Mother’s Day At Keukenhof

What comes to mind when you think of the Netherlands? Canals? Hans Brinker, the boy who saved the country by sticking his finger in the dike? Anne Frank? Famous painters like Vermeer or Rembrandt or Van Gogh? Or how about New Amsterdam, destined to become New York City. Once a great seafaring nation with colonies around the world and still a major player in the global economy.

And of course, tulips, billions of tulips, fields upon fields upon fields seen from highways, railways, bike trails, they are literally everywhere. Tulips form a substantial part of the Dutch economy, one estimated it at 10% of overall GDP. So any thoughts you have about the Netherlands should definitely include tulips!

After speaking at a London tech conference, my wife and I traveled to Amsterdam to extend our European trip. The five days there were packed, but our first visit to Keukenhof was definitely among the highlights, if not the highlight, of our time in the Netherlands.

So What Is Keukenhof?

One of the largest flower gardens – 79 acres and 7 million flower bulbs planted annually – but so much more: the overall design of the grounds provide a stunning display of flower beds, running water and fountains, a max, miles of walking paths weaving you in and around different flower beds, statues buildings, even a windmill from which you can get a (slightly) elevated view of the grounds. Though for most the flowers are the main attraction, the overall landscape architecture integrates everything so beautifully made it much more impactful than if it was just the flowers.

Keukenhof in its current form first opened in 1950 on the former estate grounds of the Keukenhof Castle, and 2024 will mark its 75th season.

Our Visit

Mother’s Day 2023 was a gorgeous day to be visiting Keukenhof: sunny with some clouds and very comfortable temps. My concern about insane crowds on the last day were unfounded, fortunately.

However, many flowers – especially the tulips – looked a bit bedraggled and were definitely on their last blooms. A staff member said that it had been warmer and drier than normal over the past 7-10 days, and the stress on the plants was obvious.

Regardless, it was a wonderful visit, though next time we’ll try to visit earlier in the season and see the plants in greater splendor.

Getting There

The most important fact for you to know is that Keukenhof is open for just a handful of weeks in early Spring, in 2024 from 21 March until 12 May. Coming to Amsterdam in late Spring, early Autumn? Don’t bother, there’s nothing to see.

Apparently plentiful parking is available at the Main Entrance, with additional parking at Entrance Extra, purchasing a combination ticket which includes the Keukenhof Express makes the day painless. My wife and I took the Amsterdam Metro from Centraal Station to Europaplein where we queued at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, travel time to Keukenhof approximately 30 minutes.

Note: though you specify the time you wish to board, it appears more recommendation than reservation, totally dependent on bus availability: we waited twenty minutes without any buses, suddenly there were three in quick succession. Don’t be concerned if you’re running early or late, you’ll be fine, just get in line.

Other Keukenhof Express and public transportation items are explained here.

I recommend planning to spend at least two hours enjoying the grounds, though you’ll need more times to navigate the crowds if visiting on a busy day. Though our visit coincided with both Mother’s Day and the final day open for 2023, the crowds were manageable, lkely because the flowers had already peaked.

After finishing our visit, it was easy to find the bus for the return to RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

Image Credits

“Tulip Field” by fotobyjane is licensed under CC BY 2.0.