Visiting Keukenhof was like stepping into a dream made entirely of flowers. Even though we had seen plenty of pictures beforehand, nothing truly prepared us for just how colorful and beautifully maintained the gardens are in real life. Often called the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is only open for about eight weeks each spring, and we were lucky to be there while it was in full bloom. The gardens stretch out over 30 acres, and every corner is filled with meticulously arranged tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers, each bed bursting with color. We spent hours walking through the themed gardens and pavilions, taking in the incredible combinations of flowers and the creative displays that change each year. One of our favorite spots was the windmill that overlooks the tulip fields—it’s the perfect place to take in the view and snap some photos. Keukenhof is located in Lisse, just outside of Amsterdam, and was originally the kitchen garden for a nearby castle—hence the name, which translates to “kitchen courtyard.” It was first opened to the public in 1950 as a showcase for Dutch flower growers, and it’s grown into one of the largest and most famous flower gardens in the world. As we wandered through the grounds, it was easy to see why it attracts millions of visitors every spring. The air smelled sweet, the pathways were calm and peaceful, and everyone around us seemed just as awed by the beauty as we were. It was such a peaceful and uplifting experience, and definitely a highlight of our time in the Netherlands.
