Keukenhof's History
Keukenhof's name translates to "kitchen garden." It honors the vegetables and herbs that grew there in the early 15th Century for the Slot Teylingen castle of Countess Jacoba of Bavaria. Created in 1840, in 1949 Keukenhof expanded thanks to the contributions of 10 Dutch bulb growers who wanted a showcase for their lovely products. Today over 90 of the country's bulb growers show off their flowers there.
Sightseeing Schedule and Directions
Keukenhof stays open from mid-March to mid-May, peaking around Queen's Day, April 30th. Several years ago a Zomerhof exhibit in August was established in the gardens to show off summer blooming bulbs like begonias, lilies and dahlias.
Keukenhof is near the town of Lisse. It is an easy hour from Amsterdam. A short train ride to Leiden, then a quick bus trip from the train station, delivers you to the rear entrance of the gardens. Go early in the day. Natural light is good for photos and crowds have not yet arrived.
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