Keukenhof, located in Lisse, in the Netherlands, is home to a garden that showcases over 7 million Tulips. The Keukenhof Garden, also known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, witnesses over 1 million travelers annually, from more than 100 countries.
Head out on a day trip to Keukenhof from Amsterdam and enjoy a wide range of activities. You can take a walk in the pavilions and gardens that showcase vibrant floral collections. Experience a boat tour that takes you through the bulb fields of tulips and other plants. Get a chance to learn flower-arranging techniques from experts at immersive workshops.
Click beautiful pictures of your friends and family with the scenic flower fields and windmill in the background. You can also visit some of the on-site cafes and restaurants to grab your favorite snacks and beverages.
Head out on a trip to Keukenhof and admire a wide range of Tulips in a garden spread over 250 hectares.
Things to Do on a Day Trip to Keukenhof From Amsterdam
1. Expore Keukenhof Gardens
Take a walk in Keukenhof Gardens and admire a wide range of beautiful flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips. You can also opt for a scenic boat ride or rent a bike to explore the surrounding fields of flowers. Attend unique flower shows during your Keukenhof day trip from Amsterdam and learn about different species of flowers.
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2. Visit The Keukenhof Castle
Explore the Keukenhof Castle, which offers great insights into the history of the gardens. If you’re an art enthusiast, you can attend a variety of concerts and exhibitions held in the castle. There’s a lot of lush green picnic space available around the castle, where you can spend quality time with your family. Additionally, you can visit the petting zoo and admire animals like cows, horses, and peacocks.
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3. Keukenhof Museums
Keukenhof Museums is a must-visit on a day trip to Keukenhof from Amsterdam. The museum is known for housing unique exhibits about tulip cultivation in the gardens over the years. Get a chance to admire many art displays and historical artifacts related to the gardens. If you’re someone who loves horticulture, it’s among the best activities to do in Keukenhof Gardens.
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4. Indoor Flower Picking
Learn about the breeding process of various tulip species with Tulip Experience Amsterdam. Enjoy visiting the nursery with experts and pick some of the tulips available in the indoor garden. You can also explore the flower bulb zone and admire more than a million tulips. Remember to watch a short film that depicts the history of tulips while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
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5. Outdoor Activities
There are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy on your Keukenhof day trip from Amsterdam. You can choose to take a relaxing walk in the scenic gardens that span around 32 hectares. Enjoy exploring the scenic paths of the gardens by renting a bicycle. You can also visit the popular windmill within the complex, which offers fantastic views of the gardens.
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Best Time to Visit Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens are generally open to visitors from around the globe during the spring season. During this period, the region experiences the tulip blooming season which lasts for approximately 8 weeks. If you’re planning a day trip to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Between Mid-April and Mid-May: Most travelers plan their trips for these are the months when the tulips bloom. You will notice that the temperature stays comfortable with the sun shining brightly. However, please note that since it’s the blooming season, you may witness huge crowds in the garden.
Between Mid-March and Early-April: It’s considered a great time to visit, but you may also expect some rainfall during these months. Although tulips are not at their best, you can still take a look at other flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, and crocuses. Moreover, you won’t find many visitors at this time. Don’t forget to secure your Keukenhof tickets in advance to enjoy these beautiful spring blooms without the crowds.
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How to Reach Keukenhof from Amsterdam
If you’re wondering how to commute on your Amsterdam to Keukenhof trip, there are multiple ways. Let’s take a look at some of the options available:
1. By Train
You can board the train from Amsterdam Central to Sassenheim, which is the closest station to Keukenhof. The total duration of the train journey is approximately 1 hour. Upon reaching Sassenheim, you can either opt for a taxi or board Bus 858 which will take you directly to Keukenhof.
2. By Bus
Many buses run from Amsterdam to Keukenhof, as frequent as 6 buses every hour. You can choose to board a bus that runs on either 850, 852, 858, or 50 Line. You can board Bus 397 to Schipol Airport, and get dropped off at Schipol Airport. From there, you can take bus 858 which will take you directly to Keukenhof. You will be covering a distance of 40 km and it will take you roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach.
3. By Car
If you prefer to commute via car, you can head for N207 or A4 highway and continue for 35 km. It will take you approximately 40 minutes to reach Keukenhof. Upon reaching you can choose to park your car at the parking facility available at Keukenhof.
4. By Bike
Many tourists also choose to opt for bike rentals from Amsterdam. You can rent a bike and head for Keukenhof via the Drie Merenweg/N205. It’s one of the most scenic routes to Keukenhof and spans around 35 km. You will need approximately 2 hours to reach Keukenhof via bike.
5. By Express Bus
You can also opt for the Keukenhof Express Bus 852, which is available from the Europaplein metro station (Amsterdam RAI). It will take you around 35 minutes to reach Keukenhof via Express Bus. Additionally, you can also choose to purchase a combo ticket, which includes your bus fare as well as access to the gardens.
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Tips for Visiting a Day Trip to Keukenhof from Amsterdam
If you’re planning a day trip to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, here’s what you need to remember:
- It’s recommended that you commute via the Keukenhof Express Bus 852 available from Amsterdam RAI. It’s considered the most comfortable and direct option available to reach Keukenhof.
- If you want to explore the gardens at a comfortable place and doge heavy crowds, prefer visiting on weekdays. Moreover, visit during the early morning hours for the best experience.
- Remember to pack some dry snacks and water for the way and wear comfortable shoes for a pleasant experience.
- If you’re visiting Keukenhof on the Flower Parade Day, prefer to commute via train as the streets are generally crowded.
- You can park your bikes free of cost, at the dedicated parking area in Keukenhof Gardens. Remember to put a lock as well as an identity marker for safety.
- Boutique Suites Lisse, Hotel De Duif, Hotel de Nachtegaal, Bed & Breakfast Madeleine, and Hotel de Lis are among the finest stay options near Keukenhof.
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