A Hidden Gem in Lisse: Walks, Art & Castle View
CLOSED FROM 28 JULY TILL 6 AUG 2025 DUE TO CASTLEFEST
A quiet escape in Lisse, with a beautiful estate and garden, sculptures, animal farm, and a good cup of coffee. It is located next to Keukenhof and is open all year long.
One of my go-to places when I want to talk a walk en enjoy the beautiful Bollenstreek (especially in the spring) is Kasteel Keukenhof. I’ve been coming here for years, and I just love it. You can you there by bike and enjoy the Bollenstreek area or by car. There’s something calming about walking in the gardens and forest around the castle, it’s spacious, (can be) quiet, and well maintained.
It’s not the famous tulip garden (although that’s just next door), but a more relaxed, local kind of beauty. I love how the trees change through the seasons, how wide the paths are, and how you can just wander without any rush.
Why I keep coming back:
Restaurant de Hofboerderij is a great place for coffee or a bit to eat after a walk. It is an historic building with a great atmosphere inside and the terrace is lovely in spring and summer.
There’s a small petting zoo, which always makes me smile.
It’s a place where I can just breathe, move, and reflect. Sometimes I walk here with others, but often I come on my own — just to enjoy being in nature.
But most of all, Castle Keukenhof has guided tour within the castle
You can also book a guided 90-minute tour through the castle, which offers a deeper look into its history and elegant interior. The tour costs €5, or it’s free with your Museumkaart.
Update: I took the castle tour and it was unforgettable!
I finally joined the 90-minute guided castle tour, and I was completely blown away.
The tour was more that just listening to fact and numbers.
Our guide was passionate and knowledgeable, bringing the castle’s rich and colorful history to life through enthusiastic storytelling.
Every time we walked into the next room, I could not wait to hear what history and story would unfold. The guide took us through different centuries and new owners. Each having its own mark on the castle.
What amazed me most?
We had access to all the rooms and floors and we were even allowed to sit on the historic chairs and feel samples of the original thick wallpaper.
The captivating stories and upclose experience made the tour unlike anything I expected. I have visited number of Dutch castles through the years.
This castle holds not just Dutch history, but also powerful stories of the women who led major renovations centuries ago. Their legacy still echoes through every room.
I took so many photos as every space was filled with charm and surprise.
However I’m only sharing two phto’s here.
Why? Because I don’t want to spoil the “wow” moments for you.
Let yourself be surprised.
Let the rooms speak to you.
Let the stories stay with you.
Feeling curious?
I encourage you to book the tour and experience it for yourself.
And remember if you have a Museumkaart, the tour is free!
Curious about the Museumkaart?
Check out my page with more info:Benefits of the Museumcard
Practical tips:
Location: Keukenhof Estate, Lisse Keukenhof 1, 2161 AN Lisse
Park open all year; castle tours on select days (reservation required)
Free parking and free access to the grounds
Castle tour: €5 or free with Museumkaart
Also worth a visit: the LAM museum, a modern art museum on the estate.
For more information and tour reservations, visit the official website: www.kasteelkeukenhof.nl
