Dutch Tulip Fields at Sunrise

The most vivid curb appeal in Keukenhof features a field of pink tulips standing tall and vibrant against the backdrop of a rising sun. That single image packs a million tourist dollars. Tulip displays like this are not just eye candy — they are the lifeblood of the Dutch economy and a cultural legacy of the region.

Colours of the Netherlands

Keukenhof is the single largest spring garden in the world, boasting a dazzling display of seven million tulips. The flowers are meticulously organized, creating vivid patterns and often highlighting different hues, one flowerbed a riot of pinks and purples — others a vibrant red, friendly yellow, and white. Each year, about 800 varieties are showcased, offering visitors a spectacle of blooms. The garden has evolved into a Dutch tradition. Since it opened in 1949, the garden has served as a blooming business card for Dutch horticulture, driving flower sales around the world. The display is a testament to the Dutch industry's crown as global leader in flower exports.

Why Keukenhof Matters

The Dutch have a history with tulips that stretches back to 1593. They are credited with the multi-colour varieties we buy today. However, it is at Keukenhof that that heritage is most outwardly expressed. Keukenhof has a strong heritage of hosting royalty and dignitaries. Margaret, the British heir to the throne — now Queen, visited in 2003. The garden is also an economic engine. Keukenhof boosts the Dutch economy with visitors, spending, and exports. In 2019, 1.5 million tourists visited the garden, directly contributing €55 million to Dutch economy in 2019. Many of the flowers displayed are sold to others, and the work is done by over 20 different partners, holding the highest quality standards. Large numbers visitors from other parts of the Netherlands and abroad often converge in the Netherlands to see the blooms, to follow these, people are spending up to around €70 per person.

The Partnership that Keeps Keukenhof Growing

Breeding and the Orchard to Store

The garden is a collaborative outcome. The flower displays at the Keukenhof are created through the efforts of numerous flower breeders. The city of Lisse supplies the land, and the park grounds are maintained by Royal FloraHolland, a Dutch cooperative for flower displays. Keukenhof itself is not a standalone entity, but a cooperative public private partnership managed by a board, that work with breeder partners. Tulip bulbs are harvested in the summer and are stored in cold rooms by breeders until planting time in the fall. The tulips must endure a cold period to develop properly. The breeders utilize several storage facilities. Here, the temperature can be brought down to 10 degrees Celsius, to continue growing, even if they are dormant.

Atmospheric Mood

The garden also creates a dreamy atmosphere through a mystical fog that often settles over the tulip fields or a sunrise backdrop that radiates a warm, golden light. The fields are also lit in a vibrant light at night, creating new opportunities to see the park in a different light.

Special attention to Weddings

Keukenhof works with wedding plans in tandem with local wedding planners. For a grand celebration of weddings, whether indoors or outdoors, Keukenhof has a special charm for couples. With stunning vistas often combined by the bright lights, a night garden can be a dramatic backdrop to a wedding ceremony. Keukenhof has special packages with a romantic focus, and the ability to tie the knot at a welcoming location makes it an attractive destination. Weddings with a traditional Dutch flair are held here. The ceremony itself can take place in either "The Windmill" or the "The Orangery." The special "Keukenhof mango-champange" and "dutch apple pie" are 2 special dishes that are only priced for the duration of the season. The "dinner on the grass lawn" is another special treat, with all wedding packages priced up to 5000 euros.

How to Get the Best Out of Keukenhof

• Be Ready for a Crowd: Keukenhof is so popular that visitors may experience a delay at the gate.
• Wear Comfortables: It is vital to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The garden attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and it's a stretch of over 32 hectares.
• Opt for an early visit: Visitors can get the best photos in the early morning, according to the garden's staff. The fields look their best under the soft light.