Hillegom: Flower Fields and Local History

Hillegom comes into bloom in spring, with flower bulb fields; at the same time, its squares and individual buildings tell the story of the town’s history. The fields attract visitors during the flowering season, which varies from year to year. Hillegom is considered the place where today’s Bollenstreek originated. If you’d like to combine nature experiences with culture, you’ll find several options here for planning your day.

Flowering season, routes and a specific walk

From Hillegom station, you can reach the bulb fields on foot or by OV-fiets. The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek grandstand is also in Hillegom, where you can watch the flower parade. It is 1.5 kilometres, or about a 20-minute walk, from the station. Dates, seating and packages may change; check the latest information in advance if you plan to attend the parade.

One specific walking option is the Bollen en zand route near De Zilk and Hillegom. It passes bulb fields and the Leidsevaart, is 6 kilometres long, takes about two hours and includes a ferry crossing. The regional Bollenstreek walking network offers a wider choice: it includes more than 100 kilometres of routes through green meadows and colourful bulb fields. Bridges, cable ferries and stiles allow walkers to cross fields, meadows and bulb fields.

During the flowering season, visitors can view the bulb fields from the water aboard the Hillegomse Bollenboot. An experienced captain shares stories about the region along the way. Since this is a seasonal experience, check the current operating period before making plans.

Squares and buildings tell the story of Hillegom’s history

Hillegom developed in the early Middle Ages around the Maartenskerk, the Hof van Hillegom and the Houttuin. The medieval Hof van Hillegom is a Heerlijkheid and is considered a fine example of a country estate. It served as a resting place for the Counts of Holland. The first uses and buildings sprang up along the Hoofdstraat, Hillegom’s historic main thoroughfare.

The Houttuin is Hillegom’s central square and is officially called Kerkplein. The Grote Pomp has stood in its centre since 1740. The Klokgeveltje and Schoutenhuis are also part of the protected Kerkplein townscape; both are Rijksmonumenten. The Klokgeveltje is among the oldest buildings in the town and was first mentioned in 1634. The Schoutenhuis was built or renovated by Jan Huijser in 1810. The Heemtuin Hillegom, meanwhile, was sold to the municipality in the mid-1980s.

Peat meadows, dune woodland and walking routes

The Vosse- en Weerlanerpolder is a peat-meadow area covering more than 20 hectares and home to over 200 plant species. You can walk its paths and trails between sunrise and sunset. As access rules may change, check them before your visit. In Lokhorsterduin, a dune area of wind-blown sand and a middle dune, the excavated landscape with bulb fields and the tall dune woodland are still clearly visible side by side. The area is a small walking area with three access points to the woodland.

The Heemtuin Hillegom consists mainly of peat woodland on waterlogged ground. Volunteers provide information on native plants, shrubs and trees on site. Before your visit, check whether volunteers are currently available to provide information.

Circular routes and other activities

Rondje Hillegom comprises four walking routes that connect the town’s parks. The yellow walk passes six parks and links the village with nature. You can choose between an individual walk described in detail, such as Bollen en zand, and several routes that focus on parks.

For a different kind of leisure activity, Sportfondsen De Vosse has a leisure pool, a spray park and a slide. At E-scooterverhuur Bollenstreek in Hillegom, you can rent electric scooters for a day and choose your own routes. So, alongside the walking routes, there is also a water-based activity and an option for trips by e-scooter.

Discover more destinations: Hillegom, Hillegom, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Molenwaard, Midden-Delfland, Middelharnis, Oud-Beijerland, Bergambacht

For the main travel overview: South Holland.