Known as the “Garden of Europe” and located in Lisse, Netherlands, Keukenhof is one of the most beautiful and largest flower gardens in the world. Famous for its display of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowers, it covers an area of over 32 hectares, featuring millions of budding bulbs that create interesting designs and patterns, and allowing visitors to walk the grounds and wander through gardens that each showcase different varieties of flowers. From its Japanese garden to its historical and natural gardens, visitors of Keukenhof can spend an entire day taking in the sights, smells, and beauty of this world-famous garden. 

The story of Keukenhof begins in the 15th century with Countess Jacoba van Beieren, who used the land as her hunting grounds and kitchen garden—hence the name “Keukenhof,” which translates to “kitchen garden” in Dutch. The estate later became home to Keukenhof Castle, built in 1641, around which formal gardens were designed by renowned landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher in the 19th century. These same designers were responsible for Amsterdam’s Vondelpark, and their naturalistic English garden style still influences Keukenhof’s layout today.

The transformation into the flower paradise we know today began after World War II. In 1949, a group of prominent Dutch bulb growers and exporters conceived an ambitious plan to create a permanent exhibition space where they could showcase their flowers and attract international buyers. The Mayor of Lisse granted permission to use the historic Keukenhof grounds, and in 1950, the gardens opened to the public for the first time. The inaugural season featured 236,000 bulbs and welcomed 236,000 visitors 79 acres. While tulips remain the star attraction with over 800 varieties on display, the gardens also celebrate daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses, and other spring bulbs. The careful succession planting ensures continuous blooms throughout the eight-week season from mid-March to mid-May. Today, Keukenhof welcomes over one million visitors annually,

Keukenhof is only open to the public for a limited time each year, typically from March to May, when the flowers are at their peak, making this an excellent springtime vacation. As the garden bursts into color, visitors from around the world make their way to Lisse to witness this breathtaking beauty firsthand. Beyond its undeniable beauty, gardens like Keukenhof offer psychological benefits in that exposure to natural environments can reduce stress and improve overall mental health. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” or shinrin-yoku has scientific parallels in garden environments like Keukenhof. The diverse colors, particularly the blues and purples abundant in spring bulb displays, have been shown to promote feelings of calm and tranquility. Along with its floral displays, Keukenhof also offers for visitors  various events and activities, such as flower shows, guided tours, bike tours, and boat rides that bring visitors to the surrounding bulb fields. On a riverboat tour to Holland’s tulip gardens they can learn about Dutch history as well as witness the stunning springtime displays, as well enjoy authentic Dutch cuisine in the several restaurants on the grounds.