Keukenhof and the history of flower bulbs
Keukenhof was conceived in 1949 as an exhibition of spring-flowering flower bulbs. Every year, 40 gardeners plant 7 million flower bulbs in the 32-hectare Keukenhof park. The grounds feature 1,600 varieties of bulb plants, including 800 tulip varieties. Here, a clearly defined exhibition theme meets great botanical diversity. The walking paths are also part of the park: their total length is 15 kilometres.
The windmill at Keukenhof dates from 1892. Visitors to Keukenhof can enter and climb it free of charge; from the top, there are views across the park and the surrounding flower bulb fields. The Landgoed Keukenhof estate covers 260 hectares and includes 16 national heritage sites. You can visit the estate free of charge for a walk; parking is also free. The old dune landscape is still visible in the woodland area of the estate. Keukenhofbos is a hilly woodland with beech, oak and conifer trees.
Museums, history and art
At the Museum de Zwarte Tulp, you can explore bulb cultivation from several perspectives. The museum began as a regional museum, with tools and products that offer insights into the work of growers. Its private Collectie Nieuwenhuis comprises more than 700 historical depictions of bulb and tuberous plants. A timeline spans five centuries of bulb cultivation, beginning with the introduction of the tulip to the Netherlands in 1594.
On the Landgoed Keukenhof estate in Lisse, the LAM Museum explores everyday subjects such as food, drink and shopping. Its collection includes 3D images, art installations, paintings, sound art and digital art on these themes. Visitors can also take part in a picture-search activity, games and activities centred on tasting. There are also six Reuzenbollen artworks in the Dorpshart of Lisse.
't Huys Dever also combines history with a cultural programme: restoration began in 1973, and the building opened to the public in 1978. Concerts and exhibitions are held there. Historic walking routes created by the Vereniging Oud Lisse pass characteristic landscapes, notable buildings and landmarks, making the past of Lisse a theme for a walk.
Flower parade and walking trails
The Bloemencorso van de Bollenstreek is a five-day spring flower festival; its parade route is 42 kilometres long. Viewing stands are available in several places, including Lisse. If you want to plan your visit around the festival, check the event dates in advance.
There are walking options at different scales. The Bloemenwandeling Lisse is 8 kilometres long and passes flowering bulb fields, Keukenhofbos and the estate of Kasteel Keukenhof. The Wandelnetwerk Bollenstreek comprises 100 kilometres of signposted paths; several routes lead from Lisse into the surrounding area. Together with the 15 kilometres of walking paths in Keukenhof park, these figures describe three different options: a named route, paths in the park and a larger network of trails.
On the Landgoed Kasteel Keukenhof estate, there is a 750-metre gnome trail with 16 different gnome posts. The Laarzenpad leads through meadows and woodland around the estate and can get very muddy after heavy rain. Keep this in mind when choosing your footwear. In the Lisser Poelpolder, the landscape is considered one of the oldest reclaimed areas in the Netherlands. The walking paths there are partly paved and partly unpaved.
Landscapes and waterways
Lisse is part of Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen. The visible old dune landscape in the woodland area of the Landgoed Keukenhof estate provides a specific focus for walks, while the Lisser Poelpolder has a different landscape character and a mix of path surfaces. Several canoe routes also pass through the municipality of Lisse. There are several marinas in Lisse along the Ringvaart.
Discover more destinations: Lisse, Lisse, Schiedam, Krimpen Aan Den Ijssel, Rozenburg, Lansingerland, Rotterdam, Noordwijk.
Return to the main travel overview: South Holland.
