The Krakow Post Special Business Supplement Keukenhof: Most beautiful spring garden on earth

Keukenhof is the place where spring arrives in all its glory. Keukenhof is a historic park covering an area of thirty-two hectares of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and all the other spring bulbs. The floral displays in the park and the unique flower shows in the various pavilions are a glorious visual feast. And in the midst of this magnificent spectacle of colour there are exquisite works of art. Keukenhof is an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. It has been one of the most popular destinations in The Netherlands for almost 60 years and is famous worldwide. Here you can gain inspiration while you relax in the magnificent surroundings of the park that has no less than fifteen kilometers of footpaths. For children, there is an exciting playground: a large maze and an animal paddock. Keukenhof is a unique experience and guarantees the most fabulous photos. Where Keukenhof is situated now, was a hunting area in the 15th Century. Herbs for the kitchen of the castle of Jacoba van Beieren were also collected here; hence the name Keukenhof. At the moment the estate belongs to a corporation. On the initiative of the Lisse mayor of that time and a number of leading flower bulb growers and exporters, an open-air flower exhibition was organized here for the first time in 1949. This expanded to an annually recurring event that has always drawn great numbers of visitors from all over the world. This is how Keukenhof became the park that we now know. The spring flower exhibition is a beautiful display window for the bulb profession. In 2008, the exhibition will enter its 59th season. Each year a new internal design is made for the total planting of the park. To achieve this, various sorts of flowers are combined and planting is done in several layers, so that when the earlier varieties (crocus, narcissus, etc.) have finished blooming, first the earlier tulips begin to bloom, followed later by other varieties of tulips. In one season three different colours can be admired on the same spot (the lasagne technique). This year, Keukenhof has chosen China, the 2008 Olympic Games and Beijing as the themes for the flower park. In addition to the theme highlighting the Olympics and Paralympics scheduled to be held this year in Beijing, the Keukenhof will also be focusing special attention on China's cultural and historical significance through special events, the inspirational garden and a variety of shows. An enormous dragon is also slowly awakening underneath the soil: this spring, 24,500 tulip and grape hyacinth bulbs will burst into bloom, forming a 15- by 10-meter floral mosaic of this traditional Chinese symbol. The 7 inspired gardens at Keukenhof are an ideal source of inspiration for your own garden. Each garden has its own theme. For instance, there is a long, narrow city garden with colourful borders and beautiful vases and pots. With its serene colours, combined with unique bright accents, the enclosed Mediterranean garden emanates soberness, spirituality and reflection. The shapes in the round garden have been used in a more traditional way, a typical cottage garden, with an attractive mix of bulbs and perennials. Events Easter Parade and Hats Show March 24, Easter Monday. Hats play a leading role. Early Bird Morning March 24, Easter Monday. From 07:00 Birds of Prey Demonstrations March 29-30, 11:00, 14:00 Summerbulb Weekend April 11-13 Flower parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem April 26 Birds of Prey Demonstrations May 11-12, 11:00, 14:00 Early Bird Morning May 12, From 07:00 Facts and figures Awards won as Europe's most valued attraction Keukenhof is unique and famous throughout the world It is one of the most popular attractions in The Netherlands and has clocked up more than 42 mln visitors in the last 58 years It is the largest bulb flower park in the world It covers an area of 32 hectares, 4.5 mln tulips in 100 varieties It is the most photographed place in the world The bulbs are supplied by 93 official exhibitors It is the largest sculpture park in The Netherlands There are 15 kilometers of footpaths 7 mln flower bulbs planted by hand More than 2500 trees in 87 varieties New in 2008: world's largest tulip www.keukenhof.nl In 2008, visitors to Holland can liven up their holiday with a visit to the country's best kept secrets. Under the title "Hidden Holland," The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) has launched a series of tips this year on the most unusual spots in Holland, places that are not well known to the wider community. These gems have been selected throughout the country in the areas of Culture & History, Land & Water and Gastronomy & Lodging. A special web site, which is available in six different languages, has been launched to give travelers helpful tips on Hidden Holland. Travelers can search by category or region and can also view the top five most viewed articles. The web site contains information on a number of gems, hidden treasures in Holland that are unfamiliar to most foreign tourists. These gems have been categorized into three themes: Culture & History, Land & Water and Gastronomy & Lodging. Travelers can get tips on unusual accommodations and restaurants as well as original site of interest and activities that can be done during their trip. All gems have been selected based