Amsterdam Attractions
While the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens draw massive crowds during their brief spring opening, few visitors realize that a separate, year-round, free attraction sits just steps away: the Keukenhof Castle and its Gardens.
Keukenhof Castle is a historic country mansion dating back to the Dutch Golden Age.
Built in 1641, the Castle remains remarkably well-preserved and continues to welcome both locals and tourists.
Located just outside Lisse, near the entrance to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the Castle has a remarkable collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into its rich past.
Besides the Castle, the estate also has historical monuments, picturesque gardens, a petting zoo, a museum, and even a primeval forest.
Despite its historical significance and charm, Keukenhof Castle often takes a backseat to the annual Tulip Flower Festival at the neighboring Keukenhof Gardens, which draws millions of visitors each spring.
So, if you are planning a trip to Keukenhof, dedicate a few hours to uncover the treasures of the castle grounds.
# Select Your Keukenhof Ticket
It’s highly recommended to book your tickets for Keukenhof in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
A stroll through history
The Keukenhof Castle Gardens encompass a larger area than the famed tulip gardens.
You will discover 16 national monuments within the estate, including the majestic Keukenhof Castle.
Built in 1641 by a wealthy Amsterdam merchant, the Castle stands as a testament to the region’s rich history.
The Castle houses artifacts and portrays Dutch culture and history, giving visitors a glimpse into how the Dutch lived during the Golden Age.
The walls are decorated with 17th-century paintings by Nicolaes Maes, one of Rembrandt’s pupils.
Visitors can also see an impressive Chinese and Japanese porcelain display and a fantastic chimney by French architect and designer Daniel Marot.
There’s even a complete Encyclopedia from 1770 in the book cabinet.
The Keukenhof Castle is one of the many things that make visiting Keukenhof worth the effort.
Keukenhof means ‘kitchen gardens’ and gets its name because the Countess (and later the Castle’s cooks) gathered fruits and vegetables from this spot.
Get your Tulip Festival Card to experience the best of Keukenhof, Lisse, and Amsterdam.
Recommended
Beyond the castle walls
Even without access to the castle interior, the Keukenhof Castle Gardens offer a plethora of activities:
Keukenhof Summer Flower Gardens: From mid-August to mid-October, the castle gardens transform into a Dahlia Festival, showcasing 150 varieties of dahlias in full bloom. Admire the vibrant blooms and learn about this fascinating flower.
Petting Zoo: Delight animal lovers of all ages at the petting zoo. Meet Dutch farm animals like horses, cows, peacocks, rabbits, chickens, and more. Due to a shortage of volunteers, sometimes you may not get limited access to the indoor stable and animal pasture.
LAM Museum: Experience a unique art journey at the LAM Museum, the Netherlands’ food art museum. This internationally acclaimed collection offers a captivating 45-minute experience.
Keukenhof Forest: For a glimpse into the past, wander through the Keukenhof Forest. Situated on an ancient beach ridge, this primeval woodland reveals the landscape as it existed before the arrival of bulb cultivation and urbanization.
Gnome Trail: Let the kids embark on a fun adventure with the 2-kilometer Gnome Trail, starting at the petting zoo.
Restaurant de Hofboerderij: Take a break at Restaurant de Hofboerderij, nestled amidst the estate near the children’s farm. Enjoy delicious snacks and drinks, from simple coffee to a satisfying lunch. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10 am and 5 pm. Reservations can only be made by phone. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Book a helicopter tour over the breathtaking Dutch tulip fields
Planning your visit
The Keukenhof Castle Gardens are open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm and are free to enter.
The castle gardens have limited parking and are not an ideal starting point for cycling routes, but they are easily accessible as a stop along various cycling routes through the region.
Five cycling routes pass directly by the castle gardens:
- Dutch Flower Route (35 km)
- Tulip Route (15 km)
- Blue Keukenhof Cycle Route (5 km)
- Green Keukenhof Cycle Route (15 km)
- Red Keukenhof Cycle Route (25 km)
Before you plan, find out everything about renting cycles at Keukenhof. Or better still, book a guided tour on a cycle.
Note: Restaurant de Hofboerderij and the LAM Museum have their own opening hours, so it’s best to check those independently.
Keukenhof Castle tour
The Castle’s attic is undergoing restoration, making interior tours temporarily unavailable. However, the Castle is open for guided tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. Book Your Tour
Tickets for the guided tour cost €5 per person, and you can buy them at the Castle entrance.
These tours are in Dutch and last approximately 90 minutes. They are suitable for children 10 years and older.
The Castle is not heated, so dress warmly during the winter months.
