Visit Keukenhof Tulip Festival in the Netherlands

The Keukenhof Tulip Festival is one of the world’s most beautiful botanic gardens. The festival is held every spring in the town of Lisse in the south of the Netherlands, but is only open for around two months, usually from the middle of March to the middle of May. 

Why visit the Tulip Festival?

Each spring seven million buds break through the rich soil of Keukenhof Gardens and head skyward. Dutch growers produce spectacular displays in the Keukenhof tulip fields – colourful carpets of interlaced flowers that dazzle the eyes and infuse the air with sweet scents. It is not just tulips, a Dutch national icon, that are on show either – the festival also features hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses and carnations, amongst many others. 

You don't need an encyclopaedic knowledge of bulbs to appreciate this flower festival and there are lots of attractions within Keukenhof Park. Meet the farm animals at the outdoor wildlife zoo, challenge yourself to find the centre of the maze and keep the kids occupied at the children's playground. You'll find other iconic Dutch sights within the park including a 19th century windmill.

The effortlessly Instagram-worthy scenes of Keukenhof Tulip Festival

Driving to the Keukenhof Tulip Festival

It takes around four hours to drive to Keukenhof from LeShuttle's Calais terminal. Take the A16 from Calais towards Dunkirk and Bruges, and then the E40 and E34 through Belgium. North of Antwerp you will cross into the Netherlands and drive towards Rotterdam on the A4 and A29 roads. Lisse, where the tulip festival is held, is on the outskirts of Amsterdam, so why not take the chance to explore the Dutch capital while you’re here? 

Get more tips for driving to the Netherlands with our dedicated Dutch driving guide.

Highlights of the Tulip Festival

At every Keukenhof Tulip Festival you’ll discover rare species of tulips, an impressive collection of orchids and vibrant daffodils, more than 2,700 trees and a spring garden covering 32 hectares. Capture your favourite flower displays, inspirational gardens and works of art on camera to amaze your friends and family back home.

At every festival there are over 20 individual flower shows, as well as art exhibitions and open air music concerts.

The history of the Tulip Festival

Keukenhof Tulip Festival was first held in 1950, when a group of Dutch bulb growers exhibited spring flowering bulbs in the estate of Keukenhof Castle. The festival was an immediate success, attracting 236,000 visitors in that first season. Over more than 75 years it has become the flagship event for the Dutch flower trade, and internationally famous. 

The beautifully landscaped Keukenhof park brings delight and colour to visitors

The Dutch love affair with the tulip

The Netherlands produces nine billion flower bulbs a year - that's enough for two bulbs for every person on the planet! And, it accounts for 90% of global trade in flower bulbs with the biggest of these in export being tulips. 

The unofficial symbol of the nation, the tulip caused an economic bubble known as 'tulip mania' during the 17th century when it became a coveted luxury item and the price skyrocketed. In 1937, some single tulip bulbs were reported to have reached a price equivalent to 10 times the annual income of a skilled craftsman. Buyers revolted and a sudden price collapse soon followed.

However, it didn't all start there. The first tulip bulbs were sent to Vienna by Ogier de Busbecq (Imperial ambassador of the Ottoman Empire) from Turkey in 1554. They were then distributed and cultivated across the United Provinces (now the Netherlands) and the rest is history. These exotic bulbs took well to the flatlands of the Netherlands where the soil is rich, the climate mild and there is good drainage. The Dutch bulb fields soon exploded with colour, and over the centuries since they have carpeted so much of this country every spring. 

Top tips for visiting Keukenhof

• It’s best to book accommodation as early as possible. There are several hotels in and around Keukenhof to suit a range of budgets, but you could also find somewhere to stay in 
• Purchase your ticket online in advance – you will need to choose a time slot for your visit to the Keukenhof tulip fields
• There are extensive flower fields beyond the park itself – they can be toured by ‘whisper boat’ through a system of canals, or by renting a bike. Both these options are available to book through the festival website

The technicolour tulip fields of the Netherlands 

Attractions near the Keukenhof tulip fields

After visiting the Keukenhof tulip fields, take a road trip and explore the area while spring is in the air. Head out to the colourful countryside of the Dutch bulb fields and see the technicolour rows of flowers stretching out to meet the horizon.

One of the best ways to explore Lisse and its surrounds is by bicycle. No cycling is allowed within the Keukenhof Park but you can hire a bike from the main entrance bus parking area and there are four marked routes to get you on your way. They differ in length (5km to 25km) giving you the freedom to decide how challenging you want your cycle to be.

If you're the sporty type or feeling particularly energetic you can opt for the longer 35km 'bulb route'. Or, if you're travelling with family, try one of the shorter routes for a leisurely ride suitable for youngsters. Visiting with your partner? Rent a tandem bike for a romantic cycle past fields of flourishing flowers without fear of losing each other.

With a bit of forward planning you can book a guided tour for yourself and your companions to Keukenhof Castle, which is open all year round. 

Visit the Keukenhof Tulip Festival with LeShuttle 

Driving to Keukenhof and the Dutch bulb fields is like nothing else: you'll remember the colours forever! Book your trip with LeShuttle today. 

Keukenhof Tulip Festival FAQs

What is the best month to visit Keukenhof?

The Keukenhof Tulip Festival is only open from mid-March to mid-May every year, so you can visit anytime in this period. The weather may be slightly warmer later in April and May. Earlier in the season you will see flowers like crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths at their best; while later the larger tulips will be in bloom. 

How long does it take to walk through the Keukenhof?

Your tickets are valid from your booked time slot to when the park closes each day, but people on average usually spend 1-2 hours walking through the festival fields. 

Where are the Dutch bulb fields?

The area where tulips and other flowers are most densely cultivated is in the Bollenstreek region, located to the south-west of Amsterdam. 

How much does it cost to get into Keukenhof?

Visit the Keukenhof website to get up to date ticket prices. There are reduced prices for children and toddlers get free admission.