– This post was written by Ryan Millar –
For centuries, tulips have served as a national symbol for the tiny country of tall people, and the best place to find them in 2025 is at the Keukenhof tulip gardens in the Netherlands from March 20 to May 11, 2025.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Netherlands during the spring season, make sure Keukenhof tulip gardens are on your list. This full guide will tell you what to expect at the gardens, how to get there and a few other tips and tricks to make sure you enjoy your visit to the ‘Garden of Europe’.
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Fun facts about the Keukenhof tulip gardens
- Keukenhof translates to “kitchen courtyard” in Dutch
- The Keukenhof gardens attract 800,000 visitors every year
- The gardens are only open for 8 weeks out of the entire year
- 7 million bulbs are planted in the fall to prepare for spring blooms
- The Keukenhof tulip gardens host 800 varieties of bulbs
What is the history of Keukenhof tulip gardens?
You may find yourself wondering: why do the Dutch have a 32-hectare field dedicated to flowers that only bloom for a few weeks of the year, and why do you feel like you just have to be one of the 800,000+ people who visit Keukenhof tulip gardens in 2025? We’ve got two words for you: tulip mania.
The Dutch infatuation with tulips began when Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius received a couple of bulbs from his Turkish associate Oghier Ghislain de Busbecq, which he planted in a botanical garden in Leiden. Impressed by the vibrant shades of the tulips that grew from those few small bulbs and their ability to withstand the harsh Dutch climate, Clusius published a book on the flower – and inadvertently sparked what later became known as tulip mania.
The tulip became a frequent feature in paintings, a regular in the garden landscapes, and even the subject of festivals. The excitement around the flower kept building and the prices of bulbs kept rising.
By the early 17th century, the value of tulip bulbs had increased to the point where a handful of them was worth as much as six ships or a small mansion. By 1637, that economic bubble burst and it seemed that tulip mania might be over. But while the price of tulips dipped back into an affordable range, their popularity continued to soar. During the 1640s, the Netherlands’ top exports were gin, herring, and tulips. It seemed the infatuation with tulips had spread beyond the Netherlands.
Tulip sales may have fluctuated since the 17th century, but the Dutch have remained the biggest growers of the flower to this day. In 2017, it was reported that nine out of every ten tulips are exported from the Netherlands.
Why is Keukenhof so famous?
The land that today comprises Keukenhof was originally part of the estate of Teylingen Castle, originally used for hunting. However, in the 15th century when Countess Jacoba van Beieren lived on the premises, she added a small garden near the kitchen where she could grow and harvest herbs, the origin of the name Keukenhof (kitchen courtyard).
Several centuries (and owners) later, in 1857, landscape architect Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, also a landscape architect, were commissioned to redesign the Teylingen Castle gardens. They used the original ‘Keukenhof’ as a basis for the new design of the gardens – which at that point did not revolve around tulips. Only in the late 1940s did Keukenhof become the tulip destination that we know and love today.
In 1949, Dutch flower merchants descended upon Keukenhof to prepare for their first exhibit of spring-flowering bulbs in 1950. Now, every October, nearly seven million ambiguous bulbs are expertly planted at Keukenhof garden, one of the largest garden displays in Europe.
And every spring, those same bulbs burst through the soil and form vibrant blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors that carpet the Dutch countryside.
Plan your Keukenhof tulip gardens 2025 visit
Keukenhof welcomes over 800,000 visitors annually, even though it’s only open for eight weeks of the entire year. In 2019, 1.5 million people visited the gardens during the two-month period that they were open. So, if you’re planning a trip to this world-renowned attraction, save yourself from an hours-long queue or any ‘sold out’ disappointment and book tickets in advance online.
Each year, exhibitors are given a theme to plan their exhibitions around. Some of the most impressive past themes include Van Gogh, Dutch Design, and Flower Power. Next to this, there are also countless activities to do for all the family, events to join in on, and art and sculptures to see.
What are the Keukenhof 2025 opening times?
In 2025, Keukenhof will be open to the public from 20 March – 11 May, every day from 08:00 to 19:00. The Keukenhof gardens are also open on Sundays and public holidays, like Good Friday, Easter and King’s Day.
When is the best time to visit the Keukenhof tulip gardens?
If you’re keen on avoiding the crowds and snagging a people-free shot of yourself in front of some blooming brilliant landscapes, head to the gardens before 10:30 or after 16:00.
Avoid school holidays – like Easter – and weekends for a more peaceful visit, and opt for a weekday right when they open at 08:00.
Mid-to-late April are going to be the busiest times at the Keukenhof gardens because this is peak bloom for the tulips.
Want to see the flowers with fewer people? The expert Keukenhof gardeners have you covered – they’ve planted a variety of flowers timed to bloom at all parts of the 8-week season, so there’s always something to see any time you go!
Before you book, check for weekly flower updates starting mid-March and follow the Keukenhof flower report with real-time pictures.
What’s on at Keukenhof 2025
March 20 – May 11: Various indoor flower shows
Willem-Alexander Pavillion & Oranje Nassau Pavilion
No matter when you decide to visit Keukenhof this spring, the Willem-Alexander Pavilion & Oranje Nassau Pavillion will host a rotating line-up of the best blooms in the country with something new to see each week of the Keukenhof season. Gerber daisies, calla lilies and carnations will be featured this year.
