Please sign in to post.

Keukenhof vs Hoorn/Enkhuisen/Zuiderzeemuseum if Tulips Are Not Blooming

We will have a full day in Amsterdam on April 9 before flying back to the US. I am hoping we will catch the tulips at close to their peak, although with the recent cold weather, I am not optimistic. If the tulips are blooming, we will definitely spend this day at Keukenhof.

My question is what to do if the tulips are not blooming. Will there be enough other flowers to make a trip to Keukenhof worthwhile? Or should I look at other options? My first choice is a trip to Hoorn and Enkhuizen and the Zuiderzeemuseum.

I am also willing to consider other options. We will have seen Amsterdam, Haarlem, Delft and Leiden at the beginning of the trip (heading to Africa in the middle). I would prefer someplace we can walk around and enjoy the scenery and architecture. Not looking for museums (other than open air museums) and definitely NOT a big city.

Posted by
34 posts

For what it is worth - I went to Keukenhof last year on the 2nd to last day they were open for the season and there was a ton to see. I had been before in Mid - April and there was more blooming that time. But, for the three people who were with me last year who had never been to Keukenhof, they were still impressed if not speechless. I think the horticulturists work very hard to plant those bulbs so that there is always something blooming. I would never miss an opportunity to go to Keukenhof. Have a great trip.

Posted by
14 posts

YES YES YES-go to the gardens, the beds are planted with a multiple of bulbs; tulips and so many more, so if one is done blooming there are more to see plus there are lovely pathways of flowering trees and shrubs, quirky artwork such as a camper that has an exterior of moss and grasses and other natural items. There are about five pavilions (greenhouses) with flower shows. There is sculpture and ponds. The cafeteria is excellent. You have to experience a day at the gardens.

Posted by
2700 posts

Thanks so much for the responses. You have helped me make up my mind - Keukenhof!