on exclusivity, quality and originality. A few sightseeing tips? Spending the night in the Harlingen lighthouse Dining in a greenhouse Wandering through the caves of Maastricht Stepping back in time at the megalithic tombs in Drenthe Sailing the canals of Utrecht in a gondola Going on a canoe safari through Noord-Holland www.holland.com/hidden Theme for 2008: Amsterdam Hidden Treasures Talent on the waters From Aug. 16-24, classical music can be enjoyed at some of the most unique locations in Amsterdam, with the annual Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival). www.grachtenfestival.nl Intimate pop concerts Prince, the Rolling Stones and James Brown are just some of the artists that have performed on the main stage of Paradiso. Paradiso is the most famous stage in The Netherlands, but there is more than meets the eye in this pop temple by the Leidseplein. Upand-coming bands and artists perform upstairs in the intimate Kleine Zaal (small hall). For a small entrance fee, you can catch the big names before they get big. www.paradiso.nl CITY HISTORY Amsterdam has an abundance of history, and this is reflected in its many monumental buildings. The Royal Palace on Dam Square, the Nieuwe Kerk and the ring of canals all lay before you as you stroll through the city. But a city this rich in history is bound to hold some fascinating secrets. Nestled behind the regal facades and ornate gables are countless courtyards built during the 17th Century to house elderly widows. Along the River IJ stands a tower where sailors once bid farewell to their wives. A former 15th-Century cloister and now home to some of the finest classical music is tucked away from the bustle of Amsterdam. Even the nature boasts an exceptional history, with a 19th-Century zoo and one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Hortus Botanicus. Begin your hunt for hidden treasures and get swept back in time... Creatures abound At the edge of the city center is The Netherlands' oldest zoo, Artis Royal Zoo. 19th-Century atmosphere, age-old trees, monumental buildings and sculptures and of course the animals and a new butterfly pavilion. The Artis planetarium is the only one of its kind in Europe to use a unique digital projection system. www.artis.nl IJ beer Everyone is familiar with the Dutch brand Heineken, but in a charming windmill and former bathhouse along the River IJ something different is brewing. The Brouwerij 't IJ (IJ Brewery), in a charming windmill and former bathhouse along the River IJ, offers a great selection of brews, and is open daily from 15:00 to 20:00. www.brouwerijhetij.nl Clandestine courtyards Tucked away behind the street facades and canals of Amsterdam's inner city are countless courtyards. Most of them were built in the 17th Century as a form of Christian benevolence. www.jordaanweb.nl Portuguese-Israeli Synagogue Upon completion in 1675, the Portuguese-Israeli Synagogue was the largest synagogue in the world. As colossal and austere as the building is, the entrance is a challenge to find. In one of the buildings' annexes is the famous Ets Haim library. www.esnoga.com / www.etshaim.org Sparkling treasures For over 400 years, Amsterdam has been the top diamond city in the world. At Gassan Diamonds on the Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat you can learn everything there is to know about these precious stones. Take a free tour of the factory and find out how diamond cutters transform these rough stones into brilliant diamonds. Through a variety of diamonds, you will be shown how their quality is determined. Gassan Diamonds is situated in a monumental building (1878) by the Waterlooplein. www.amsterdamdiamond.nl FASHION & DESIGN A breeding ground for creativity, Amsterdam is without doubt one of the leading design cities in the world. Whether it is industrial design, graphic design, fashion or architecture, the city never ceases to produce new talents and ideas. Many of these innovations are found in the most unexpected of places. Discover cutting-edge developments in fashion and design in a spacious round former chapel, feats of modern architecture along the archipelago or?further back in time?icons of the Amsterdam School style of architecture. Amsterdam Fashion Week takes place twice a year and the annual design month, Amsterdam Design, is held in September. Those looking to take a bit of "Dutch Design" back with them need only to follow the insider tips? All about architecture The architecture center ARCAM is a treasure for anyone interested in architecture or municipal development and looking for exceptional places and buildings in the city. www.arcam.nl Amsterdam School Het Schip, one of the finest examples of the architecture movement "Amsterdam School." Explore the sources of inspiration, the history of the building and the restored interior of the residence. www.hetschip.nl Fashion shops Along the PC Hooftstraat you will find all the designer labels such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel, but there are plenty of places across the city that offer top quality fashion as well. At Van Ravenstein (Keizersgracht 359) for example, you will find high fashion by well-known Dutch and Belgian designers such as Viktor & Rolf and Martin Margiela. Avant-garde creations by young designers can be found at Young Designers Unlimited (Keizersgracht 447). Fashion institute AMFI has their own hip clothing shop, Individuals (Spui 