The Keukenhof garden in Lisse, a town roughly 40 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam, has opened its doors for the 2026 spring season, welcoming visitors to an eight-week floral display featuring around seven million flowers spanning more than 800 varieties. The annual opening reaffirms the Netherlands' standing as a global leader in bulb production and ornamental horticulture, drawing tourists from around the world to one of the country's most celebrated seasonal attractions.

Situated in what is known as the "flower bulb region" — a stretch of countryside between The Hague and Haarlem — Keukenhof draws more than one million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited gardens on the planet. The park's origins trace back to the 17th century, when the estate served as a source of herbs and vegetables for a nearby castle. It has been open to the public as a flower garden since the 1950s, steadily growing into an anchor of Dutch spring tourism.

The displays are expected to reach their peak in April and May, when tulips — the flower most closely associated with Dutch national identity and a cornerstone of the country's multibillion-euro horticultural export industry — are in full bloom. Months of careful planting and preparation go into achieving the park's signature tapestry of colour each season.

As global interest in Keukenhof has grown, so too have the logistical challenges of managing large numbers of visitors without compromising the garden's delicate environment. The park now operates timed entry ticketing, designated visitor pathways and a capped daily capacity to balance accessibility with conservation. These measures reflect a broader effort to sustain the experience for future seasons while meeting rising international demand.