Holland's Keukenhof Gardens Opens Today for the Season

Keukenhof Gardens

Spring is here, which means tulip time in The Netherlands. Keukenhof Gardens, just 45 minutes from Amsterdam, officially open today for the season. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof got its start as a showcase for Holland’s tulip varieties in the 1940s, and today it’s become a world-famous attraction with seven million bulbs planted across 80 acres. Every year, Keukenhof welcomes 800,000 visitors from 100 countries.

In 2016, Keukenhof celebrates its 67th year with a special theme: “The Golden Age,” the historic era when Holland prospered through worldwide trade. To reflect this theme, the year’s highlight is the flower bulb mosaic next to the Oranje Nassau Pavilion, which depicts the Delft Blue of trade, shipping, and the rich canal houses of Amsterdam. 100,000 flower bulbs were used to create the mosaic. There will also be flower shows inspired by the famed 17th-century paintings.

Keukenhof also offeres a number of activities for kids, including a maze and petting farm. Adult tickets to the park cost 16 euros; tickets for children aged 4- 11 cost 8 euros. The park closes on May 16.

official photos courtesy of Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof Gardens