The Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands far exceeded my expectations. I thought it was going to be like many of the other botanical gardens I had been to, but I was wrong.
But before I dive in to how wonderful the gardens were, take note of this pro tip!
Wait at least a couple of weeks after opening day to visit when the weather is warmer and everything is in bloom. Then you’ll get the best visuals your eyes could ever hope for.
The website had said that there would be 7 million tulips in bloom, but because I had gone on opening day when it was still chilly enough to wear a winter coat, scarf, and gloves, a lot of flowers and trees weren’t in bloom.
This made it seem more drab than the photos I had seen online from last year (damn internet for making my expectations so high).
But considering how tranquil the gardens were and how nice it was to explore the grounds with my husband and friends visiting from the United States (who were about to get engaged– EEK!), I was happy as happy can be!
Don’t get me wrong though. There were still plenty of flowers to get lost in like these vibrant red tulips that were somehow a different species than the patch of red tulips next to it yet looked exactly the same to me.
Hmm…I’m obviously no tulip expert, but at least, I’m pretty good at enjoying them!
With or without all the tulips being in full bloom, the gardens still exceeded my expectations. It had so much to offer!
The landscape changed from garden to garden so despite the (obvious) underlying theme of tulips across the park, the scenery never got old like in Golden Age garden and the Beach garden.
Although I don’t have kids, I noticed how amazing this place was for families with its petting zoo, playground, and facilities to eat, shop, and relax at for tired kids to take a break at. It’s set up so that with kids or not, you can literally spend the whole day here with ease.
There’s even a restaurant dedicated to only making poffertjes– yum!
Good things we don’t have kids yet because being kids at heart, we took part in the exhibitions with childlike wonder. We frolicked around and looked up, down, and all around.
But then Dan did something very un-childlike and very adult-like.
Dan expressed his love and commitment for his one true love, Kate, through a surprise proposal amidst the fields of purple and yellow.
He got down on his knee, and after what seemed like an eternity to him, Kate said yes! And the crowd they drew cheered loudly with glee!
Besides the fact that these two are so perfect for each other, this moment was extra special to be a part of because I consider Dan my family! His loving mother took me in in high school since I didn’t have parents, and now I have many happy memories from childhood because of them.
Cheers to all the loving people who helped me get to where I am now.
After their proposal, we decided to ditch them FAST. Just kidding– we wanted them to have their own time together after such a special moment so suggested they go off on their own.
Can I tell you how sweet Kate is though? After we told them we’d meet up with them later, she asked us, “Are you sure?” LOL! It was her moment, yet she didn’t want to exclude us.
But we were more than happy to let them be ’cause we foundย this greenhouse where we got a cup of fresh mint tea (so Dutch) to warm up our cold hands!
As I walked out of the gardens, I was already thinking about visiting next year and how I’d make sure to come in a few weeks after opening day to see these gorgeous gardens in full technicolor bloom like these tulips growing indoors.
Keukenhof Gardens
Stationsweg 166A
2161 AM Lisse
Netherlands
Cost: 16 euros or
24 euros with a bus ticket from Schipol, Leiden, or Haarlem
Thanks for stopping by! xo.
Jo says
Surprise proposal amidst Tulips is so romantic. It’s sad that reality was far from expectations but it still looks lovely. Great pictures, Sarah.
Sarah says
Thank you! It was still a wonderful day regardless of the tulips, but wanted to make sure people knew to wait a few weeks before going.
Jacqueline says
This might seem a little strange and unrelated, but I love your hair. I think it’s one of the best things you could’ve done for your blog (which is interesting on a whole ‘nother level). I always think to myself, “Man, I like that girl with the purple hair.” TOTALLY distinguishes you from other people. I mean, it helps that your content doesn’t suck and your pictures are pretty, lol, but the hair seals the deal. It’s like BOOM, automatic identity. Love it.
Sarah says
Ha.. thank you!
Eniko Krix says
Looks lovely. I love nature, so I know I would be heaven in this park. I have to visit Holland again when the tulips are blooming. ๐
Sarah says
Yes I’d totally recommend it!
Katie says
A perfect place for a proposal! I also have a picture like you’re popping out of the daffodils, I’ve yet to see Dutch tulips en mass though
Katie
Sarah says
Cute. Would love to see the photo!
Stella @ Travelerette says
What beautiful flowers! Every time I read one of your posts I get more excited about my trip to the Netherlands this summer! I probably won’t make it to the gardens this time, but someday!
Sarah says
Aw that’s great. Curious about your post on where to eat in Kyoto!
Natasha says
Ahh! I love this! What a beautiful way to propose!
The flowers look gorgeous, but I completely understand what you mean about expectations. That has happened to me sometimes when I view photos ahead pf time..
I really need to get my butt to the Netherlands — I am hoping soon.
P.S. I love, love your hair like this ๐
Sarah says
Thanks so much! Hope you get to Europe soon too.
Rosemary says
What a beautiful love story! In the midst of a blooming tulips, a proposal. How beautiful!! Gorgeous pictures. Would love to see the tulips spring to life. Thanks for sharing this beautiful experience on so many levels.
Sarah says
You’re welcome! Looking forward to your foodie post in Buenos Aires– on my bucket list!
Alexis says
That orchid garden is INSANE! We have tulip fields just north of Seattle, but they are in a valley not a forest setting like that. What a perfect place for a proposal.
Sarah says
Valley or forest, I bet it’s still beautiful.
Melissa Douglas says
Wow absolutely stunning photography! What a beautiful place!
Sarah says
Thank you!
Katie @ The Budget Backpack says
Great tip about waiting until they bloom. Usually wth gardens, people equate the “opening” days with the “best” days. Once I learned that foliage/bloom forecasts were a thing , I never looked back!
Sarah says
I didn’t think of that! Opening day does sound like the best day. And I’m totally looking at foliage forecasts too. Thanks for sharing that!
Stephanie says
Those gardens are so pretty! And how romantic to be there for the proposal!!
Sarah says
Yah it was really romantic and sweet. Thanks for stopping by!
Pinay Flying High says
This is so beautiful and that proposal! Did you know he was going to propose beforehand? Or were you as surprised as her?
You should definitely go back and see the garden in full bloom, it’s already beautiful as it is now so what more if everything is in bloom. I demand that you go back! :p
Sarah says
We planned it together!
Psychic Nest says
Hi Sarah,
I adore tulips, they are such elegant flowers! Also the proposal in such a wonderful field, so dreamy and magic! First time I visit your blog and I totally love it. Keep it up with the great work!
Zaria
Sarah says
Thank you! And thanks for sharing the guided meditations. I love chakra related meditations.
Marissa_My Greece, My Travels blog says
I’d love to see the tulips there! I’d have a ball shooting photos for sure. Cute story with the proposal…
Sarah says
Yah it was great shooting photos!
Jenifer says
I’m going to Kukenhof in about a week with one of my best friends! I had no idea what to expect; thank you for sharing your experience! ๐
Sarah says
Cool! Have fun.
Adrienn Takacs says
Been here last year and it was totally worth it! Such a unique, fun and beautiful place to visit!
Sarah says
I’m glad you liked it!