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Lisse

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Europe : Benelux : Netherlands : Western Netherlands : South-Holland : Bulb Region : Lisse

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[+] Understand
Get in
Fees
Get around
[+] See
- Keukenhof
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
[+] Sleep

Lisse is a town in the Bulb Region of South-Holland. Most visitors come here for the Keukenhof, a large flower field nearby.

[edit] Understand

These are the famous tulip gardens surrounded by tulip fields in Netherlands. Keukenhof is open only from around March 20th to May 20th when the spring flowers are in bloom. The best time is to visit may depend on the weather conditions but is usually mid April. The garden will be open from 8 am to 7:30 pm.

The park is located in Zuid Holland between the towns of Hillegom and Lisse south of Haarlem, southwest of Amsterdam. The Keukenhof is huge, spread over 32 hectares with not only tulips, but also hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers on display.

[edit] History

The Keukenhof is situated on an estate and hunting area from the 15th century. Herbs for the kitchen ("keuken") of the castle of Jacoba van Beieren were also collected here; hence the name Keukenhof. In 1949 the tulip gardens were created.

[edit] Landscape

Gardens to display the flowers outside and in a greenhouse.

[edit] Flora and fauna

Tulips and other spring flowering bulbs like crocus and narcissus in many different cultivars are on display here.

[edit] Climate

[edit] Get in

This is situated between Haarlem and Leiden on the N208. There are many routes to Keukenhof. The best way is to reach Leiden and take bus number 54 to Keukenhof. There are connections to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, the Haugue and Rotterdam aswell. There are tour packages to be booked that include a Keukenhof visit. Conexxion bus 58 from Schiphol offers a combination bus-ride and entrance ticket.

If the weather is good, a recommended alternative is going by bike from Leiden. You will experience the typical Dutch transport and the typical landscape at the same time.

The park opens as early as 8 am. Be there around that time and enjoy the wonderful combination of a very quiet park with the flowers opening up. Keukenhof can be uncomfortably busy in afternoons.

[edit] Fees

Entry is € 13,50 (2008), discounts apply for children and seniors. Parking is € 6.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Keukenhof

The Keukenhof [1] is probably the only reason why foreigners come to Lisse, and well-worth it. It is an elaborate park and floral exhibition, and actually a promotion for the Dutch flower industry, but you still have to pay to get in - adults €13.50, children €5.50. Tickets can be purchased at the door (but be prepared for a lengthy wait), or combination bus and entrance tickets may also be purchased from Tourist Information in Amsterdam (at Centraal Station or Leidseplain).

There is no direct bus or train from Amsterdam: instead, travel to Schipol by bus or by train and then take the 58 ot 61 bus. From Leiden Centraal Station, take bus 54, from Haarlem station bus 50 or 51. Combination tickets for the bus ride and entrance are on sale at the bus ticket offices, outside both stations. Bus 58 and 61 run from Schiphol Airport to the Keukenhof: additional services are put on during the height of the season, but crowds of tourists at the height of the season can cause near riots.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

Of course you can also buy many flower bulbs on the spot. Five pre-approved vendors sell bulbs for export. You can visit thier pavilions and select bulbs for shipment to you. Bulbs will be shipped in time for fall planting. Make sure the bulbs you select are approved for your country of export. Major credit card are acccepted.