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Keukenhof Castle in the Netherlands | A must-visit gem

Keukenhof Castle

Nestled within the world-famous Keukenhof estate stands Keukenhof Castle. Dating back to 1641, this castle offers a glimpse into the past, long before tulips and daffodils defined the landscape. While the surrounding gardens steal the show for many, Keukenhof Castle itself holds its own stories, with tales of nobility, hunting grounds, and the evolution of a huge estate.

What to do at Keukenhof Castle

Go on a guided tour

See the castle's interior and the Koetshuis, which hosts parties and classical concerts, and learn about the castle’s history from a guide. 90-min Dutch guided tours are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30am and 3:30pm. Note that the castle interior is temporarily closed to visitors while the castle's attic is being restored to unveil more of its fascinating history.

Explore the castle gardens

Spanning over 240 hectares, the Keukenhof Castle estate has forests, meadows, and landscaped gardens. Discover over 18 monuments, stroll through the gardens with spring blooms like daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips, see captivating works of art, creating a blend of nature and creativity.

Check out the LAM Museum

Find out how art connects to food, drinks, or shopping at the LAM Museum at Keukenhof – you won't find another museum quite like it. The building itself is a work of art, designed by Arie Korbee, and raised up amongst the trees. Beyond the art, the LAM also gives you a fascinating peek into Dutch history and culture and have Viewing Coaches to help you see art differently.

Walk through the forest

The Keukenhof forest is perfect for a relaxing walk. Wander along the paths and don't forget to look up! You might spot woodpeckers, owls, pigeons, and even grey herons. There are even designated walking trails, including a Gnome Trail for little ones. The woods sit on an original beach ridge – see the landscape as it was before bulb cultivation.

Visit the petting zoo

A visit to Keukenhof Castle offers a chance to meet some charming residents of the Dutch countryside at the petting zoo! Perfect for visitors of all ages, make friends with horses, cows, peacocks, rabbits, chickens, goats, and sheep. Experience the traditional farm life of the Netherlands firsthand. And for the little one, a playground is right next to it.

Keukenhof Castle events

Keukenhof Castle and the castle gardens offer year-round beauty. Beyond the spring bloom, the castle offers a diverse calendar of events.

Buttonpop

When: May 24, 2025
The castle gardens come alive with the electrifying energy of the 12th annual Buttonpop Tribute Festival! Since its debut in 2012, Buttonpop has become a household name in the Bollenstreek, a must-attend event for music lovers. Listen to Europe's top tribute bands, and with 20+ food trucks, you can indulge in a culinary adventure.

Castlefest

When: July 31 to August 3, 2025
Transport yourself to a realm of fantasy at Castlefest, transforming the castle gardens into a celebration of medieval culture, music, and fun. Knights, jesters, musicians, and craftspeople bring the past to life in an immersive experience. Revel in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a bygone era, with captivating performances to bustling market stalls.

Keukenhof Summer Flower Garden

When: August 9 to October 12, 2025
From mid-August to mid-October, Keukenhof Castle gardens explode with late-summer color during the Dahlia Festival. See dahlias in every shape and hue. Several times a week, special tours whisk you away from Amsterdam to experience this event and offer a glimpse into the workings of a real flower farm and a cruise past Dutch windmills.

Plan your visit to Keukenhof Castle

Timings

Getting there

The Keukenhof Castle estate is open every day. The gardens are closed during events.

Monday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Address: Keukenhof 1, 2161 AN Lisse, Netherlands | Find on Maps

By tours: Keukenhof coach transfers from Amsterdam, Brussels, or Antwerp
Nearest parking: Keukenhof
By train: Intercity, Sprinter
Nearest station: Sassenheim, Schipol Airport, Haarlem, or Leiden
By bus: 50, 250, 361
Nearest stop: Vreewijk
By car: Via A4
Nearest parking: Keukenhof

Nearest landmark: Keukenhof (650 m)

History of Keukenhof Castle

Centuries ago, Countess Jacoba van Beieren, or Jacqueline of Bavaria, used the sandy "Keukenduyn" (kitchen dunes) as a royal hunting ground to supply her Teylingen Castle’s kitchens with game. Fast forward to 1641, and Keukenhof Castle was built, its grounds eventually sprawling across 200 hectares.

But the real work began in 1857, when the renowned landscape architects, Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher (the duo behind Amsterdam's Vondelpark!), redesigned the castle gardens. Their vision, an English landscape-style park, laid the foundation for the Keukenhof we know today.

Then, in 1949, a brilliant idea blossomed: 20 top flower bulb growers and exporters decided to showcase their spring blooms on the estate. And so, in 1950, Keukenhof opened its gates and instantly captivated the public. A staggering 236,000 visitors flocked to the park in its very first year!

Frequently Asked Questions about Keukenhof Castle

Can I visit the Keukenhof Castle for free?

Exploring the grounds of Keukenhof Castle is absolutely free! The only times the estate isn't freely accessible are during special events, so be sure to check the calendar if you're planning a visit during one of these occasions.

How long should you plan for your Keukenhof Castle visit?

Well, that depends on what you want to do! The estate is quite large, so you could easily spend anywhere from one to four hours exploring, depending on how much you want to see and do.

What are the best walking trails on the estate?

The Keukenhof estate offers several walking routes, including the Laarzenpad Route (6 km), a scenic trail through picturesque parts of the estate; the Art Route (1.5 km), a shorter walk featuring various art installations displayed throughout the grounds; and the Gnome Trail (750 m) designed for children, which includes 16 gnome posts to discover.

Are there dining options available on the estate?

Yes, visitors can enjoy meals and refreshments at Restaurant de Hofboerderij, located on the estate. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10am and 5pm, offering a variety of lunch options and beverages.

Is the Keukenhof Castle suitable for children?

Absolutely! In addition to the petting zoo and Gnome Trail, there's a playground on the estate, making it an enjoyable destination for families with children.

Can I visit Keukenhof and Keukenhof Castle on the same day?

Yes, Keukenhof and Keukenhof Castle are located on the same estate, approximately 650 meters apart, making it convenient to visit both in a single day. However, note that Keukenhof has specific seasonal opening times while the castle grounds are open year-round.