When you think of the Netherlands you think of windmills, wooden shoes, and tulips. Oh, the tulips! And as a tulip junkie I can tell you visiting Keukenhof Gardens is an absolute must for anyone spending time around Amsterdam.

Here’s what you need to know about this fairytale oasis.

Why Visit Keukenhof Gardens

Considered by many to be the most beautiful garden in the world, Keukenhof boasts over 7 million bulbs and 800 different kinds of tulips! So basically it’s my own heaven on Earth.

Mixed among the lush grass, stunning fountains, and centuries-old beech trees you’ll discover flowerbed after flowerbed of colorful blooms. There’s even a river of flowers. Yes, you read that right – a river of flowers!

Many of these spectacular displays have been cultivated for over 400 years! A true Dutch tradition that has many of us with a black thumb green with envy.

The Best Time to Go

Keukenhof is only open three months out of the year, so the best (and only) time to go is during the Spring. That short window of time is typically from mid-March to mid-May when the bulbs are fully bloomed.

As you can imagine, Keukenhof Gardens is quite the draw for tourists and locals alike. Consequently, I suggest going earlier in the day before the mobs of people show up to make your experience a little less tranquil.

In addition to the regular gardens, there are a number of flower shows and flower arrangement demonstrations throughout the season. Whether you’re a fan or orchids, daffodils, freesias, or roses there’s a themed show for everyone! And during the last 12 days of the season enjoy the world’s largest display of blooming lilies (another one of my faves!)

How to Get There

I don’t know about you, but when I’m traveling time is at a premium. So the quickest (and easiest) way I’ve found to visit Keukenhof Gardens is with a private transport.

Rather than making your way to a central location for a shuttle (where you run the risk of having to stand the full 40 minute drive from Amsterdam due to overcrowding) there are a number of tours that offer convenient pick-up at your hotel along with an admission ticket. It’s cheaper than an Uber or taxi, and must less hassle than mass transit.

Flowers for Days

As one of the largest floral exhibitions in the world, Keukenhof Gardens doesn’t just stop at having a few colorful flowerbeds. No, they have themed displays! As you wander the grounds you’ll see one after another, each more breathtaking than the last.

Cupid’s Garden

This romantic garden has a “kissing gate” surrounded by red and white flowers. So basically a scene straight out of a sappy romance novel. Cue the orchestra!

Delft Blue Garden

Gobs and gobs of blue and white flowers with an occasional splash of red. The traditional Delft blue is a Holland tradition (and a beautiful one at that!)

Rebel Garden

No rules here! Just a riot of color and chaos with blooms mixed together in random perfection. It’s a striking garden that’s a little more on the playful side.

Rob’s Oriental Romance

A highlight of the 2018 floral season with an East Asian theme. Harness your inner zen in this petal paradise.

And if you didn’t get enough floral inspiration wandering through these carefully manicured gardens, then check out the tulips fields surrounding Keukenhof! The blocks of color seem to stretch on for miles, and viewing them is truly a pinch-me moment.

So if visiting Keukenhof Gardens wasn’t already one of your bucket list experiences, it absolutely should be! The vast gardens of colorful blooms, artful fountains, winding rivers, and flower fields are a sight you won’t soon forget!

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