Each spring, the Keukenhof Gardens tulip festival offers a spectacular display of color, drawing visitors from all over the world. In 2026, the festival promises to be even more stunning with millions of tulips in bloom, making it one of the must-visit attractions in the Netherlands.

Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or just someone looking to witness one of nature’s most vibrant displays, Keukenhof Gardens is the place to be.

What to Expect at the Keukenhof Tulip Festival 2026

Keukenhof Tulips in Full Bloom

The Keukenhof Gardens tulip festival is an annual celebration of the country’s famous flowers, featuring over seven million tulips across 32 hectares of land. In 2026, visitors can expect to see more than 800 different tulip varieties in an array of colors, from the brightest yellows to the deepest purples, creating an incredible visual feast. The festival runs from March 19 to May 10, 2026, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the park during its peak bloom.

Things to Do at Keukenhof Gardens

There’s much more to Keukenhof than just admiring tulips. Here are some of the highlights:

• Themed Gardens: Discover pavilions showcasing lilies, orchids, daffodils, and more, each designed to reflect the colors and beauty of the season.
• Tulip Shows: Keukenhof hosts several tulip shows throughout the season, with experts and enthusiasts displaying rare and new varieties.
• The Juliana Pavilion: Learn about the history of tulips and the famed Tulipmania, which once gripped the Netherlands in the 17th century.
• Art and Sculptures: Discover sculptures and art installations thoughtfully placed throughout the gardens, adding another layer of beauty and interest to your visit.
• Family Fun: Travelling with kids? Keukenhof has plenty to keep them entertained, from a petting farm and a maze to a playground and a treasure hunt.
• The Dutch Flower Parade (Bloemencorso Bollenstreek): While not inside Keukenhof, the famous Dutch Flower Parade is a highlight of the tulip season and often coincides with Keukenhof’s opening. Keep an eye on the dates, as witnessing these incredibly decorated floats parading through the region is an unforgettable experience.

Nearby Attractions

While Keukenhof is the main attraction, there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding region:

• Amsterdam Tulip Gardens: If you can’t make it to Keukenhof, there are several beautiful tulip gardens around Amsterdam, such as the Tulip Garden Amsterdam.
• Zaanse Schans: Famous for its traditional windmills and Dutch heritage, this open-air museum is a short drive from Keukenhof and offers a glimpse into the country’s past.
• Volendam & Marken: These charming fishing villages are known for their picturesque canals and traditional wooden houses, perfect for a leisurely afternoon after exploring the gardens.

Planning Your Visit to Keukenhof Gardens in 2026

Best Time to Visit Keukenhof Gardens

The best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens is during the peak blooming season, typically in mid-April when the tulips are at their most vibrant. During this time, you’ll witness a kaleidoscope of colors that stretches as far as the eye can see.

However, Keukenhof is beautiful throughout its opening period.

• Late March/Early April: You’ll see early bloomers like daffodils and hyacinths in full swing, with tulips just starting to emerge. It’s less crowded during this period.
• Mid-April: Peak tulip season! Expect the most spectacular displays of tulips in full bloom, but also the highest visitor numbers.
• Late April/Early May: While some tulip varieties might be past their prime, you’ll still find plenty of late-blooming tulips and other flowers like alliums and rhododendrons. The crowds tend to thin out slightly.

If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit on weekdays or in the early morning hours. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Getting to Keukenhof Gardens

For those based in Amsterdam, getting to Keukenhof Gardens is easy and convenient. Keukenhof Gardens is located in Lisse, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Amsterdam, and there are plenty of transportation options.

• Public Transport (Bus): This is the most popular and often recommended option. During the Keukenhof season, direct “Keukenhof Express” buses run frequently from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (and sometimes directly from Amsterdam city center – check closer to the date for 2026 schedules). From Schiphol, buses are very frequent and clearly signposted. This is often the easiest and most stress-free way to go.
• Organized Tours: Numerous day tours from Amsterdam include transportation to Keukenhof Gardens, often combined with visits to other Dutch attractions like Zaanse Schans windmills or the charming villages of Volendam and Marken. Tours can be a great option if you prefer a hassle-free experience with everything arranged for you.
• Car: Driving to Keukenhof Gardens is possible, and there is parking available. However, parking can get busy, especially during peak times. Also, be aware of traffic, especially on weekends.
• Bike: For the truly adventurous and fit, cycling to Keukenhof from nearby towns is an option, allowing you to enjoy the Dutch countryside. However, cycling directly from Amsterdam is quite a long distance.

Tickets for Keukenhof Gardens 2026

It’s highly recommended to book your Keukenhof tickets online in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season. This guarantees your entry and often saves you time queuing at the entrance. You can purchase tickets directly from the official Keukenhof website or through authorized ticket vendors. Look for combi-tickets that include transportation and entry for a convenient package deal.

A Touch of History: What is Tulipmania

Did you know that tulips represent the first economic bubble and “stock market crash” in history. Considered extremely popular flower in Europe due to its unique blend of colors, the tulip flourished as a symbol of success during the Dutch Golden Age, when the newly independent Netherlands rose as a major trading power. As the merchant class grew with wealth, they began expanding their homes with luxurious gardens with the tulips as the main feature.

Ironically, the rarest and most thought after variety were tulips with white or yellow streaks on a red blossom which, today, are a sign of a diseased tulip suffering from TBV, or Tulip Breaking Virus. Today, the UK and US both ban the distribution of diseased bulbs and professional tulip producers carefully check each bulb for signs of the disease to prevent its spread.

What began as genuine appreciation for this plant grew rapidly into a massive industry wherein tulips were one of the major exports of the Netherlands. It is believed that in the spring of 1637, the tulip bubble burst, and the fields upon fields of sought after tulips were as useless as, well, a field of tulips.

For centuries tulip mania was associated with extreme economic speculation, but further recent into historical records show that the collapse wasn’t as bad as many believed it to be. However true the tales are, the tulip has lived on as a beautiful and unique display of wealth and success. Any trip to Amsterdam will come with spotting tulip gardens throughout the city. Just as strolling down the Red Lights District has risen as a popular past time for visitors to Amsterdam, so too is a scenic drive out of the city to see the fields of Netherlands where tulips are still grown today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much time should I spend at Keukenhof Gardens?

A: Most visitors spend around 3 to 5 hours at Keukenhof gardens to fully explore the grounds, themed gardens, pavilions, and enjoy a leisurely pace. You could easily spend a whole day there if you want to see everything in detail and enjoy a boat trip or a meal.

Q: Is Keukenhof Gardens suitable for children and families?

A: Absolutely! Keukenhof is a fantastic destination for families. There are playgrounds, a petting farm, a maze, and treasure hunts to keep children entertained. The colorful flowers and open spaces are also naturally appealing to kids.

Q: Are there food and drinks available at Keukenhof Gardens?

A: Yes, Keukenhof Gardens offers a variety of food and drink options, from cafes and restaurants serving meals to smaller kiosks selling snacks and drinks. You’ll find options for different tastes and budgets. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Q: Is Keukenhof Gardens wheelchair accessible?

A: Keukenhof Gardens is largely wheelchair accessible. The paths are mostly paved and flat, and wheelchairs are available for rent (reservations recommended). Most of the pavilions and facilities are also accessible. Check the official Keukenhof website for detailed accessibility information.

Q: Can I buy tulip bulbs at Keukenhof Gardens?

A: Yes! There are several shops within Keukenhof Gardens, including a gift shop where you can purchase tulip bulbs and other flower-related souvenirs to take home and plant in your own garden.