Visiting timetableClosed (Keukenhof Winter Closing Season)
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Keukenhof, Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
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Keukenhof Bloom Calendar 2026 – Weekly Flower Guide

See what flowers bloom when at Keukenhof: early bulbs, mid-season peak tulips, and late highlights. Includes photo tips and route ideas.

1/3/2026
18 min read
Close-up of mixed yellow, pink, and red tulips in bloom

Bloom Stages Cheat Sheet

Period Likely Highlights Notes
Opening Week Early crocus, hyacinth, daffodils Fewer crowds, softer light
Weeks 2–4 Mid hyacinths, first tulip waves Colors ramp up, great balance
Weeks 5–6 Peak tulips (mass stripes) Most photogenic beds + fields
Final Weeks Late tulips, alliums Quiet corners, rich textures

Heads-up: Weather shifts bloom timing by several days. Flex your plan.

Glossary of Bulbs

  • Crocus: low carpets, pastel to vivid.
  • Hyacinth: dense clusters, strong scent.
  • Daffodil: sunny yellows, friendly shapes.
  • Tulip: endless palettes, striping magic.
  • Allium: late-season spheres, architectural.

Sample Photo Plan

  • Early season → focus texture (hyacinth carpets, daffodil edges).
  • Mid season → mixed palettes; seek water reflections.
  • Peak → wide landscapes: fields, windmill axes, striping patterns.
  • Late → macro studies: edges, veins, and color transitions.

Striped tulip fields Close tulip texture White tulip field

Week-by-Week Notes

  1. Opening → embrace imperfection; use negative space and pathways.
  2. Build to mid-season → scout pavilions during rain spells.
  3. Peak weeks → arrive 15–30 min before slot; go straight to outer loops.
  4. Late weeks → golden hour + macro; look for backlit petals near water.

🎯 Goal: Avoid the center in peak hour; shoot corners first.

Mini Checklist

  • Timed ticket booked
  • Low-light lens packed
  • Weather check done
  • Snacks + water ready

Light Map by Week

Week Best Light Window Where to Stand
1–2 09:30–11:00 Bridge reflections
3–4 16:00–18:00 Windmill axis
5–6 08:30–10:30 Outer loop stripes
7+ 17:30–sunset Pond edges + macros

🔆 Tip: Overcast = macro day. Colors stay rich, shadows soften.

About the Author

Lisse Tulips Expert

Lisse Tulips Expert

I wrote this guide to help you move through Keukenhof in a calm, thoughtful way — with practical tips that reduce stress and small suggestions that invite you to linger, notice details, and enjoy the simple luxury of a slow spring day among flowers.

Tags

Keukenhof
Bloom Calendar
Tulips
Timing

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