The Dutch say ‘April doet wat hij wil’ (‘April does what it wants’) to describe the weather in the Netherlands during the early spring. It’s true, the weather in April can be unpredictable, but for flower enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone with an appreciation for nature, Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands is a destination that encourages you to brave the weather, if not ignore it. This horticultural wonder virtually explodes with color during tulip season, a fleeting spectacle that transforms the landscape into what has been inspiration for generations of Dutch artists.
Keukenhof is located in the town of Lisse, South Holland, in the heart of the Netherlands’ famed “flower bulb region.” The gardens are located 35 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam and are easily accessible by car or public transport.
The sheer scale and variety of the gardens are inspiring. Over seven million bulbs, including 800 tulip varieties, along with hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, and countless other spring flowers are on full display. Indeed, several river cruise lines incorporate Keukenhof visits into their spring itineraries. These leisurely cruises offer a unique perspective on the Dutch countryside.
The journey to Keukenhof from central Amsterdam is already a sensory delight. Winding through quintessentially Dutch landscapes, you’ll spot flower fields stretching towards the horizon. As you get closer to Lisse, the tulip fields intensify, offering a preview of the main event.
Upon arrival, the expanse of Keukenhof becomes clear. The gardens sprawl over 79 acres, so be prepared for plenty of walking. Landscaped pathways weave through meticulously designed flowerbeds. But in addition to the outdoor gardens, Keukenhof features several indoor pavilions showcasing unique floral exhibitions and displays. These are perfect for escaping crowds or if the weather turns.
The history of Keukenhof dates back to the 15th century when the grounds served as hunting lands for Slot Teylingen castle. Here, Countess Jacoba van Beieren gathered herbs and fruits for her castle kitchen, giving the area its name – Keukenhof, meaning ‘kitchen garden.’
However, the tulip’s story in the Netherlands begins later. While the Turks cultivated tulips for centuries, it was the 16th century that saw these flowers arrive in Europe. The famed botanist Carolus Clusius, who directed the Leiden University Botanical Garden, played a vital role in introducing and cultivating tulips in the Netherlands.
“Tulip mania” refers to a period in the Dutch Golden Age (17th century) when contract prices for tulip bulbs, particularly rare varieties, skyrocketed to extraordinary and unsustainable levels. This period, roughly from 1634 to 1637, is often cited as the first recorded instance of a speculative bubble or asset bubble in history. Tulips were a relatively new and exotic flower in Europe at the time. This novelty fueled a desire to own them. However, unlike other luxury goods, tulips could be reproduced, leading some to believe they could profit immensely by buying bulbs and then reselling them later for even higher prices. This speculative buying fueled a dramatic price increase, with some bulbs reportedly fetching sums equivalent to a house or a year’s salary. The bubble burst as prices dramatically fell.
While the economic impact of tulip mania is likely overstated, it did have some consequences. Those who invested heavily at the peak and couldn’t sell before the crash likely suffered significant financial losses. However, the tulip market was a relatively small part of the overall Dutch economy, and the crash didn’t cause a national depression.
In the 19th century, landscape architects Zocher, father and son, redesigned the Keukenhof Castle gardens in English landscape style. But it wasn’t until 1949 that the mayor of Lisse and prominent bulb growers had the idea to transform the area into a spring flower exhibition. Keukenhof opened its gates in 1950, and the rest is history!
Each spring, Keukenhof welcomes approximately 1.5 million visitors over its eight-week opening period. Its popularity highlights the enduring allure of the tulip and the garden’s exceptional design. Plan a trip. You won’t regret indulging in some tulip mania of your own!