Hillegom combines waterside paths with flower fields and a rich village history. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the different highlights: the circular routes take in the village center, polder landscape and town center; seasonal flower attractions and the swimming pool provide further reasons to visit.

Circular routes through Hillegom and the polder landscape

The circular route “Ommetje Bollenstreek 04 – Hillegom aan het water” leads from Hillegom’s old village center along the harbor to the Ringvaart, then through a park and past the Heemtuin. Along the way, there are open views across the meadows of the Elsbroekerpolder. Another route is “Ommetje Bollenstreek 03 – Ommetje Oude Beek”: this circular walk follows the Hillegommerbeek, also known as the Oude Beek, goes around the Zanderijpolder, passes the NS railway station and follows Stationsweg into the center of Hillegom. The first route links the harbor, park and meadow views; the second focuses on the stream, polder and railway station. Check the route information before setting out.

Village history and flower fields

The area around Kerkplein is designated as a municipally protected village townscape. The courtyard adjoining the village pump is now used as the town hall; the pump and courtyard tell the story of the ancestors of Hillegom’s current lord, Jan Six X. The area’s regional significance is also part of its historical character: Hillegom is considered the place where today’s Bollenstreek originated.

From Hillegom, you can explore the flower fields on foot or by bicycle. At Annemieke’s Pluktuin, visitors can pick their own tulips from around March until the end of April or mid-May. At Landgoed De Zuilen, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths take center stage from April 1 to May 31. The attractions offer different experiences: you can pick flowers yourself at one, while the other showcases several seasonal flower varieties. If you are planning your trip around these attractions, check the specific dates in advance.

Landgoed De Zuilen and other places

Landgoed De Zuilen includes a 35,000 m² walking park and a terrace with Roman and Greek statues, fountains, arches and columns. The estate is located at Zandlaan 18, 2181 HS Hillegom, on the border with Bennebroek. With its park and terrace features, it offers a different experience from the paths along the stream, harbor and polder.

The Mindfulness Labyrinth, which opened on January 20, 2025, is located in Molenduintje on Wilhelminalaan and is associated with mindfulness and mental health. It adds another named place in Hillegom to the village history and walking routes through the landscape.

Swimming at De Vosse

De Vosse swimming pool includes a heated 50-meter competition pool, a 30-by-40-meter leisure pool with a slide, and a paddling pool. Public lane swimming is available at Sportfondsen De Vosse, which also has a high diving board. The pool sizes and range of facilities give the swimming pool its own appeal alongside walks and local history. Check the opening hours and seasonal schedule before your visit.

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