to be the world's largest exporter of commercially grown flowers. The rest is history as they say, and Keukenhof has been the world's largest flower garden for over sixty years now and has become one of the most popular destinations within the Netherlands.
Anyone who loves flowers will love the amazing display of tulips as well as daffodils, hyacinths, spring bulbs and gorgeous trees in bloom at the magical Keukenhof Gardens open annually from the last week in March to about mid-May each year. Generally, the best time to view the flowers is in mid-April, depending on the weather of course.
Keukenhof is located in South Holland in an area called the Dune and Bulb Region that is easily accessible by bus from the train stations of Haarlem, Leiden and Schiphol. Perhaps the best way to see the garden once you get there is by choosing one of three different hassle-free, guided bus tours available at Keukenhof. The Park offers half-day tours in the mornings or afternoons that last about 4 hours with 2 hours of free time allotted as well. Those wanting a bit more time in the park can select a three-quarter day tour that lasts for 7 hours, with 5 hours of free time added. If that’s not enough, Keukenhof also offers a full-day tour that lasts for 9 hours, with 7 hours of free time at the garden. There are also several convenient restaurants located within the park or guests can bring there own picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many benches and picnic spots. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
