10 Reasons why Keukenhof is incredibly wheelchair-friendly
Stunning flowers at Keukenhof in Lisse, the Netherlands.
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Keukenhof is a world-famous flower garden located in Lisse, the Netherlands. Open anually from the end of March until mid May, Keukenhof is spread across 32 hectares and is home to over 800 different types of flowers. Located about half an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, the gardens are a must if you’re visiting The Netherlands in spring. To top it off, Keukenhof staff have put a lot of time and effort into the garden’s wheelchair accessibility. Today I thought I’d share just what makes Keukenhof so wheelchair-friendly:
1. Public transportation to Keukenhof is wheelchair accessible.
The wheelchair area on the Keukenhof Arriva bus.
You can choose to travel to Keukenhof by car or public transportation. If you’re traveling from Amsterdam Central Station, simply take metro 52 in the direction of Zuid and get off at Europaplein. From there, the Arriva bus 852 takes you directly to Keukenhof. Both the metro carriages as well as the bus have designated wheelchair spaces.
2. Wheelchair users can enter (and exit) the gardens in the same way as other visitors.
I always appreciate when the accessible entrance to an attraction doesn’t involve going through a back door or side entrance. Keukenhof has two main entrances, and both are wheelchair accessible. Ticket gates are wide and threshold-free.
3. There are dozens of manual wheelchairs for rent.
A sea of manual wheelchairs at Keukenhof.
For just €5, visitors can rent a manual wheelchair from Keukenhof for a day. Just remember to reserve it beforehand via the Keukenhof website wheelchair rental page.
4. There are lockers within reach for wheelchair users.
Keukenhof has a locker room where you can stow away your belongings for the day. Lockers cover the wall from top to bottom. Certain lower lockers are at a perfect height for wheelchair users.
5. Accessibility is clearly signposted.
Signs with the wheelchair icon at Keukenhof.
Whether you’re looking for the accessible toilet or wheelchair rental services, Keukenhof is filled with signs clearly showing the wheelchair icon to help point you in the right direction.
6. There are multiple accessible toilets.
One of the many accessible toilets at Keukenhof.
Keukenhof has a number of accessible toilets at the entrances and at the various garden restaurants. Find out more about the Keukenhof accessible toilets here.
7. Garden paths are smooth and wide.
Wide, smooth paths at Keukenhof.
Throughout Keukenhof, paths are made of a heavenly smooth asfalt —- perfect for strolling along in a wheelchair.
8. There are ramps where needed.
While most shops in Keukenhof actually have a threshold-free entrance, a few entrances that need one have a small ramp at a safe incline.
9. Shops have low countertops and products within reach for wheelchair users.
Keukenhof sells a range of flower bulbs, potted plants and other souvenirs. A number of shops have low countertops, and many of the products are hung up at a lower height within reach for wheelchair users.
10. Staff are open to accessibility feedback.
Colourful flowers at Keukenhof
Finally, a big part of what makes Keukenhof wheelchair-friendly is the friendliness of staff and their openness to accessibility feedback.
For more information about Keukenhof’s accessibility, visit Able Amsterdam’s Keukenhof page.
To find out more about Keukenhof and plan your next visit, go to the Keukenhof website or follow Keukenhof on Instagram.
