Globetrotters Monthly Challenge | Flowers | Photography

A Visit to the Garden of Europe

Millions of tulips and much, much more

For as far as my eyes could see, rows of tulips stretched to the left and right of the paved road leading us to Keukenhof, the Garden of Europe.

Located in the Netherlands, it’s one of the largest flower gardens in the world, and it pretty much functions as an exhibit of spring-flowering bulbs, millions of them to be exact.

Tulips of every shape and color greeted the hoards of people who streamed in from multiple directions: on bikes, in buses, or with cars. It was a gorgeous spring day, and we were all ready to immerse ourselves in the colorful and aromatic flower extravaganza this park offers.

I found myself in Keukenhof because a friend I was visiting in Germany mentioned that as someone who enjoys spring and loves walking, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to explore and wander around the Garden of Europe. I’d never heard of it at the time, but I love spontaneous adventures, so …

We got tickets, hopped on a train, and traveled to the Netherlands, where we spent an entire day at Keukenhof (and other places but Keukenhof was the primary reason we were there).

My friend had recommended that we go for the Combiticket, which covered both the entrance fee to the park and the bus journey to and from the park. I love when public transportation makes my visits to popular destinations easy, convenient, and stress-free!

The year we visited, the theme of the exhibit was celebrating Dutch art and design, and just like everywhere else we went in the Netherlands, Piet Mondrian featured in this flower exhibit as well.

It seems that the park opted out of having a theme for 2023, but I’m sure the featured 25 artists won’t disappoint with their colorful displays.

Though tulips are understandably the most popular flowers at Keukenhof, other bulb flowers can also be enjoyed while strolling around. My personal favorites — in general and during my visit at Keukenhof — were the hyacinths. Their potent scent is never not reminding me of my grandmother’s garden from my childhood.

In addition to admiring the rows of tulips and other bulb flowers, visitors have a choice of other gardens to wander about, including a Japanese and an English one.

Tons of restaurants and indoor exhibits provide opportunities to sit down and enjoy the power of art & flowers. You get to learn about the history of the park, the challenges of growing and caring for bulb flowers, and the joys of creating and designing.

Did I mention that there were even giant tulips made of tulips? I think I should have climbed one of the trees to get a better photo!

And because this is the Netherlands, it’s no surprise the garden also features a windmill. I was pretty much obligated to take a photo of it:)

My visit to Keukenhof also happened to be my introduction to a world full of selfie sticks. I don’t know if that’s the year they became popular, but I’d never been whacked in the head so many times. I’m guessing it’s even more crowded now, but if you are curious about checking it out, it’s open to visitors through May 14, 2023.

Spring is the season nature springs to live, but no matter what time of year I travel, when going to a new place, I always make an effort to check out any botanical gardens or local parks in the area.

A favorite memory of my one visit to Singapore is the half a day I spent at the Singapore Botanic Garden. As Rhonda Carrier points out, this was definitely not enough time to enjoy its beauty. Must go back!

Want to enjoy more rows and rows of colorful spring flowers — and a windmill? Check out Michael Rhodes’ article about the flower fields of Carlsbad. I also appreciate his recommendation to visit on a week day in hopes to avoid the crowds. Everyone wants to be out and about in spring!

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Thank you for stopping by :)