The most fascinating fact about Keukenhof is the sheer scale of its planting: a dedicated team of 40 gardeners manually plants approximately 7 million flower bulbs each autumn. This massive undertaking ensures the park's spectacular, continuous bloom for just eight weeks each spring, creating the world-renowned spectacle that attracts over a million visitors annually.
1. Its name means 'Kitchen Garden'
The name Keukenhof literally translates to "Kitchen Garden" in Dutch. The grounds were originally part of the Teylingen Castle estate in the 15th century and were used as hunting grounds and for growing herbs and vegetables for the castle's kitchen, which belonged to Countess Jacqueline of Bavaria (Jacoba van Beieren).
2. It was designed by famous landscape architects
The foundational design of the park that visitors see today was created in 1857 by landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher. They were also the architects behind Amsterdam's famous Vondelpark, and they designed the Keukenhof grounds in the classic English landscape style.
3. The modern park was a post-war initiative
The idea for the modern Keukenhof was born in 1949. A group of 20 leading Dutch flower bulb growers and exporters came up with a plan to use the estate as a spring showcase for their trade. It opened to the public for the first time in 1950 and was an immediate success, welcoming 236,000 visitors in its first year.
4. A staggering number of bulbs are planted
Each year, around 7 million bulbs are supplied by over 100 different growers. This includes approximately 800 different varieties of tulips alone. The planting process is a huge operation that begins in October and must be completed by early December.
5. The design is new every single year
To ensure visitors have a unique experience each time they come, the garden's layout and floral designs are changed annually. Keukenhof's designers create a new theme and fresh arrangements, meaning the park never looks exactly the same two years in a row.
6. It is one of the largest sculpture parks in the Netherlands
Beyond the flowers, Keukenhof is also a remarkable outdoor art gallery. The park features over 100 sculptures from various artists placed throughout the grounds, making it one of the largest sculpture gardens in the country. The art provides a beautiful contrast to the natural floral displays.
7. It has its own working windmill
A quintessential Dutch icon, a large windmill, stands proudly within the park. The windmill was built in 1892 in Groningen and was moved to Keukenhof in 1957. Visitors can climb the windmill for a fantastic panoramic view over the park and the surrounding tulip fields.
8. It's a huge park with long paths
The garden itself covers an area of 32 hectares (79 acres). To explore it all, visitors can wander along 15 kilometres (nearly 10 miles) of walking paths that wind through the flower beds, themed gardens, and pavilions.
9. It receives no government subsidies
Keukenhof is a financially independent organisation. It does not receive any government funding and relies entirely on revenue from ticket sales and its on-site food and beverage partners to operate. This makes visiting the park a direct contribution to its continuation.
10. It attracts visitors from all over the globe
In a typical eight-week season, Keukenhof welcomes over 1.4 million visitors from more than 100 countries. Approximately 80% of the visitors are international tourists, with the largest groups coming from Germany, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
How many tulips are in Keukenhof?
While the park plants 7 million bulbs in total, these include a wide variety of spring flowers. There are approximately 800 different varieties of tulips planted each year, making up a significant portion of the total blooms.
Why is Keukenhof only open for eight weeks?
Keukenhof's short opening season is directly tied to the natural blooming cycle of spring bulbs. The flowers are at their peak from late March to mid-May, and it would be impossible to maintain the same floral spectacle outside this specific spring window.
Who owns Keukenhof?
Keukenhof and the surrounding estate, including Keukenhof Castle, are owned and managed by the Stichting Graaf Carel van Lynden (Count Carel van Lynden Foundation). It operates as an independent, non-profit entity.
Experience the magic of these millions of flowers for yourself. Don't miss the short spring season—book tickets today to secure your spot, or enhance your visit with one of our expert-led guided tours.