Is Keukenhof Worth Visiting?
Is Keukenhof worth visiting? Well, If you asked me Iād say the three unofficial symbols of the Netherlands are windmills, wooden shoes, and tulips. In almost every advertisement for Holland and almost every souvenir shop IN Holland I swear youāll find one if not all three of those things! When it comes to seeing those three “symbols” in real lifeā¦.. The windmills and wooden shoes you can find at any time of year.Ā The tulips, however, are only in bloom for a short two months! And if at all possible, it’s during those two precious months (mid March to mid May) that I recommend visiting the Netherlands to see them. So, as a 79 acre space known as, “The Garden of Europe,” filled with tulips and other spring blooms, is Keukenhof worth visiting? 100% YES. And this is how I’d suggest making all your tulip dreams come true while you’re there š:
Start in Amsterdam
No trip to the Netherlands is complete without a stop in Amsterdam. And with a great international airport and well connected train system, it’s likely you’ll find yourself there as you make your way to the country. In Amsterdam itself you’ll find a few tulips around the city in a few small gardens and planter boxes here and there. It’s in a little town outside of Amsterdam where you’ll find the real magic.
Lisse and Keukenhof
The town is called Lisse and it’s where Keukenhof is located. No matter where you’re staying in Amsterdam, Keukenhof is easy to get to by public transportation. I mean, there’s literally direct shuttles to and from it! In my personal experience, my parents and I took the shuttle from the airport. But there’s also direct shuttles that leave from Amsterdam’s city center and even neighboring cities nearby. Buy your tickets online and choose the Combi Ticket. This includes both park entrance and transportation. I’d also recommend booking the first time slot of the day to beat the crowds as much as possible. Whichever departure point you choose to leave from, I suggest getting in line early so you’re on the first bus of the morning (again, to avoid the crowds as much as possible). Plan on spending about 3-4 hours exploring the garden (it’s HUGE, remember?) and when you’re ready to leave, a shuttle will take you right back to where you started. Super easy!
Bike Riding
It’s the second day of flower admiring that might be my favorite. As before, take the shuttle to Keukenhof. (But don’t buy the ticket that includes entrance into the garden! You just need the shuttle on this day). Right in the parking lot of Keukenhof is a bike rental shop. Rent a bike for the day and ride around town exploring all the tulip fields in the area. šØSpoiler alertšØ: They will BLOW your mind! If Keukenhof alone hadn’t already done it, bike riding around the flower fields in Lisse solidifed this as one of the most magical places in the world I’ve been to. The bike rental place will give you a map so you’ll know where to find the flower fields. But the route is so clearly marked that you shouldn’t have any problems finding your way.
*** I’ll say this about bike riding around the flower fields in the Netherlands… I’ve been blessed to take some pretty epic trips and enjoy some pretty incredible experiences and this is hands down in my list of top 5 coolest travel experiences. For what it’s worth.*** š
Aaaaannnd I think that sums it up! It’s super easy to figure out when you’re there. I promise! And I have no doubt you’ll have the time of your life. š Here’s what you can expect to see on your visit:
Keukenhof:
Bike Riding:
Me: Mumsy, do you want to take a picture together with the canals in the background?
Mumsy: No.
*While at Keukenhof*
Me: Mumsy, do you want me to take your picture with the flowers?
Mumsy: OK! Where do you want me to pose?!
š Can’t make this stuff up, I swear.
So is Keukenhof worth visiting? I hope you agree with me that it absolutely is.
Happy tulip season and safe travels friends. āŗ
CE
