Keukenhof is a historic park filled with blooming tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring bulbs. A feast for the eye, and so are the unique flower shows in the different pavilions. The 32-hectare park has 15 kilometres of footpaths. Be sure to bring your camera along when you visit, and enjoy the ultimate spring feeling!
And in the midst of this magnificent spectacle of colour you will also find exquisite works of art. At Keukenhof you can gain inspiration and relax in the beautiful surroundings.
The animal meadow is called “T Hofje” children’s farm. It is run by students from the animal husbandry department of the Wellant College, who care for the animals on a daily basis. It is not permitted to feed the animals, but you can stroke most of the animals there. In the animal meadow, you will only see animals that do not find it stressful to be around lots of people. This includes rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, goats, sheep, pigs, a calf, a young llama and a donkey.
For nine weeks hundreds of different growers, breeders and product groups, in various product shows, will put their best foot forward to present the visitors to Keukenhof a high quality flower exhibition. Here’s what we saw in the indoor shows when we were there…
Beatrix Pavillion: Orchids, Anthurium, Bromelia.
Willem Alexander Pavillion: Lily (The largest lily show in the world).
Oranje Nassau Pavillion: Carnations, Zantedeschia, Saintpaulia, Bouvardia, Kalanchoë, Hydrangae, Summerflowers. Most of the flowers here come as pre-made bouquets or themed based displays, for weddings and functions for example. There was also a flower arrangement demonstration on when we were there.
For several years now Keukenhof has chosen to feature a different theme country each season. The theme country is the focus of attention in the park, and ensures a great deal of publicity in the country itself. In 2011, the theme is “Germany: Land of Poets and Philosophers”.
If you didn’t get a chance to see windmills and clogs in and around the area, there is a model windmill here, and if you come in early spring, the backdrop of tulips in the flower fields are beautiful. Too bad we were a little late and most of the flowers have already been harvested. There is also a gift shop next to the model windmill that sells souvenirs, sweets, and clogs.
We passed by Halfweg on the way back to Amsterdam and I found the name behind this place really interesting. A sugar factory built in the 19th century was run by CSM Suiker fabriek from 1919 onwards. It closed in the 1990s, but the complex with its sugar silos still dominates the city skyline and is called “Sugar City” today. The picture right below is Halfweg’s City Hall.
This post is one of an 10 part entry of our trip to Netherlands and Belgium. See all the places we visited on this trip below:
- Zaanse Schans – Windmills & Cheese
- Volendam & Marken – Seafood & Clogs
- Lisse – Keukenhof & Flowerfields
- Amsterdam – Flowers, Food, Culture
- Amsterdam – Buildings, Places, Waterways
- Amsterdam – Graffiti, Marijuana, Prostitutes
- Brussels – Mussels & Manneken Pis
- Antwerp – Grote Markt & Surrounds
- Brugge – Museums, Chocolates, Lace
- Gent – Korenmarkt, Architecture, Waffles
