The world's largest (and most colorful) tulip garden is now open to the public – NiT

The largest (and most colorful) tulip garden in the world is now open to the public

In addition to thousands of tulips, you'll find trees, paths, Dutch windmills, and artwork.

It is known as the Garden of Europe.

Spring officially begins only when the flowers begin to bloom and color the city's parks. At least, that's how it goes in Holland, “the land of tulips.” Every year, history repeats itself: millions of visitors travel to the destination between March and May just to see these flowers, which are one of the symbols of the country. In recent centuries, it has even become one of their most precious possessions.

Whether in gardens, specific events or exhibitions, tulips are everywhere during the spring – But there's no place as special (and colorful) as this Keukenhof, the scene of one of nature's greatest spectacles. Also known as the Garden of Europe, it is considered the largest flower garden in the world, home to around 800 different types of tulips.

In the 32-hectare park you will also find trees, typical Dutch windmills, lakes, artworks and 15 kilometers of trails that you can follow now. This is because the world's most famous green space opened to the public on Thursday, March 21 – 75 years after its founding – and can be visited until May 12.

Located near Lisse and on the outskirts of Amsterdam, the land where Keukenhof now stands was once part of the Teylingen Castle estate. The area now covered in tulips was once used for hunting. The change was radical: the place that had seen so many animals die was now one of the parks with the largest populations of life in the world.

The main culprit was Countess Jacoba van Buren, who lived on the estate during the 15th century and spent her free time tending a fruit and vegetable garden near the kitchen. This is exactly where the name Keukenhof comes from, which means kitchen courtyard.

The castle passed through several owners until the 19th century, when Baron and Baroness Van Pallant acquired the land. Once they saw the huge garden, they knew that it had the potential to be even more beautiful. So, they named Zocher Architects after the father and son duo, who designed the park that is now visible to everyone.

As early as 1949, the mayor of Lisse, in collaboration with twenty flower bulb producers and exporters, proposed using the land for a display of magnificent flowers in spring – and the “Garden of Europe” was born. It was first opened to the public in 1950 and was an instant success, with more than 200,000 visitors in the first year alone. The natural landscape has continued to grow and currently receives more than a million tourists who come from all over the world to see this horticultural masterpiece with their own eyes.

Although it is famous for its tulips, Keukenhof is home to many other flowers, such as daffodils, hyacinths, roses and hyacinths. In all, the gardeners are planting about seven million bulbs to create what they call a “living catalogue,” showcasing products from 100 flower companies participating in the project.

Flowers are presented in a variety of ways, including fields, flower arrangements, sculptures and flower pavilions. The park also has attractions for younger children, such as mazes and treasure hunts. In addition to exploring the entire green space on foot, it is possible to join bicycle tours (11 euros for three hours) or boat tours (10 euros for 45 minutes) that sail along a canal around the fields.

Tickets can be purchased to visit Keukenhof Connected The cost is 19.50 euros for adults and 9 euros for children.

How to get there

To reach the park you can take a ride A flight In Lisbon heading to Amsterdam. Prices start from 93 euros. When you land you can take a bus that takes you directly to the park in Lisse.