Behind the Scenes with a Tulip Photographer at Keukenhof Tulip Gardens

Keukenhof Tulip Gardens in the Netherlands – gardens that fill the eye with breathtaking beauty and the most stunning array of spring flowering bulbs. For years, I had heard whispers of the marvel that is the Keukenhof bulb display—and finally, this year, I had the opportunity to experience it for myself.

Keukenhof is the world’s largest display of spring flowering bulbs in the world. Over a period of just six weeks, more than 1.3 million visitors make their way through its expansive grounds. Home to the largest and most diverse collection of spring bulbs anywhere, Keukenhof is truly a floral wonderland that lives up to the hype.

What’s especially exciting is that bulb growers from across the Netherlands have their own dedicated “booths” – individual sections of the gardens that showcase their flowers. In these areas, you’ll find each grower’s standout varieties, along with potential new introductions set to make their debut in the flower world next year. With over 100 exhibitors (bulb growers) displaying each year, there is lots to see and so many cool varieties and combinations.

When is the best time to visit Keukenhof?

This is one of the most common questions—and unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The timing of peak bloom depends heavily on the weather leading up to and during the park’s opening weeks. Bloom time is uncontrollable and depends heavily on the weather. If there is lots of sun leading up to and during the parks opening weeks, the sooner you go the better as flower beds will start to burst with colour. That said, anytime during the six-week season is a good time to visit. Keukenhof is carefully designed so that no matter when you go, you’ll be greeted by vibrant, beautiful displays in bloom.

If you are looking for a more quiet and serene tulip viewing experience at Keukenhof, I suggest heading to the gardens bright and early when the park opens at 8am or later in the evening around 5pm for the last few hours in the park. Early in the morning, the flowers are just beginning to wake up, and you’ll have the rare chance to stroll through the displays with minimal crowds. In the evening, the park is bathed in a warm, golden light from the setting sun, and the atmosphere becomes peaceful again as most visitors have already left for dinner.

What was the biggest challenge photographing at such a busy and tourist-heavy place like Keukenhof?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or simply looking for that perfect Instagram shot, timing is everything. The best strategy is to arrive as soon as the park opens. A helpful tip: only the main entrance admits visitors right at opening time, so once you’re in, head straight to the far end of the park. You’ll be able to enjoy the displays with hardly anyone around—ideal for capturing clean, crowd-free shots.

By around 9 a.m., the park begins to fill up quickly. That first hour after opening is golden—not just for the soft morning light, but also for the peaceful, nearly empty paths. Once the crowds arrive, it can be more challenging to frame the perfect photo, but with Keukenhof’s vast size, you’ll still find quiet corners and beautiful scenes throughout the day.

Are there any rare or experimental tulips you captured that people might not be familiar with?

Yes! One of the most exciting parts of visiting Keukenhof was seeing some of the new and upcoming flower varieties on display—many of which aren’t yet widely available. One standout was a new hyacinth variety called ‘Amore’—a striking red bloom with rich, vibrant color that’s sure to make a bold statement in any garden. Another eye-catching newcomer is Tulip ‘Callahan’, a pink tulip with yellow and white-tipped petals. When fully open, it’s the size of a peony and even has a slight lily-like appearance—absolutely breathtaking. This is a stunning variety that will be worth watching out for in the coming year. Finally, Tulip ‘Dream Touch’ a peony-style tulip with deep purple petals edged in white. Its thick, sturdy stem supports large, lush blooms that look almost identical to peonies. All three varieties are still in their early stages of introduction but are definitely worth looking out for in the next year.

Are there any rules you need to follow in the gardens?

While Keukenhof offers lots of freedom in the garden there are a few rules to follow so that everyone can experience the beauty of the gardens to the fullest. The flower beds are clearly marked off with ropes to protect the blooms—so it’s essential to stay on the designated paths and avoid stepping into the displays. This helps preserve the flowers for all visitors and ensures the gardens remain pristine throughout the season.

It can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, so if you’re trying to capture that perfect photo, a little patience goes a long way. With so many stunning displays throughout the park, rest assured—you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get all the photos you’re hoping for.

Keukenhof is truly a one-of-a-kind experience—a vibrant celebration of spring that showcases the beauty, creativity, and passion behind the world of flowering bulbs. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, there’s something magical about walking through millions of blooming tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in such a breathtaking setting.

If you ever have the opportunity, take a trip to Holland in the spring to experience the flowers at Keukenhof—it’s absolutely worth it. From peaceful early morning strolls to inspiring new varieties and stunning displays, it’s a bucket-list destination you won’t soon forget.