Keukenhof is often described as a tulip garden. In reality, it is a large flower park with winding paths, wooded areas, pavilions, water features, and multiple distinct zones.
It cannot be fully explored in 45 minutes.
So the question is not “Is 45 minutes enough?”
The real question is: What kind of experience are you looking for?
Below, I’ll explain what we can realistically cover in 45 minutes and what opens up with 90 minutes.
The 45-Minute Essential Session
The Essential session is designed to capture the highlights efficiently and beautifully.
Our route begins at the main entrance. We move past the historic garden area (which we skip in this timeframe) and head directly into the main outdoor flower displays.
From there:
• We cross toward the large central beds
• Take the right-hand path toward the river
• Stay on the right side of the water
• Continue through curated exterior flower areas
• Finish near the windmill façade
In 45 minutes, we remain outdoors only.
We do not enter pavilions.
We do not explore the left side of the gardens.
We do not reach the far end near the second parking entrance.
The goal is to move intentionally and efficiently while capturing:
• Classic tulip beds
• Layered floral backgrounds
• River views (right side only)
• The iconic windmill area (front perspective)
This session works best if:
• You want the iconic Keukenhof look
• You prefer a fast-paced experience
• Tulips are your main priority
• You are comfortable walking continuously
It is a highlight-focused session.
The 90-Minute Storybook Session
With 90 minutes, the park begins to unfold.
We can:
• Include the historic garden area near the entrance
• Explore both sides of the river
• Walk deeper into the older estate sections
• Access quieter wooded paths
• Reach additional scenic corners
• Capture the windmill from multiple perspectives
• Slow down instead of moving continuously
The extra time changes the rhythm. Instead of moving quickly between highlight spots, we can:
• Pause for light
• Adjust composition
• Capture more natural transitions
• Create a fuller visual narrative
This session feels less like “checking the must-sees” and more like experiencing the park.
Why Keukenhof Feels Larger Than Expected
Many visitors underestimate the size of Keukenhof. The walking distance between zones is significant. Even without stopping, reaching certain areas requires time.
- A 45-minute session is beautifully efficient.
- A 90-minute session allows depth.
Neither is wrong. They simply serve different intentions.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose 45 minutes if you want iconic tulip images efficiently and are happy focusing on the most recognizable areas.
Choose 90 minutes if you want variety, space, and a more relaxed pace that includes lesser-known corners of the gardens.
Keukenhof rewards time. The more time we allow, the more layered the experience becomes.
Choosing the right session length allows us to design your experience intentionally, without rushing and without missing the parts of Keukenhof that matter most to you.
If you’re visiting this spring and would like guidance on which option fits your plans, I’d be happy to help you design it.
Joanna
Your Photographer in Amsterdam
