Keukenhof

The Keukenhof in Lisse covers about 32 hectares and plants seven million bulbs, making it one of the world's largest flower parks. The site was originally the herb garden (kookhof, kitchen garden) of Teylingen Castle in the 15th century; Jacqueline of Bavaria gathered her herbs here. In 1949 the mayor of Lisse and a group of bulb growers proposed opening the grounds as a showcase for Dutch bulb cultivation; the first season ran in 1950. Since then the park opens only from mid-March to mid-May, eight weeks running from tulip crocuses through daffodils to the late tulip varieties. About 1.5 million visitors a year wander through beds laid out by 80 grower companies that redesign the mosaic every year. The route passes Keukenhof Castle, a windmill viewpoint and an orchid pavilion.