Keukenhof
 

hi, i was once in Keukenhof in April, but this year i will be in Amsterdam only in the middle of May. is it still worth visiting Keukenhof. and is there some special parade or event on closing day. thanks. skaf

skaf, sorry I don't the answer to your question, but perhaps you can answer mine! I'd like to visit Keukenhof myself and wondered the best way to get there from Amsterdam? Thanks!

From Amsterdam to Keukenhof, take the train to Leiden &amp; there is a shuttle bus no.54 (Keukenhof Express) at the station that will take you there in 10minutes. <BR>

We asked at the vvv and they gave us wonderful directions for the train and bus connections. Keukenhoff at any time is certainly worth it! Jealousy is the green tinge you see in this message. :) Have a grand time!

Can someone out there answer skaf's question. Is it still worth visiting in the middle of May? Is there some special parade or event on closing day?<BR><BR>I've never been there, and I don't need directions on how to get there from Amsterdam.

Don't know exactly what you consider the middle of May, but we visited there on May 10 (in 2000) and it was most definately worth it. In fact, we were also there a 11 days ago (April 11) and I think it was better the first time as there was still quite a bit not yet blooming this time. Before in May, virutally all of the surrounding fields had been harvested, while this time there were a few in bloom. (Most weren't quite there, however I think this week would have been perfect.) I think they replenish the flowers in Kuekenhof as they die out, so it may be better to be a bit late than a bit early. Also, it was quite cold (below freezing) for a week or so a couple of weeks back, so that may have slowed things down a bit. <BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR>Paul

Keep in mind that the last day for Keukenhof this year is May 18th!

Can't wait. Going on May 10!

thanks all. i booked a flight for the 7/5. busy to find a hotel now. skaf

I was in Keukenhof yesterday and it was outstanding. Although we've been living in Benelux for nearly 4 years now, I'd never made it to Keukenhof before. It far surpassed my expectations!
I took the train up from Brussels, which takes about 3 hours, changing near The Hague. Round trip train fare in first class was 45 euros. When you board the Number 54 Connexxion bus to Keukenhof, you pay 15.50 euros, covering the bus fare and admission to the gardens.
As the bus pulled in and I saw the sea of cars, campers and tour buses, I thought GACK!! this place will be mobbed. But while it does feel somewhat crowded around the pavilions and lake, the rest of the area is surprisingly uncrowded.
Although you will probably miss seeing the narcissus family flowers (they were already past their peak in many parts and were being cut down by the gardeners), you will find plenty of peak tulips--there were areas throughout where the tulips hadn't bloomed yet, so it's an ogoing pageant of color. And other flowers are featured in changing displays--while I was there, they had beautiful hydrangea displays, you may see something else.
I spent about 4 hours there, including a coffee break, but true garden fanatics could easily spend the entire day there. In addition to the gardens themselves, I enjoyed climbing the wind mill, the small petting zoo, the outdoor living displays (sponsored by various garden and design firms), and the whimsical sculptures (like Gnome Sweet Gnome). The white peacock wandering the grounds is a hoot as he poses willingly for everyone and screams at the gardeners.
I shot 1 roll 36 exp. film but could easily have shot another roll. They do sell film on site.
Weatherwise, it was a beautiful day--sunny but breezy and on the cool side. It's tipping down with rain today, I'm glad I went yesterday!
My only complaint was the LONG wait for the bus back to the Leiden train station. I stood in line for about 45 minutes to get the bus back. Something to keep in mind if you have to catch a specific train.

BTilke: since you are there now, have you heard anything about the rijksmuseum closure? Any news on when it will open. Liks Skaf and quebec, I am heading to amsterdam in a few weeks and hope the museum is open!

in google news there are upates from 1.5
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&amp;q=Rijksmuseum. it sounds like it might not open so quickly.