Discover Hillegom: History and Bulb-Growing Culture

When looking for a hotel in Hillegom, you can first consider which aspects of the town interest you: historic townscapes, the history of bulb growing, or nature and walks. These themes offer different perspectives and provide starting points for planning your stay around your own interests.

Local History and Architectural Heritage in Hillegom

Hillegom has three types of architectural heritage: national monuments, municipal monuments, and buildings of character. The area around Kerkplein is designated as a protected historic village setting. The designation applies to the area around the square and complements the three categories with a focus on the historic townscape.

Kwekerij Veelzorg brings together local history and agriculture. It was founded in Hillegom in 1822. From 1850 onward, tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils were mainly grown there. Before that, five generations had initially cultivated potatoes and vegetables. This timeline shows the transition from these field crops to growing flower bulbs.

't Hof van Hillegom was a former resting place for the Counts of Holland. The core of the building, and especially the cellar, is still medieval. 't Hof has been considered the historic heart of Hillegom for more than 800 years. This brings together its former function and the town’s long history in one place.

Bulb-Growing Culture and Art

The Reuzenbollenroute runs through Sassenheim, Noordwijk, and Hillegom. It features human-sized tulip-bulb artworks, painted by artists from the Bollenstreek and placed in the landscape. If you are interested in this art, note that locations may change; check the current route map before setting out.

There is a grandstand in Hillegom for the Bollenstreek Flower Parade. Locations and reservations vary with each edition. If the parade fits your travel plans, base your arrangements on the information for the edition in question.

Nature and Walks

Nature is allowed to develop largely undisturbed in Heemtuin Hillegom. Pink soapwort, cowslips, and enchanter’s nightshade grow there.

The Ommetje Oude Beek runs along Stationsweg and through the center of Hillegom. The walk therefore offers a connection to the town center, while Heemtuin is described primarily in terms of its plants and their largely undisturbed growth. The two themes offer different perspectives: a route through the center on the one hand, and the nature of Heemtuin on the other.

Seasonal Perspectives and Local Archives

During the flower-bulb season, the Hillegomse Bollenboot offers views of bulb fields and nature from the water. The sloop is captained by an experienced skipper who talks about the region along the way. For this seasonal perspective on the landscape, check the current sailing season before making plans.

There is also documentary material on local history: the documentation center of Stichting Vrienden van Oud Hillegom contains photographs, newspaper clippings, and other documentation about Hillegom. This complements the historical themes of architectural heritage and agriculture with a range of materials about the town.

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