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An Introduction to Keukenhof Tulip Show

Simply blooming marvellous, Keukenhof Tulip Show is a flower display with a difference. Within this article, you’ll find out all there is to know about this striking spectacle, and you’ll even discover how you can be a part of it.

Are you a tulip lover? Do you admire all things bright and beautiful? If so, the Keukenhof Tulip Show is the ideal place to go. In this article, we’ll talk about:

  • What’s the history of the Keukenhof Gardens?
  • What is the Keukenhof Tulip Show?
  • What can it offer you (including its facilities)?
  • When is the best time to visit?
  • How can you get your hands on some tickets?
History of the Keukenhof Gardens

Would you believe that the history of Keukenhof goes as far back as the 15th century? It all began with Countess Jacoba van Beieren, commonly known as “Jacqueline of Bavaria”, who collected fruit and vegetable for the Teylingen Castle kitchen from the kitchen dunes (Keukenduin).

In 1641, Keukenhof Castle was erected, surrounded by land in excess of 494 acres. Louis Paul Zocher, alongside his father Jan David Zocher, both landscape architects, redesigned the gardens in 1857 and paved the way for Keukenhof’s style of today.

The mid 90s saw a visit from 20 people with a vision. Flower bulb growers and exporters alike generated and executed a plan to make Keukenhof a spring park, opening the public gates in 1950. It became an instant sensation.

Now, Keukenhof prides itself on being a worldwide attraction, luring visitors in from all over the globe.

Keukenhof’s vision? To uncover the full glory of the Dutch floricultural sector, and to allow the 100 companies that partake to show off their incredible array and continual hard work.

What Is the Keukenhof Tulip Show?

Every year, Keukenhof Tulip Gardens puts on a show that isn’t to be missed. Based in Amsterdam, Holland, this vibrant display of tulips covering 32 hectares (around 79 acres) is sure to take your breath away. They plant 7 million bulbs annually, including 800 different tulip species, to show the variety, uniqueness, and true essence of this incredible family of flowers.

And if the prospect of walking among a multitude of tulips isn’t blissful enough, Keukenhof even puts on an annual theme, so you can expect a distinct experience each and every year.

What Can the Show Offer You?

Keukenhof isn’t just a phenomenal flower show, it has breath-taking ponds, terraces and pavilions. If you’re a nature lover, Keukenhof Tulip Show offers a peaceful sanctuary to stroll at leisure and process your thoughts. You could even find a quiet spot to do some mindfulness!

Would you rather get active? Try cycling around the grounds, or hiking the 15km trail for stunning floral views. If you’re feeling peckish, the gardens offer a range of eateries, including restaurants, cafés, and pop-up food stalls.

Keukenhof is a fantastic day out for all. Not just one for the adults, it also offers exciting facilities to keep the children entertained all day, including playgrounds, a petting farm and a scavenger hunt. If you fancy getting lost with the family, Keukenhof’s maze will do just the trick.

And last but by no means least, Keukenhof Gardens is a place to network if you’re in the floricultural business. With 500 flower growers, and thousands of budding anthophile visitors, you are guaranteed to find people with common interests and hopefully some money to spare.

When Is Best to Visit?

Unfortunately, due to COVID and the lockdown restrictions, the public weren’t able to witness Keukenhof’s display in person in the 2021 season. However, 20 million people took the time to view the gardens virtually.

With 2022 looking up, Keukenhof is hoping they will be able to open their gates to the public once more from March 24th – May 15th. The gardens will be open from 08:00 – 19:30 every day of the week during this period.

The gardens experience 3 flowering periods:

  • icon_number_1@3x First period: this sees an appearance from indoor tulips and outdoor daffodils and crocuses.
  • icon_number_2@3x Second period: once the daffs and crocuses have wilted, the gardens come alive with hyacinths and early tulips.
  • Third period: in this final season, all of the outdoor tulips will be in bloom and the trees will be a vibrant green.

Of course, the timeframe of these blooming periods is dependent on the weather.

Keukenhof Gardens is an easy place to get to, accessible by public transport, car, taxi, bike or walking. You can also book a guided tour from Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or The Hague. For more information, check out the FAQ section on Keukenhof’s website.

How to Get Your Tickets

Tickets for the 2022 show aren’t yet available, however, be sure to snap them up in November 2021, as this is when they will be on sale.