Even as a Dutch resident: surprisingly interesting

I took the tour with a colleague from abroad who suggested it. I thought it was kind of funny as I live in Holland. But I was really surprised how interesting it all was, and I would actually consider it for future visits of foreign friends. Last time I visited Keukenhof was... like 25 years ago, and I can see why people come over from all over the world, although it was end of season for most flowers. Nice!

We had the right weather!

Hop on Hop Off set up was pretty chaotic at the This is Holland building with long queue which had obviously formed well before the 9am start time. So worth getting there as early as you can if the weather looks good and you want to get to the gardens etc on the first bus. No technology used which is why you have to print out the ticket - so they file that and give you another hand written ticket for your tours. Seems crazy as they have bar codes etc on things! The loading of the buses not very well supervised, again staff were not hugely engaged but polite (may have been hung over from Kings Day weekend celebrations this last weekend) Dropped off on a road by a canal with a wave of the hand from the driver as to where to go for the river cruise - no signs! The river & lake cruise was very pleasant but most the windmills are all some distance away. We had a beautifully sunny day and the lovely electric Stan Huygens boat, with the most delightful friendly crew. Gardens fine in the sun.

Die Bootsfahrt ist sehr schön, man erfährt etwas über das Land und sieht typische holländische Windmühlen. Aber der Höhepunkt ist der Keukenhof. Diese wunderschöne Tulpen- und Blumenpracht, einfach einzigartig. Und dann sind da noch die tollen leuchtenden Tulpenfelder - eine Augenweide. Ich kann diesen Ausflug nur empfehlen.