5 reasons to visit Keukenhof in Spring 2024
Widely regarded as the most beautiful spring garden in the world, Keukenhof is an unmissable attraction in the Flower Strip. From 21 March until 12 May 2024, this spectacular garden opens its gates again, allowing visitors to experience millions of blooming flowers spread across 32 hectares of immaculately landscaped grounds. The world-famous Dutch tulips are central to the display, with over 800 varieties in all manner of colours and shapes exhibited. Here’s our roundup of the top reasons to visit Keukenhof Gardens this year.
1. Stunning photo opportunities
Budding gardeners or anyone seeking floral ideas for sprucing up their balcony will be hard-pressed to find more inspirational surroundings than at Keukenhof. 15 kilometres of footpaths unfold through a monumental walking park, winding their way past breathtaking floral displays, water features, fountains and sculptures. Around every twist and turn, you’ll encounter around 100 beautiful art objects by various artists and unique photography opportunities.
2. The heart of the Dutch flower strip
Situated in the heart of the Bollenstreek (bulb region), Keukenhof is the perfect starting point to learn about 400 years of horticulture in the Netherlands as well as a place to pick up a few inspirational gardening tips along the way. Arriving at the park by bus or car (just a short drive from Amsterdam), you’ll have exceptional vistas over the rainbow-hued flower fields. Within the gardens, there’s a lookout point over the surrounding area and options to rent bikes or take a wonderful trip on an electrically powered boat that cruises down channels between the flowering fields around Keukenhof.
3. A jam-packed agenda
2024 is set to be a festive season as Keukenhof celebrates its 75th anniversary. The anniversary exhibition in the Juliana Pavilion is brimming with objects, photographs and nostalgia that tell the stories of a bygone era. The 2024 season kicks off its events programme with the Holland Heritage Weekend (29 March–30 March 2024) – a jam-packed weekend of traditional music, crafts and costumes, cheese and tulips – transporting visitors back to 18-19th-century Holland. Also not to be missed is the famous Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) on Saturday, 20 April 2024, which departs from Noordwijk towards Haarlem and passes by Keukenhof. Throughout the opening of the gardens, you’ll also find guided tours, children’s activities and changing floral displays in the pavilions where Dutch growers exhibit their most beautiful varieties.
4. A day out for young and old
Besides the splendour of the flowers, one of the most beautiful things about Keukenhof is that it can be enjoyed by families from all over the world and visitors of all ages. At the petting zoo, children can meet curious goats and sheep, sleepy pigs, strutting peacocks and cuddly rabbits. The Miffy playground and hedge maze are excellent opportunities for little ones to burn off steam, while an informative scavenger hunt will lead families to the most beautiful spots dotted around the park. And the stepping stones across the water provide some thrill and a pretty view.
5. Come rain or shine
April showers out to ruin your day? Think again – Keukenhof displays flowers and blooming plants outdoors as well as within a complex of pavilions and greenhouses. These indoor spaces have their own special ambience with an impressive array of floral displays and sculptures on show. You’ll also find six restaurants on-site where you can tuck into breakfast, an extensive lunch or a hot meal at any time of day, and various food outlets selling local delicacies such as poffertjes (tiny Dutch pancakes), strawberries, herring and hotdogs.
Keukenhof is open from 21 March until 12 May 2024.
Buy your tickets now.
How to get there:
Keukenhof is an easy 30-minute drive from Amsterdam and is accessible by car, bicycle and public transport. The Keukenhof Express Bus departs daily from Amsterdam RAI, Haarlem, Schiphol Airport and Leiden. Check the Keukenhof website for more information on getting to and from the park or to purchase a combi-ticket that includes transportation.
