Keukenhof Garden: A Paradise of Flowers

Keukenhof Garden is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, located in Lisse, Netherlands. The garden is famous for its stunning displays of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbous flowers. The garden covers an area of 32 hectares and features over 7 million bulbs planted annually.

Keukenhof Garden is open annually from mid-March to mid-May, and during this time, visitors can enjoy the beautiful displays of flowers in bloom. The garden also offers various events and exhibitions, as well as guided tours and bike rentals for those who wish to explore the area further.

Plan your visit to Keukenhof Gardens and explore the surrounding fields of flowers, which are a spectacular sight during the blooming season. The Keukenhof area is famous for its bulb fields, which are planted with millions of flowers each year, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape.

History of Keukenhof Garden

The history of Keukenhof Garden dates back to the 15th century when it was a hunting ground for the Countess of Hainaut. In the 16th century, the estate was purchased by Jacoba van Beieren, who used it as a herb garden. In the 19th century, the estate was transformed into a landscaped park by landscape architects J.D. and L.P. Zocher. In 1949, a group of flower bulb growers and exporters came up with the idea of creating a flower exhibition in the park to promote the Dutch flower industry. The first Keukenhof Flower Exhibition was held in 1950 and was an instant success. Since then, the exhibition has been held annually, and the garden has grown to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Netherlands.

Design of Keukenhof Garden

Keukenhof Garden covers an area of 32 hectares and is home to more than 7 million flower bulbs, including 800 varieties of tulips. The garden is designed by landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, who also designed the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. The garden is divided into several themed sections, each with its own unique features.

The English Landscape Garden is the first section visitors encounter when they enter Keukenhof Garden. This section is designed in the English landscape style, with rolling hills, winding paths, and a large pond. The section is also home to several pavilions and sculptures.

The Japanese Garden is another popular section of the Keukenhof Garden. This section is designed in the traditional Japanese style, with a large pond, bridges, and a teahouse. The section is also home to several varieties of Japanese cherry trees and azaleas.

The Historical Garden is designed to showcase the history of the Dutch flower industry. The section is home to several old varieties of tulips, including the rare Semper Augustus tulip, which was highly prized during the Dutch Golden Age.

Attractions of Keukenhof Garden

In addition to the stunning display of flowers, Keukenhof Garden offers several attractions and activities for visitors. With Keukenhof Garden tickets, explore one of the most popular attractions the Flower Parade, which is held every year in April. The parade features floats decorated with flowers and is a spectacular sight to behold.

Another popular attraction is the Keukenhof Castle, which is located within the garden. The castle was built in the 17th century and is home to several works of art and antique furniture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its history.

For children, Keukenhof Garden offers several activities, including a petting zoo, a maze, and a playground. The garden also has several restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee.

Conclusion

Keukenhof Garden is a paradise of flowers and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Netherlands. The garden’s history, design, and attractions make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Netherlands during the spring season. Whether you are a flower lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Keukenhof Garden has something for everyone.