When choosing Hillegom for a trip, you can focus on different things, from local history and flower-growing landscapes to trails through peat and dune areas. In spring, the open flower fields create a blooming landscape; the exact period varies. Hillegom is considered the place where today’s Bollenstreek (Flower Bulb Region) originated. When looking for a hotel in Hillegom, you can first consider whether historic sites, seasonal flower views or walks will shape your stay.
Local history in squares and buildings
Hillegom emerged in the early Middle Ages around the Maartenskerk, Hof van Hillegom and Houttuin. Hoofdstraat was the historic main thoroughfare, along which the first uses and buildings developed. Together, these places offer a tangible connection to the village’s development. The medieval Hof van Hillegom, a seigneurial estate, is a fine example of a country residence and served as a resting place for the Counts of Holland.
Houttuin is Hillegom’s central square and is officially called Kerkplein. The Grote Pomp has stood in its center since 1740. The protected streetscape of Kerkplein includes the Klokgeveltje and the Schoutenhuis; both are national monuments. The Klokgeveltje is one of the village’s oldest buildings and is mentioned as early as 1634. The Schoutenhuis was built or renovated by Jan Huijser in 1810. Those interested in architectural history will find not only details about the village’s early development, but also precisely dated information about individual buildings.
Peat meadows, a garden and dune landscapes
The Vosse- en Weerlanerpolder is a peat meadow area covering more than 20 hectares, with over 200 plant species. Visitors are free to walk on its paths and trails between sunrise and sunset. As this access rule may change, it is advisable to check before visiting. The Heemtuin Hillegom consists mostly of peat woodland on waterlogged ground. On Sundays, volunteers provide information about native plants, shrubs and trees; check in advance whether volunteers will be present.
In Lokhorsterduin, a dune area of blown sand and middle dunes, the excavated landscape with flower fields and the tall dune forest are still clearly visible side by side. The small walking area has three entrances to the forest. The contrast between these landscape features is a distinctive focus for walks and differs from the wet peat landscape of the Vosse- en Weerlanerpolder.
Walking routes and seasonal experiences
Rondje Hillegom comprises four walking routes connecting the village’s parks. The yellow route passes six parks and links the village with nature. Another specific walk is Bollen en zand: the route near De Zilk and Hillegom passes flower fields and the Leidsevaart, is 6 kilometres long and takes about two hours. It includes a ferry crossing. As a regional offering, the Bollenstreek walking network has more than 100 kilometres of trails through green meadows and colourful flower fields. Bridges, cable ferries and stiles allow walkers to cross fields, meadows and flower fields.
During the blooming season, visitors can view the flower fields from the water aboard the Hillegomse Bollenboot. An experienced captain steers the boat and talks about the region. The service is seasonal, so check the current operating period before planning. If you are looking for another way to get around, E-scooterverhuur Bollenstreek in Hillegom rents out electric scooters for a day, allowing you to choose your own routes.
Getting there and planning your visit
The flower fields can be reached on foot or by OV-fiets from Hillegom railway station. The station is also a useful landmark for visiting the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek: the grandstand in Hillegom is 1.5 kilometres away, or about a 20-minute walk. From there, visitors can watch the flower parade. Dates, seating and event packages may change; check the latest information before planning your visit.
Other leisure options in Hillegom include Sportfondsen De Vosse, with a leisure pool, a spray park and a slide. So, alongside local history and walks, there are also water-based activities. When looking for accommodation, you can choose your focus accordingly: for example, historic buildings and squares, trails through the area’s varied landscapes, or a seasonal experience among the flower fields.
Discover more destinations: Hillegom, Hillegom, Oud-Beijerland, Rijswijk, Schiedam, Nieuwkoop, Zoeterwoude, Leiderdorp.
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