Keukenhof: The guide to the tulip season in Amsterdam

It’s almost that time again: the tulip season in Amsterdam is opening! As we all know, good things often come in pairs. So does the clock change (more light, yay!) and the start of the tulip festival this year. At the end of March, on 21 March to be precise, the city will blossom again in the colourful splendour of the tulips. The whole of Amsterdam is planted and you can admire the beautiful flowers everywhere in the centre and along the canals. March may not be summer yet, but it’s definitely an ideal time for your trip to the Dutch capital!

If the tulips in the city centre are not enough for you, you should head to the vast tulip fields of the famous Keukenhof. Only around 40 km outside Amsterdam, the fields stretch for miles across the horizon and invite you to spend a relaxing day among the colourful splashes of colour.

Find out here how the tulip craze came to the Netherlands in the first place, the significance of the tulip bulb and the best way to plan your visit to Keukenhof!

How did tulips come to the Netherlands?

Although the Netherlands is now better known for its tulips than any other country, the colourful flowers were not always native to the country. Just like all the other goods that made the Netherlands rich in the Golden Age, tulips only came over to Europe from the Ottoman Empire at the end of the 16th century. If you want to find out more about the history behind this and how seafaring once made Amsterdam the richest city in the world, you should definitely come on a cultural city centre tour or a food tour!

Just like silk or porcelain, for example, tulips were considered a luxury item that impressed with its undisputed beauty. If the Netherlands had one thing in the Golden Age, it was money – and this was readily invested in beautiful objects, including tulip bulbs. Wealthy merchants in particular quickly became enthusiastic about the colourful flowers, but other competitors soon followed…

The importance of the tulip for Amsterdam & the tulip craze

At the beginning of the 17th century (around 1630), the tulip trade reached an unprecedented high: the literal tulip craze broke out. It was no longer just rich merchants who entered the market, but also so-called florists. However, they were not actually after the private ownership of the beautiful tulips, but just wanted to make a quick, big business. And they succeeded for a few years. At the height of the tulip craze, a single tulip bulb was worth almost as much as a canal house in Amsterdam. It’s fascinating how much money came into the Netherlands back then and how it was used, isn’t it? If you want to find out more and are a bit adventurous, come along on a city centre bike tour!

In 1637, the tulip market experienced a severe crash. Prices had been driven so high in the previous years that the market had literally outgrown itself. In today’s terms, this would probably be referred to as a “hype” – and it was over as quickly as it had arisen. The falling demand meant that many tulip owners panicked and wanted to sell their bulbs as quickly as possible. The market collapsed completely and the bulbs once again became what they actually are: simple, albeit nice-looking, flower bulbs.

The most important information about Keukenhof

Of course, tulips are still as beautiful as ever. Although the madness and the big business with them is long gone, their delicate beauty remains for lovers worldwide. That’s why many visitors come to Keukenhof every year to marvel at them.

Where is Keukenhof?

Keukenhof is located in a small, rural village called Lisse (about 40 kilometres from Amsterdam) and is easy to reach by public transport or specially designated buses.

How do I get there?

The best way to get there from Amsterdam is by public transport. Keukenhof offers special combined tickets that include both admission and transport (e.g. from Amsterdam Rai with Keukenhof Expressbus: €36.50 in total). Just have a look at the website to see what suits you best and plan your route.

When should I visit the Keukenhof?

The beautiful tulip fields are open from 21 March – 12 May 2024 and you are welcome daily from 08:00 – 19:30.

How much does it cost?

Adults pay €19 admission online, but it’s another €2.50 more on site – so it’s worth getting tickets in advance. By the way, children up to the age of 4 get in for free.

Is the visit worthwhile?

Absolutely! The tulips at Keukenhof are cherished and cared for, and every year they are draped and planted in new works of art. Anyone with an eye for flowers will definitely feel at home here. But it’s also well worth a visit for couples and families who want to spontaneously combine a trip with their visit to Amsterdam.