Spring has officially sprung, meaning the time of flowers, sunshine and apéros on terraces has once again come. Just like a lot of animals out there, we humans tend to go into some kind of hibernation during the coldest and darkest months of the year. We stay inside, opt for food rich in calories and snuggle up close to each other. Yet now that days are getting longer, now that nature shows clear signs of life and now that temperatures are on the rise, we’re keen once again to explore the world. And what better way to kick off the travel season than to visit one of the biggest flower events out there?
Those of you who are into flowers and everything related to them, will probably already know what we’re talking about. And if you don’t, it’s about time you went and discovered the one-of-a-kind event for yourself. Of course, we’re talking about the famous Dutch Keukenhof gardens, the place to be if you’re into tulips and flowers of all kinds.
Keukenhof is located in the province of South Holland, south of Haarlem and southwest of Amsterdam in the area called the “Dune and Bulb Region” (Duin- en Bollenstreek). Keukenhof is open daily from 21 March until 12 May from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm.
Endless flower fields
Keukenhof is a domain covering 32 hectares, all nestled around what is now known as Castle Keukenhof, an estate dating back to the seventeenth century. Every single autumn, a team consisting of around forty gardeners plant approximately seven million (yes, you read that right) bulbs in the garden, in order for the public to enjoy one of the most spectacular flower events in the world during springtime.
Until 12 May you can visit the grounds and see for yourself what magnificent beauty nature can produce – given a bit of help from men in this case. Of course, as we are in The Netherlands, the number of tulips is uncountable but it doesn’t stop there. You will also see irises, lilies, daffodils, orchids and hyacinths (over 800 varieties in total), resulting in a flow-painted image which almost seems too good to be true.
Be aware of the fact that you almost certainly won’t be alone while visiting Keukenhof: about 26.000 visitors a day come to see all the flower power on show. Tickets can be bought in advance online.
