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Have you ever been to a place so enchanting that you stumble over the words to describe its beauty to your friends? If you haven’t, then immerse yourself in Keukenhof, a strategically designed garden where millions of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other buds bloom with the rise of the spring season.
Embedded in the Dutch towns of Haarlem and Sassenheim is the magnificent garden of Keukenhof, which translates to “kitchen garden.” Tourists from all over the world flock to experience the splendor of 7 million hand-planted flower bulbs skillfully placed across 79 acres of land, transforming a patchy field into a botanical dream.
The flower forest is open now through May 13 this year, and can be experienced in more ways than one. Though the orchard can only be toured by foot, there are bike trails along the outskirts of Keukenhof; you can either bring your bikes or rent them at the main gate for 10 euros (cash only) to explore the garden’s breathtaking, colorful surroundings. There are four cycle routes ranging from 5 kilometers to 25 kilometers, but if you’re a devout cyclist, you may want to consider the 35-kilometer “Bulb Route.” Whichever way you choose to travel, you will find yourself amazed as you get lost in a kaleidoscope of assorted flowers.
With 79 acres of land to see, your feet may get tired. If so, just catch the environmentally-friendly boat. Silenty sail for 75 minutes through the Dutch landscape and soak in its beauty from a different perspective. If you are planning your trip this month, pencil in the Flower Parade, which starts on April 20. The Flower Parade is the biggest parade held in Holland every year, traveling a 40-kilometer route along the main roads from the town of Noordwijk to Haarlem. The procession is comprised of more than 20 large floats and 30 decorated luxury cars adorned with millions of flowers and sprinkled with the sounds of music. Don’t worry about a spot to watch; Keukenhof has made sure there is plenty of room along the roadside for the hundreds of thousands of travelers that come to see the bulbs each year in all of their glory.
Traveling to the garden with kids? There is a great playground and maze for the youngest tourists to enjoy, as well as a petting zoo where children can see an array of young farm animals including lambs, rabbits, chickens and pigs. For an educational route, there are numerous greenhouses around Keukenhof for children to learn how flowers are able to live and grow out of their season.
Keukenhof is indeed art in full bloom with its row after row of dazzling color. Whether you want to take a romantic stroll with that special someone or venture on a family trip, the garden has something for everyone. So, grab your camera and get ready to capture memories at one of the most beautiful and unforgettable gardens of Europe.
