Bollenstreek Route

The Bollenstreek Route is a cycling route that starts in Noordwijk, on the coast of South Holland, and leads inland through the bulb fields to Lisse, Hillegom and the neighbouring villages. The Bollenstreek, or Bulb Region, is the area between Haarlem and Leiden that is famous for its tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and crocuses, and the route is a pleasant way to see it at your own pace. The ride is flat, the roads are quiet and the cycling is easy, so it suits families and casual cyclists as well as keen riders.

The route begins in Noordwijk, a seaside town that is also known for the European Space Research and Technology Centre of the European Space Agency, which is located there. The town has a long beach, dunes and a centre with shops and cafes, and many visitors start with a morning at the sea before turning inland. The bike path leads through the dunes, past the Noordwijkse Duinen and the woodland of the Noordwijkse Bos, before the landscape opens out into the flat fields of the polder.

In spring, the fields are the main attraction. The sequence of flowering plants gives colour from March to May, beginning with crocuses and daffodils, then hyacinths with their scent, and finally tulips, which usually peak in mid-April. The fields lie in strips of different colours, with straight ditches between them, and the effect from a bicycle seat is of riding through a giant patchwork. Farm shops along the way sell bulbs, bouquets and local products, and cafes offer refreshments.

The route connects with Keukenhof, the garden that is open for a few weeks each spring, and cyclists can leave their bikes at the entrance and spend a few hours among the planted displays. The ride can be extended by following the junction numbers, a system of numbered nodes that makes it easy to plan a route, and maps are available from the tourist offices. Rental shops in Noordwijk and Lisse provide bikes, including electric models.

Bear in mind that the fields are private farmland, so do not wander into them, and be careful on narrow roads shared with cars and farm vehicles. Outside the flowering season, the route is quieter and still pleasant. It suits families, couples and photographers. Bring windproof clothing, since the wind in this open landscape can be strong.