If you’ve never heard of Keukenhof you are in for a real surprise! Being the largest flower garden in the world its name [translated :: kitchen garden] was derived from its origin when in the 15th century the kitchen staff of Countess Jacoba van Beieren gathered their herbs on this country estate.
Keukenhof is celebrating her 70th opening this year. Over a million people are expected to attend :: 50 million visitors have come through the gates of Keukenhof to date. And every year the theme and displays change as do the design of the gardens.
This year’s theme is FLOWER POWER and opening days are March 21 to May 19, 2019.
Hold on to your seats as I take you through this amazing garden and my determination of the top 10 reasons to come for a visit ::
#10 :: Fun for the kiddos (and adults, too!)
Fun is definitely one of the reasons that make Keukenhof what it is. Feel free to bring the kids and the family because there are lots of fun things to do with them here! Of course the fun is not just limited to the kids…
The designers of the Keukenhof have kept the entire family in mind when laying out this amazing place. Things for the kiddos such as a petting zoo, maze, several playgrounds and a scavenger hunt.
petting zoo 
animals 
Where in the World is Louise? The Netherlands :: Keukenhof :: playgrounds
They’ve even included photo ops such as the ladies in traditional garb and large wooden shoes.
#9 :: Delicious food abounds throughout
In order to make your experience memorable you have to keep up your energy. There are lots of places to take breaks during the day as you enjoy the entire day in this beautiful place.
Where in the World is Louise? The Netherlands :: Keukenhof :: restaurant 
Where in the World is Louise? The Netherlands :: Keukenhof :: restaurant patio
You will find a cafeteria that serves delicious food and drinks for really reasonable prices, restaurants at which you can dine outside in a beautiful patio as well as snack stands throughout that serve delicious ice cream, mini pancakes [poffertjes], stroopwafels [caramel treats]… and feel free to enjoy them on any number of benches throughout the gardens.
poffertjes 
stroopwafels 
ice cream
#8 :: Special artistry is evident everywhere you wander
The artistic design of the Keukenhof Gardens are mesmerizing.
flower wall 
flower wall 
Where in the World is Louise? The Netherlands :: Keukenhof :: flower field
#7 :: The fresh air and the wonderful fragrance
OK there is no way that I can capture FRESH AIR + FRAGRANCE on film. You’ll just have to take my word for it! Suffice it to say that springtime is a wonderful time to visit The Netherlands. Although most of the year this beautiful country is known for its inclement weather that’s exactly why it is so beautiful! Not to say that you won’t get the occasional rains in springtime but there is nothing more refreshing than clean air after the rain.
But walking among these breath-taking flower gardens you are able to smell every kind of garden aroma. You just have to experience it once in your lifetime. But when you decide to come, make sure you do it while Keukenhof is open mid-March to mid-May!
#6 :: The ambiance is incomparable
Images of Keukenhof will give you an idea of the ambiance but in order to really experience it of course you will have to see it for yourself in person. I felt an indescribable sense of peace and calm out there. Like Heaven on Earth.
#5 :: Oh the colors, colors everywhere!
Nearly every color of the rainbow and everything in between can be found in the gardens. Striking, vivid colors. They are overwhelming to see in real life and seeing them just makes you feel good.
Where in the World is Louise? The Netherlands :: Keukenhof colors
#4 :: Enjoy the beauty of nature and God’s handiwork
It is nothing other than a miracle to think of how each beautiful flower and each intricate detail is made. God’s handiwork can be seen in His creations. Stunning. It just takes your breath away.
#3 :: See the windmill …
The windmill itself is typical Dutch. It is always fun to see one up close. This one is obviously not a working windmill but those can be found throughout The Netherlands. I would definitely recommend you go visit one or two and see how they work. It is pretty incredible. Click here to find out where to find some really great ones.
#2 :: … and take the cheesy boat trip
My intent was to take the Whisper boat trip but by the time we wandered out there I have to say I was definitely not prepared for what we encountered. There were so many people! Long lines to get tickets… and even longer lines to get on the boat.
Sailing is a wonderful way to experience Keukenhof. If you decide not to go I wouldn’t blame you because it really does take a commitment once you see what it takes to get there. But I hope you do.
Tip #1 :: buy your tickets online well in advance. It is unbelievable to see how many people are waiting in line for tickets. What a waste of time! If you buy your tickets online you will bypass that line.
Tip #2 :: come early. Even with tickets in hand the line for the boat tour can be ridiculously long. My recommendation is to come as soon as it opens and head straight for the windmill behind which the boat tour starts.
Tip #3 :: there are lots of other boat tours in The Netherlands where you can see tulip fields and much more. So whether you take the boat tour here or elsewhere you don’t want to miss this experience. Click here to see other available tours.
#1 :: Appreciate the flowers at Keukenhof
Ok so we finally get to the #1 reason to come to Keukenhof :: the flowers! Yesssss! This is the whole reason behind these beautiful gardens after all! But I assure you they do not disappoint. The grounds are fabulous. I love the fact that even a canal runs through it creating beautiful reflections.
Endless rows and gardens of beautiful blooms…
Beautiful fountains and water features and displays…
Although Keukenhof is an amazing place to see beautiful flowers it is located in the city of Lisse which is famous also for their tulip fields. Check it out.
Tip :: make time to see the tulip fields around Keukenhof for a full flower experience. This one is nearby and should give you a better view of the fields :: FAM Flower Farm but be sure to book ahead.
Keukenhof is an amazing place to visit. I encourage you to come + bring your family for a day filled with fun, food, artistry, fresh air, fragrance, ambiance, colors, beauty and especially the flowers. You will not regret having had this experience while in The Netherlands.
I will be writing more about The Netherlands in future posts. In the meantime, you may enjoy some of my other posts throughout Europe ::
10 Reasons Bruges Will Steal Your Heart
10 Absolutely Incredible Sites in Prague
15 Must See Places on Berlin Walking Tour
7 Things That Surprised Me About Vienna
Top 6 Must Do’s in Barcelona
Amazing Images of Pompeii
10 Beatles Attractions in Liverpool
Tours ::
For information on guided tours of Keukenhof click here.
Accommodations for Keukenhof ::
For your convenience, here is a list of ACCOMMODATIONS NEAR KEUKENHOF. Please consider booking your Keukenhof accommodations through this link. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!
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[…] Sorrento, Positano). We extended our European trip by flying to The Netherlands (finally saw the Keukenhof) with side trips to Budapest and Vienna, and finally Croatia. We had been to Dubrovnik on a […]