Visit Keukenhof for the Perfect Springtime Getaway
As Spring starts peeking out, it’s time to smell the flowers….literally!
After all, there’s no better time to do it; and as far as we’re concerned, no better place to do it, than at Keukenhof in Lisse, Netherlands.
Lisse is world-famous for its gorgeous flower fields and the flower bulbs they export around the globe. The tulip is the number one floral export from the Netherlands, and its arrival is one of the hallmarks of Spring. Keukenhof Park is situated on the 79 acres surrounding Keukenhof Castle, which was built in 1641. The park, as it exists now, was established in 1949 by a consortium of bulb growers and flower exporters to showcase their products. It was opened to the public in 1950 and has existed ever since.
Keukenhof Park in 2026 is open from March 19 to May 10, featuring over 7 million blooming spring bulbs, including a new thematic tulip design. The 8-week season features daily flower shows (including orchids and tulips), special events like Miffy visits for children on April 15, and the vibrant, world-famous tulip fields.
The park offers guided tours of the grounds in addition to boating or cycling options. Of course, visitors are welcome to walk the gardens alone at their own pace as well. In this way they can stop to appreciate some of the themed “Inspirational” gardens or explore the bulbs on special display at the four pavilions scattered throughout the park.
Unsurprisingly, the primary flower planted at Keukenhof is the tulip, but the grounds also feature collections of roses, hyacinths, lilies, and irises, among many others. They showcase notable blooms at flower shows scattered throughout the season. The “Daffodils and Special Bulb show starts April 14th and lasts through the 18th. This is to be followed by a lisianthus show late in the month and a carnation show in mid-May.
We all already know and love the Netherlands for its gay friendly attitude and liberal culture and Keukenhof is just another in a long list of reasons to visit this beautiful country. The park is just 25 miles (40 KM) outside of Amsterdam, so it makes an easy and inexpensive day trip but act fast because the park closes on May 15th.
Editor’s Tips:
Keukenhof Gardens, while primarily a nature attraction, is located near Amsterdam, a global hub for LGBTQ+ culture (roughly one hour away). While you’re in the area, some top nearby highlights include exploring Amsterdam’s Queer Gaze Tours at the Willet-Holthuysen House, visiting the Lellebel queer bar, or taking guided LGBTQ+ history tours focusing on the canal belt.
The Netherlands is highly welcoming, with nearby cities like Rotterdam featuring monuments like the Blade–Made Willemsplein and various events throughout the spring season.
Opening hours Keukenhof: Open from March 19 to May 10, from 8 am to 7:00 pm.
How to get to there: From Schiphol Airport (Keukenhof Express (Buses 858 or 854) | Haarlem Bus 50 | Katwijk Bus 90 Details here
Tickets & Parking: Adults €21 online, Children 0–3 years old free, Children 4–17 years old €10, Car parking €9 Get tickets here. Boat tours through tulip fields and rental bikes for self-guided tours are bookable on-site, as is free maps, food, beverages and bathrooms.
For more information on Keukenhof visit here. For the best hotels to stay in near the gardens, go here.
