Keukenhof

Keukenhof is probably the most beautiful flower park in the world. It is open only during the spring time (Mar 22-May 20th this year) so I was determined to go this year. I could not die or leave Holland without seeing Keukenhof first. It was still early in the season and only a quarter or so of the flowers were in bloom. Still, it was all very beautiful and worth the visit. I will probably go back again in May once I am back from the Middle East trip in April.

Keukenhof is a photographer's paradise. If you're an avid photographer, high-noon and afternoon is probably better for photography since flowers open up later in day and there are lots of shadows early in the morning from the many trees in the park. If you're not an avid photographer, avoid going with one since we will spend 5 minutes at every flower bed taking photos. It does get crowded in Keukenhof though, so if possible, it is best to arrive first thing in the morning (hours are 0800-1930) so you get the park to yourself for a little while. Plan to spend at least a few hours in the park. I was there probably 4-5 hours, including lunch time.

After finishing with the park, we went on to check out the flower fields outside of Keukenhof. You can rent bicycles, but we were lazy and drove around trying to find the best ones to stop at. We ended up in the flower fields just behind Keukenhof at the very end of the day. These are the most colorful ones, and you have a nice windmill backdrop. This should actually be the first stop one should make, if possible, since the sun will be facing the right direction then.

The park entrance fee is 13 euros per person, and 5 euros to park your car. Be sure to check out the green house too for more beautiful flowers. These are probably the best for close up shots.