These are the famous tulip gardens surrounded by tulip fields in Netherlands. Keukenhof is open only from around March 20th to May 20th when the spring flowers are in bloom. The best time is to visit may depend on the weather conditions but is usually mid April. The garden will be open from 8 am to 7:30 pm.
The park is located between the towns of Hillegom and Lisse south of Haarlem in Zuid Holland, southwest of Amsterdam. The Keukenhof is huge, spread over 32 hectares with not only tulips, but also hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers on display.
Keukenhof is situated on an estate and hunting area from the 15th century. Herbs for the kitchen ("keuken") of the castle of Jacoba van Beieren were also collected here; hence the name Keukenhof. In 1949 the tulip gardens were created.
This is situated between Haarlem and Leiden on the N208. There are many routes to Keukenhof. The best way is to reach Leiden and take bus number 54 to Keukenhof. There are connections to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, the Haugue and Rotterdam aswell. There are tour packages to be booked that include a Keukenhof visit. Conexxion bus 58 from Schiphol offers a combination bus-ride and entrance ticket.
If the weather is good, a recommended alternative is going by bike from Leiden. You will experience the typical Dutch transport and the typical landscape at the same time.
The park opens as early as 8 am. Be there around that time and enjoy the wonderful combination of a very quiet park with the flowers opening up. Keukenhof can be uncomfortably busy in afternoons.
Entry is ? 13,50 (2008), discounts apply for children and seniors. Parking is ? 6.
Of course you can also buy many flower bulbs on the spot. Five pre-approved vendors sell bulbs for export. You can visit thier pavilions and select bulbs for shipment to you. Bulbs will be shipped in time for fall planting. Make sure the bulbs you select are approved for your country of export. Major credit card are acccepted.
Cafes serving hot meals are set within the park, so set out early and make a picnic of the trip.