23). Every six months some thirteen fashion students present their new collection here. A visit to the shop of famous designer Alexander van Slobbe, Orson + Bodil (Herengracht 280), is possible by appointment only. Concept store SPRMRKT (Rozengracht 191-193) has both vintage clothing as well as exclusive, new fashion. Further in the 9 Straatjes (9 Streets) district: stylish ladies fashion with a twist at 2PR (Gasthuismolensteeg 12), Dutch design label Analik (Hartenstraat 34-36) and Lock Stock & Barrel (Hartenstraat 26). Men's fashion at Cowboys 2 Catwalk (Utrechtsestraat 107). To complete your outfit with a pair of incredible shoes designed by Jan Jansen for men (Vijzelstraat 111) and ladies (Rokin 42). A plethora of purses The Tassenmuseum Hendrikje (Museum of Bags and Purses) is the only museum in the world that houses such an extensive and specialised collection. The collection comprises some 3500 items spanning 500. www.tassenmuseum.nl www.amsterdamhiddentreasures.com THE KRAKOW POST A wealth of cultural jewels is revealed in 2008 with the theme year, Amsterdam Hidden Treasures. Pioneered by the Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board (ATCB), the theme allows visitors from The Netherlands and abroad to discover the lesser-known attractions of Amsterdam. The theme year will delve into four domains: art, performance, history and fashion & design. With a treasure trove of cultural offerings, Amsterdam distinguishes itself from other European destinations and emerges a tenacious, intense and innovative city. Many of these intriguing treasures can be found listed in this feature. Journey through and discover Amsterdam's historic secrets and contemporary treasures. From unique museums and feats of architecture, to special concerts, creative festivals, modern design and the best places to shop. A treasure trove of art, performance, history, and fashion & design is ready to be discovered. ART A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to one of the world-renowned museums the city is home to. Famous works by Dutch masters grace the walls of the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam also offers a great many hidden treasures which can be discovered off the beaten track. Explore a unique 17th-Century conventicler, a biblical garden or a beautiful estate with a collection of portraits of an old Amsterdam family. Visit a museum dedicated to tulips, a museum which houses thousands of miniature masterpieces by world-famous artists, or a floating museum about life on the water. Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) This hidden church "in the attic" of a 17th-Century merchant house on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal built during the Reformation. Splendid works of art, ornate furniture and an atmosphere that will whisk you back in time. www.opsolder.nl Living on the water For those curious to know what a house on the water looks like from the inside, a visit to the Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum) is a must. www.woonbootmuseum.nl Amsterdam Tulip Museum on the Prinsengracht reveals one of the country's lesser-known facts: that these so-called Dutch flowers originally come from Turkey. There is also a film shown on Dutch flower bulb fields and a modern tulip nursery. www.amsterdamtulipmuseum.nl Biblical garden Biblical trees, shrubbery and plants including acacia, mulberry, fig, Madonna lily and date palm can all be found in the blossoming garden of the Biblical Museum. Truly a place of sanctuary in the heart of a bustling city. www.bijbelsmuseum.nl Catholic walking tour The Catholic history of Amsterdam is brought to life with a city walk along three museums around the Dam Discover pilgrim insignias from the Middle Ages at the Amsterdam Historical Museum, forbidden areas of the Nieuwe Kerk and a secret pulpit normally concealed under the altar in the Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic). www.amsterdamcitywalks.com PERFORMANCE Amsterdam is a dynamic platform for talent. In addition to major concert halls such as the Muziekgebouw aan ?t IJ, Muziektheater, Paradiso, Heineken Music Hall and Concertgebouw, the city is home to several unconventional festivals and smaller venues where the big names perform before they get big. These fringe performances and locations take the limelight in 2008. From a jazz cafe in a cellar, a dance theatre in the attic and art literally underground, to ethnic beats in the park and classical music on the water. Fans of the big screen can treat their imaginations during the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival or indulge in the classics at the Filmmuseum. There is something to see or hear every day of the year. Jazz in the underground chamber A special underground chamber of the Concertgebouw, known only to a select few and normally inaccessible to the general public, will be transformed into the Robeco Jazz Cafe in July and August. www.concertgebouw.nl Culture Park The terrain of the former coal gas factory has spread its wings to become the vibrant Westerpark Culture Park. The culture park is home to a progressive night club (Flex Bar), a cinema (Het Ketelhuis), a culinary design studio (Proef) and a variety of cultural and culinary establishments. Several events are held here throughout the year including International Fashion Week, the arts fair and the children's film festival, Cinekid. www.westergasfabriek.nl