Spring has come to the Keukenhof Gardens
With the long awaited arrival of spring almost here it’s time to visit the magical Keukenhof Gardens. Located a mere 20km from Amsterdam, Keukenhof (Dutch for the kitchen garden) is an enormous 32Ha park containing over 7 million flowers. It really is a gift for all the senses.
This colourful and sweet smelling paradise is considered by experts to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Lakes, fountains, statues, bridges, greenhouses and other decorations are scattered around the gardens, there is even a traditional Dutch windmill where you can admire the spectacular views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. You can cycle or wander through the gardens on well set out paths stretching out for 15km. You also have the very agreeable option of seeing the colourful gardens from the water.
The Keukenhof Gardens began as a place for Dutch flower growers to show the quality of their flowers, tulips, seeds and bulbs. They were originally located on the land of Jacoba of Baviera, who wandering through the garden identified the aroma of the various herbs and spices used in her kitchen thus giving the gardens their name. At the beginning of the 19th century the landscape artist Jan David Zocher designed the Keukenhof Gardens as they are seen today and with time they have become one of the Netherlands most attractive springtime tourist attractions, especially when the gardens are in flower.
Every year, when the Keukenhof Gardens close their doors, the expert gardeners completely redesign the flowerbeds and the species they contain to surprise next spring’s visitors.
During the spring months the Keukenhof Gardens organise various activities: jazz and classical music concerts, falconry exhibitions, fashion shows, dances… the most popular and eagerly awaited event is the Annual Flower Parade in which the more than 50 participating floats are decorated with flowers.
Useful Keukenhof Gardens Visitor Information
- Where: Stationsweg 166a, Lisse.
- When: This year the Keukenhof Gardens are open from the 20th of March to the 18th of May 2014.
- Admission: Adults €15, Children aged 4-11 €7.50. Group discounts are available.
- Getting There: To get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam the best option is to buy a combination ticket which includes transport and entry to the gardens the price is €23. Conexxion offers direct buses to Keukenhof from Amsterdam and the surrounding area.
