Keukenhof Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, gardening, and photography. The gardens are located in Lisse, Netherlands, and are home to over 7 million bulbs of spring flowers, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more. The gardens cover a massive 32,000,000 square meters and attract an average of 26,000 visitors per day from all over the world.
The best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens is in mid to late April when most of the tulips are in full bloom. You can witness the stunning sunrise at the tulip fields while biking through the fields and along the canals, creating an unforgettable experience. The gardens are open from 08:00 to 19:30 from 23 March to 14 May 2023. I visited in April 2022 and it was amazing.
Sunrise at tulip fields
I took an early morning bike ride through Tulips fields and along canals on the way to Keukenhof to arrive at the opening time of 08:00. The smell of millions of tulips in the fresh early morning is on the I will never forget.
Spring morning at Keukenhof Gardens
It was a beautiful spring day with cherry blossoms and birch trees in the huge gardens offering the perfect backdrop for all the tulips.
Between 9 and 10 the busloads started poring in and it got quite crowded on the main pathways. But of the beaten path there where still calm and stopping to take photos or just take in the beauty of it all was still possible.
Mid day I filled up with energy and rested a bit as the lights where harsh and the crowds huge. In the afternoon I walked outside to see a flower parade. The carts where elaborate and filled with flowers but from a photography perspective it was very crowded and hard to get any decent shots.
Afternoon at Keukenhof gardens
Late afternoon in the park was another delight. Less people as bus travelers have left. Nicer light as the sun starts descending. I walked for hours taking all paths and stopping for close ups.
Lisse
The town of Keukenhof gardens is cozy with a garden mural and when I visited parting in the streets. Perhaps it was as it was parade day, or perhaps an ordinary Saturday in the Netherlands. I took a quick kebab dinner stop before taking the bike past more flower fields.
Flower fields in Netherlands
The area around Lisse is mostly tulip fields. This house has a great view in spring.
Keukenhof gardens 2023 dates
Keukenhof is open 23 March to 14 May 2023.
Keukenhof gardens opening times
Keukenhof gardens are open from 08:00 – 19:30 from 23 March to 14 May.
Flower Parade 2023
The Flower parade is on 22 April 2023, see times here.
When to go to Keukenhof gardens?
In mid to late April most of the Tulips are in full bloom.