Spring is in the air! Do you know what that means? Time to plan your annual visit to Keukenhof gardens.
Keukenhof is recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. With over seven million bulbs planted annually, this floral heaven is often referred to as the Garden of Europe. If you’re planning your much-anticipated visit, you’re probably wondering about the best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens in 2024.
The blooming season can vary by year, so it can be difficult to pin down the peak-bloom window. To everyone’s relief, there’s never really a bad time to visit Keukenhof. Growers have worked since October to offer a different set of flower blooms for each week of the eight-week festival. Visitors can expect to see the iconic Holland tulips, carnations, daffodils, lilies, irises, and dozens more floral species.
Each year has a different theme, and this year celebrates returning to the basics with the legendary theme, Flower Classics. Whether you’re looking for that Instagram-worthy pic or hoping to avoid any kids running underfoot, make sure you’re clued up on the best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens in 2024.
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When is the best time to avoid crowds at Keukenhof?
While 800,000 projected visitors sound a bit overwhelming, Keukenhof’s natural setting is meant to put you at ease and offer relief from everyday modern life. Who wants to be rushed while strolling through paradise?
To keep out of the crowded fray, arrive at the gardens before 10:30 or after 16:00. To altogether avoid the height of the crowds, set your alarm for early in the morning, grab your coffee, and aim to get to the park when it opens. Also, Keukenhof is less crowded on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays than on the other days of the week. Hopefully, with diminished capacity and 32 hectares of open space, you should have lots of room to spread out.
Wondering how to get to Keukenhof Gardens in 2024? Check out this informative post with all the travel information you need to know.
When is the best time to see peak bloom at Keukenhof?
Since no two seasons are the same, peak bloom varies each year. There are three different flowering seasons at Keukenhof. The first 2-3 weeks feature indoor blooming tulips and outdoor blooming daffodils and crocuses. When the daffodils are in bloom, spring has officially arrived!
The middle few weeks feature hyacinths, early-blooming tulips, and exciting indoor flower shows. If you can time it right, the third period will arguably be the best time to visit Keukenhof gardens in 2024. During peak bloom, visitors can expect luscious green trees and larger tulips at their most vibrant. Typically, the last couple weeks of April and the first week of May are considered peak bloom. You can check for weekly flower updates starting mid-March, so follow the Keukenhof website to get the latest flower details.
When is the best time to take photos at Keukenhof?
Keukenhof not only signals the start of spring but also offers the chance to take once-in-a-lifetime photographs. The park purposely designs several flower displays for social media pics. Don’t worry about taking your time lining up the perfect shot because everyone is there to take photos.
However, if you want to avoid photoshopping out strangers, then early in the day or the evening will likely be the best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens in 2023. Remember to avoid the weekends and mid-afternoons when schools let out, or there will be tons of kids running around.
Don’t forget, the gardens are at their most crowded during school holidays and the week of Easter. If you want your photos to pop with color, then aim to arrive during peak bloom, which is the last two weeks of April and the first week of May.
When is the best time to see the Flower Parade at Keukenhof?
The parade days can get really crowded but for a good reason! The Flower Parade is one of Keukenhof’s most spectacular exhibitions. If you live in the surrounding towns of Lisse, like in Noordwijk and Haarlem, the Flower Parade is a wonderful outing for you and your family. It’s also a lot of fun for visitors.
The parade takes place the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of April. It will start at 09:30 in the town of Noordwijk. At around 15:00, a car procession decorated with incredible flower arrangements will make its way to Keukenhof before arriving in Haarlem. The floats will remain there for the 24th of April as well.
The parade floats are free to see as they pass through each village and are definitely worth the watch. There are more kid-friendly activities at Keukenhof, like a scavenger hunt, meandering maze, petting zoo, and playground!
