It may have been the biggest (and maybe the finest) surprise we’ve had cruising with Viking. While still in port in Amsterdam, our cruise director (Viking’s Holland & Belgium 2022) reported that tickets were available (unexpectedly) from Keukenhof Gardens in nearby Lisse for the last day of Tulip Festival. And then he asked, “Would any of you like to go there tomorrow?”
For us, it was not a question of would we, but how could we not! With a quick visit to the scheduling desk of Viking Kvasir, we canceled previous plans to book this spectacular event that occurs only a few days each year.
And now, an unexpected afternoon at Keukenhof remains a top memory of our visit to The Netherlands.
Keukenhof welcomes over a million people each year (with the exception of the Covid years) to view 7,000,000 tulips planted by hand in ribbon-like curved beds. Area growers provide the bulbs and the planting talent.
Keukenhof Gardens measures 32 hectares (approximately 79 acres) with more than 800 different tulips, and we wanted to see it all. (Didn’t. But we wanted to!)
But something we didn’t know: At the end of the festival ALL bulbs are dug up and sold. Crazy, right?
And then the process begins again for the next year.
And oh, what a sight it is! From beds oozing with colorful tulips . . .
to single flowers, unique and special all on their own.
Even on a crowded day at Keukenhof, people were elated for the opportunity to enjoy glorious springtime weather and colorful plantings on this last, but very special, Tulip Festival day.
The Keukenhof website provides information about the Tulip Festival in 2023 (March 23 to May 15) and how you can obtain tickets, book a place to stay, and/or attend the 76th annual Flower Parade on April 22nd.
If there was one quote from Keukenhof that we heard over and over, it was this one: Don’t buy old tulip bulbs in spring, but order the new harvest at Keukenhof or online. People took the advice as they stood in line, orders in hand. (And, to tell the truth, we had no idea that bulbs we’d been buying in the U. S. are a year older than those we can order from Keukenhof.)
It probably goes without saying that Keukenhof gets top billing with us as a tourist destination. For curved beds of glorious flowers, lakes, meandering paths, gathering places, and activities for all ages — not to mention 7,000,000 tulips — a visit to Keukenhof should be on everyone’s list.
The earth laughs in flowers.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Travel in color,
Rusha & Bert
Because this post contains elements of photography knows as maximalism (lots of elements in one photo like the beds of flowers) and minimalism (a focus on one single flower or element), we’re linking to Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #202 by Sofia of Photographias. Please check out her post for more examples.
This post is one in a series prompted by a recent trip to The Netherlands and Belgium. Thank you to Viking cruises (Holland & Belgium 2022) and our travel agent, Lauren Gunnels of Ortelius Travel Advisors, for the arrangements and free time to enjoy the scenery!
travelgarb
That’s something we missed on our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium, mainly because we were there at the wrong time of year! It looks amazing!
Oh, the Places We See
It doesn’t seem to be open long enough. But I guess the main draw would be the tulips. Seems they could be open other times though.
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WanderingCanadians
I’ve always wanted to go to the tulip festival in the Netherlands. Sounds like the timing worked out well for your visit to the Keukenhof Gardens. What a lovely display of tulips.
Oh, the Places We See
Please try to go. It’s worth it!!!
kzmcb
Oh I do wish I was there, too. The colours and shapes are glorious. Thank you so much for sharing them.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a remarkable place!!!
Amy
What a beautiful garden! Thank you for the tour, Rusha. These tulips are fabulous, so very special. Love the close up images!
Oh, the Places We See
I’d love to go back . . . With more time!!!
justbluedutch
You are so right. A visit to the Netherlands won´t be complete without seeing Keukenhof.
Sofia Alves
Glorious! What a dream of colour and loveliness. Thank you for sharing, another place I’d love to go to now 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Hope you get there. It’s got to be one of the world’s most spectacular gardens!
anotherday2paradise
Spectacular! How lucky you were to be there at the right time.
Oh, the Places We See
We agree! So glad Viking made this happen.
Carolyn Pearre
What a special treat you have shared with us. Thanks for your garden photos!!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look. Even on the last day, the place was stunning. Would love to go back!
wbchristensend86829763a
Soooooo lovely!
Toonsarah
How wonderful that you had that last minute chance to see these beautiful flowers! I love tulips and the plantings here look so gorgeous 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
It’s an amazing place on so many levels.
photobyjohnbo
What an opportunity! We are planning a Viking cruise next year. Your images here are reinforcing our goal!
Oh, the Places We See
You’ll love it. Go early to the first destination, if you can. We never have enough time on shore at the first or last stop.
beth
these are so lovely
Oh, the Places We See
We can still see those brilliant colors in our heads!!!!