I keep seeing references to the flowers at Keukenhoff. Is this a town or a garden, or both? Could someone tell me where it is located relative to Amsterdam, and how long it takes by train to go there? Thanks so much!

Keukenhof is a commercial flower park. I believe the town is Lisse. We went by taking the train to Leiden, then the bus straight to the park. Probably a half hour train then 20 minute bus, but maybe someone else has exact times. I went not expecting much, but it was absolutely beautiful! I believe it's only open mid March to mid May.

Keukenhof is a garden approximately 70 acres. It is near the town of Lisse. If I remember correctly, you can take the train and then catch a shuttle bus to the gardens. It seems like it took about 45 minutes, but someone else may be able to confirm exactly how long it takes.<BR><BR>For more info<BR>http://www.keukenhof.nl/<BR>

Philip, I guess great minds think alike : )

You can also take the train to Voorhout or Hillegom (between Leiden & Haarlem) and rent a bike, then take the bike paths and small roads to the Keukenhof. It's about an easy 45-min ride and it's a great way to get there. It's open all summer nowadays, but it's at its most beautiful between mid-April and late May.

No, it is not open all summer. It is open from around the 20th of March to around the 20th of May every year.<BR>From their website: (www.keukenhof.nl) <BR>During spring, Keukenhof 2003 is open daily from March 21 to May 18 2003, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (admission booths open until 6:00 PM).<BR>Best time to visit is mid-April to early May.

I think Keukenhof IS open for part of the summer, but the flower displays are not as incredible as in April. We went last summer.

It was open *last* summer (2001) called "Zomerhof", but it was not a success and they won't repeat it.

Thanks for the correction, Sjoerd - last year I got information that the Zomerhof was to be a permanent thing, but I guess it bombed. I'm sure it couldn't have competed with the Floriade this year, anyway.

I've just returned from a visit to the Floriade, and we also tried to go to the Keukenhof gardens. It is closed for the summer, believe me.