Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Keukenhof During the Annual Tulip Festival
The Keukenhof Gardens of Holland
The Colorful World of Keukenhof
Imagine stepping into a vibrant tapestry woven with a million flowers, where the air is perfumed with the sweet scent of spring. This isn't just a daydream; it's what awaits you at the Keukenhof Gardens during the annual Tulip Festival. Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, this floral paradise is the place to be in mid to late April. Keukenhof, also known as the ‘Garden of Europe,’ opens its gates to the world for a few precious weeks each year, showcasing an ocean of tulips in a kaleidoscope of colors.
When To Visit
The festival typically runs from late March to mid-May. To catch the gardens at their peak bloom, aim for mid/late-April.
Our personal recommendation would be to time your visit to coincide with the Bloemencorso, the legendary Flower Parade. This annual spectacle, usually held in late April and is a stream of vibrant floats adorned with flowers that parade through the streets near Keukenhof. It's a unique opportunity to witness a cherished Dutch tradition. Locals and travelers alike line up to catch a glimpse of this enchanting procession.
How to Get There
Keukenhof is easily accessible from Amsterdam. Hop on a direct bus or drive; either way, you'll be there in under an hour.
Typically when we are in Europe, we're all about hopping on trains and buses to get around wherever we fancy. But when we knew we'd be venturing beyond the tulip fields, we figured it was time to get behind the wheel and rent a car for the week. And boy, were we glad we did! As soon as we arrived, it was clear that this was the right call. See, the place we were staying in near Keukenhof, just like most of the country, is crisscrossed with canals. So, getting from one spot to another ends up being a bit more of a trek than you'd expect from a quick glance at the map.
Buy Your Entry Tickets in Advance
Snag your tickets online to skip the lines and guarantee your entry day. Some days do sell out and there will not be onsite sales if this happens.
Know that you can modify your reservation day if it is more than 24 hours in advance of your chosen entry day/time.
If you plan to drive, be sure to buy your parking passes online ahead of time so you can park on the grounds.
There are combo tickets you can purchase online that include transportation to/from Amsterdam for a hassle-free experience.
What to Expect When You Arrive
With over 7 million bulbs planted by hand each year, the gardens are a sight to behold. Themed displays and inspirational gardens will give you a ridiculous amount of ideas for your own green space back home.
Beyond Tulips: While tulips are the stars, don't miss the other blooms like hyacinths, daffodils, and orchids. The flower shows inside the pavilions rotate, so there's always something new.
It Does Get Crowded: The grounds are massive but the later in the day you go, the more crowds you will have to deal with. Plan an early entry time for the least amount of hassle and beautiful soft morning light on the flowers.
What to Wear
Dress in Layers: The Dutch weather can be quite fickle. A sunny morning can turn into a chilly afternoon (and back into a sunny evening), so come prepared.
Wear Comfy Shoes: The grounds are massive and there are more than 15 kilometers of hiking trails in Keukenhof.
Photographers
For photography enthusiasts, Keukenhof offers stunning landscapes and the opportunity to capture the beauty of millions of blooming flowers.
Golden Hour Glory: Arrive early or stay late to take advantage of the golden hour. The soft, warm light during sunrise and sunset can add a magical touch to your photos.
Tripods are Allowed: Bring a tripod for sharp, clear shots, especially in the softer light of dawn or dusk when longer exposures might be necessary.
Depth of Field Decisions: Experiment with aperture settings to achieve different effects. A wide aperture can isolate a single tulip in crisp detail against a soft background, while a smaller aperture will keep an entire field in focus.
Polarizing Filters: Use a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce reflections, making the vibrant hues of the flowers pop against the lush greenery.
Composition Counts: Seek out leading lines and use the rule of thirds to create balanced compositions. The rows of tulips can guide the eye through the frame. And don’t always shoot from eye level. Get low for an up-close perspective of the flowers or find a higher vantage point for sweeping landscape shots.
Crowd Control: To avoid crowds in your shots, focus on smaller patches of flowers or use a shallow depth of field to blur out any distractions.
Respect the Rules: Remember to stay on the designated paths and not to damage the flowers. Preserving the beauty of Keukenhof is as important as capturing it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Keukenhof Tulip Festival suitable for visitors with mobility issues?
A: Absolutely! The park is wheelchair-friendly, with accessible paths and facilities to ensure everyone enjoys the floral displays.
Q: Are there restaurants at Keukenhof?
A: There are various cafes and restaurtants along with mobile food & beverage outlets all throughout the park.
Q: Is there Wifi available?
A: Free Wi-Fi is available around the pavilions at the park.
Q: Can I buy tulip bulbs at Keukenhof to grow at home?
A: Yes, you can! But not all of them can be purchased and brought home to the United States. The gift shops do offer a variety of bulbs that are ready to travel across the pond and bloom in your garden. Be sure to only purchase those with the proper labeling that states they have been pre-inspected and certified as disease-free by the Dutch government. This is crucial for passing through US customs without issues.
Q: Why are the tulip flowers in the fields beheaded?
In the region surrounding Keukenhof, tulips are cultivated primarily for their bulbs rather than the flowers. Removing the flower head enhances the bulb's robustness. Harvesters extract the bulbs from the soil shortly before summer and then they are sold globally . In autumn, numerous bulbs are planted to ensure the blossoming of vibrant fields in the following spring.
Q: Can I ride a bike in the park?
A: No, Keukenhof is a truly pedestrian park. You can however rent bikes from the carpark by the main entrance with which to explore the surrounding area.
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