March 20 – May 11: Anthurium and orchid shows Beatrix Pavillion
Step into the Beatrix Pavilion and walk amongst hundreds of blooming orchids in a rainbow of colors. Delicate petals and glossy green leaves are on full display at this tropical indoor venue.
April 10-15: Daffodil and special bulbs showOranje Nassau Pavillion
Another indoor venue, the Oranje Nassau Pavillion, is hosting a showcase for the best Dutch growers to strut their stuff. Sunny and bright, the daffodils are sure to put a spring in your step.
April 11, 12 & 13: Flower Parade (Bloemencorso)Noordwijk & Haarlem
Snag a seat to the Bollenstreek Bloemencorso, a 42km parade that stretches from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Dozens of floats made exclusively of flowers celebrate a kick-off to spring in the Netherlands. Because the parade route passes near Keukenhof, try to get to the park before 11:00 AM to avoid traffic.
Kids events
April 16: Meet Miffy
Bring the tots and do a meet-and-greet with everyone’s favorite bunny rabbit, Miffy.
April 20 – 21: Easter
Add a visit to Keukenhof to your family’s Easter traditions with beautiful blooms and chocolate eggs from the Easter Bunny!
April 23: Sesame Street
Bert, Ernie, and Elmo are just some of the Sesame Street characters waiting to play at the Keukenhof gardens this spring.
April 28 – May 2: Fien & Teun in Keukenhof
These beloved Dutch characters leave their windmill home to see the young visitors of Keukenhof. Play games, watch a mini show, and take some pictures with these loveable characters.
Musical events
May 3 – 9: Live jazz music in the gardens
Swing, jazz and the blues will fill the air for an entertaining visit to the Keukenhof tulip gardens.
May 10 – 11: Live classical music in the gardensDressed in 18th and 19th century costumes, performers will delight visitors with classical music as they stroll through the gardens.
How do I get to Keukenhof tulip gardens in 2025?
Located outside the city of Lisse in South Holland, Keukenhof is easy to reach by car and public transport from several nearby cities in the Netherlands.
By car
The gardens are accessible via the A4 and A44 motorways. Parking is available at the venue and a parking spot can be booked and paid for in advance. There are two parking lots, one on either side of the venue.
By train
There aren’t any nearby train stations at Keukenhof, but you can depart from Amsterdam Central Station, Haarlem Station, Schiphol Airport, or Leiden Central Station and get on the Keukenhof Express bus that will take you directly to the venue.
By bus
At Amsterdam Central Station, Haarlem Station, Schiphol Airport, Leiden Central Station, you can take the Keukenhof Express bus directly to the gardens, or take the line 90 bus lines through Katwijk, Noordwijk, and Noordwijkerhout.
For the ultimate guide on getting to Keukenhof tulip gardens in 2025, take a look at this post.
What are the ticket options for the Keukenhof tulip gardens in 2025?
If you want to make the most of your time in the Dutch countryside, there are lots of tickets, tours, and excursions to help you make a day of it.
Tight on time or just want to make your Keukenhof visit the main event? Opt for a timed entry ticket that will allow you to enter the gardens on a day and time of your choosing. Skip the ticket line and avoid risking a sold-out disappointment.
Combine your visit with a guided tour around Keukenhof. From a classic bike tour to a self-drive buggy tour, you fly by endless rows of beautiful flowers and see quintessential landmarks like windmills, a 14th-century castle, and more. You’ll learn the history of Lisse as you go, and your guide will answer any of your questions!
Visiting from Amsterdam? Make for a stress-free day with a Keukenhof ticket and transport from Amsterdam. This tour includes a comfortable bus ride from the capital, a multi-language audio guide for the journey, and a skip-the-line ticket for the gardens.
How about a helicopter ride over the Dutch flower fields? Just in case your trip to the flower fields needed a little exhilaration – your flower-powered flight will take you soaring through the Dutch skies, introducing you to a whole new world from above, like historic towns and canals, windmills and the sand dunes near the coast.
Want to save money and time during your visit during tulip season? Pick up a Tulip Festival Card, which gives you access to the Keukenhof gardens, transport from Amsterdam, plus an Amsterdam canal cruise and a digital guide to make sure your tulip-themed visit goes smoothly.
Wondering where to eat nearby during your visit? We’ve got you covered.
Keukenhof and beyond
Caught your own case of tulip mania? Get your fill of tulip-inspired events in and around Keukenhof, Amsterdam and beyond!
Amsterdam
Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market): Located on the Singel canal in Amsterdam, the Bloemenmarket is a great place to buy a tulip bouquet and see a variety of flowers.
Vondelpark: This gorgeous park in Amsterdam is known for its beautiful tulips in the spring, along with a rose garden and sculptures.
Canal District: You can spot tulips planted along the canals in the city center. Take a classic canal cruise through the Dutch capital as a guide explains more about the city.
Museumplein: Around 300,000 tulips are placed on the museum square in Amsterdam with a beautiful backdrop of the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Moco Museum.
Tulip Museum: Explore the history of the tulip at this unique museum in Amsterdam.
Noordwijerhout
Tulip Experience: While Keukenhof restricts guests from freely folicking amongst the blooms, the Tulip Experience is designed for just this! Walk amongst the tulips, tractors and a windmill for the perfectly-posed photo.
Hillegom
The Tulip Barn: Take the perfect shot of manicured tulip fields to satisfy your feed. Pose with a golden cow, a windmill or a piano with a bunch of tulips in hand.
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