Hotels in Netherlands
There's only a limited opportunity to enjoy the vast 'Kitchen Garden', which opens for a few short weeks each year. Contrary to its name, Keukenhof has some seven million flower bulbs, which provide an amazing display of spring colour (mid-April sees the daffodils, crocus, narcissi, tulips and hyacinths all in bloom), so is perhaps best described by its alternative name, 'The Garden of Europe'. The world's largest flower garden is located near Lisse, in an area southwest of Amsterdam called the Dune & Bulb Region.
Whilst a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens is an experience to savour, it may be combined with a cycle journey through the surrounding fields, which together deliver an equally spectacular collection of flowering bulbs. Taken together, the garden tour and cycle ride go a long way to explaining Holland's preeminence in the world of horticulture in general and bulbs in particular.
The gardens are easily reached by bus from Amsterdam, The Hague, Leiden, Haarlem and Schipol Airport. Cycles are not allowed within the gardens, but may be hired at the main entrance. A number of proven scenic cycle routes are recommended, ranging in distance from 5 km (3 rni) to 25 km (16 mi). Any of these may be combined with a visit to Keukenhof, or the gardens can be a major port of call on a tour of the bulb fields.
One 'must see' on every cycle tour is the Tulipland Panorama in nearby Voorhout. This mural depicts the bulb fields as they were half a century ago. It is a work in progress, but has already attained -. a size of some 65 m (215 ft) long by 4 m (13 ft) high. There's only one word for this extraordinary artistic effort and the bulb fields themselves ... and that's 'amazing'.
HOW
By bus and bike
WHEN TO GO
Last week in March to mid-May for the Keukenhof Gardens (may vary slightly depending on the weather).
TIME IT TAKES
Allow a full day for visiting Keukenhof Gardens plus a cycle journey - half a day for each.
HIGHLIGHTS
Within Keukenhof Gardens – the largest fountain in Europe, plus an , unusual 700-tree labyrinth.
Aalsmeer Flower Auction from the viewing gallery - the largest flower auction in the world held in the world's largest commercial building.
Spring Flower Parade - a wonderful day-long carnival procession through the bulb-growing region every April, from Noordwijk to Haarlem via Lisse.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
You won't exactly have Keuchenhof Gardens to yourself – around 750 000 visitors drop by to be dazzled each spring.
