Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
World's largest collection of tulips in bloom at Keukenhof in the Netherlands
Nowhere in the world will you find more tulips than at Keukenhof in the Netherlands. Keukenhof started in 1949 as a showcase for Dutch bulb growers to display their newest creations, and it has since then grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
This year, Keukenhof will open on March 18th, and will stay open until May 16th. In that short period of bloom, almost one million people will visit the 9 miles of pathways twisting around 4.5 million tulips in 2000 different varieties.
The theme for the 2010 season is "From Russia With Love", and the official opening will be performed by Svetlana Medvedeva, wife of the President of the Russian Federation, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands.
Keukenhof is conveniently located between Amsterdam and The Hague, making it a mere 30 minutes drive from both cities. Best of all, the drive to the town of Lisse (where Keukenhof is located) passes through some of the tulip fields the Netherlands is so popular for. If you are in the Netherlands this spring, a trip to Keukenhof is a "must do".
Gallery: Keukenhof - Lisse, The Netherlands
Filed under: Europe, Netherlands
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bonnie Mar 18th 2010 4:29AM
Oh, I've been there. It is stunning! I was just overwhelmed with all the beauty when I first entered this park. After a couple hours, I became used to the beauty around me and started getting choosy - I like this one better than that one....... chuckle. Well worth the trip if you can make it!
Bob Fry Mar 18th 2010 5:45AM
If you can't get to the Netherlands, try the Tulip Festibal in Pella, Iowa.
Marc Jansen Mar 18th 2010 7:59AM
Just an FYI, the bulbs wont be blooming for a while at the Keukenhof. With our longer then usual winter, there were only a few green sprouts coming out of the ground yesterday during the opening ceremonies. I think the 2nd week of April will be the best time to visit.
Marcia Savage Mar 23rd 2010 7:59PM
I read your comment about the growing conditions at the garden. I'm a bit concerned. You said you thought the 2nd week in April would be good. Our trip is scheduled for April 7-15th. In your opinion, from what you have seen so far with the gardens, is there a chance that we will see many tulips blooming during our visit? Will there be any other spring flowers growing?
Thanks,
Marcia
Marc Jansen Apr 1st 2010 5:34AM
Hi Marcia-
I was at the Keukenhof yesterday and there were quite a few flowers that were blooming. I think the week that you will be here will probably be the best week to see the flowers. I would also recommend, if you are able, to rent a bicycle at the Keukenhof and follow one of the routes (maps available at the bicycle rental office) that takes you through the bulb fields, which for me is much more spectacular then the Keukenhof itself. The bicycle rental place only takes cash, just an fyi.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with,
Marc