Bollenstreek Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, where to stay, and useful travel tips in this comprehensive guide to Bollenstreek in the Netherlands.
- Introduction to Bollenstreek
- List of Places to Visit in Bollenstreek
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Bollenstreek
- Best Things to Do in Bollenstreek: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Bollenstreek
- Food and Drink Scene of Bollenstreek
- Where to Stay in Bollenstreek: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Bollenstreek: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Bollenstreek
- Best Time to Visit Bollenstreek
- Do’s and Don’ts of Bollenstreek
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Bollenstreek: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Bollenstreek
- Where to Go Next from Bollenstreek: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Bollenstreek
Located in South Holland in Western Netherlands, Bollenstreek is known for its stunning tulip fields, charming towns, and beautiful beaches. The region stretches from Leiden to Haarlem and is home to a vibrant community with rich cultural heritage. Bollenstreek has something for everyone, whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, exploring museums, or relaxing in local cafes and restaurants.
List of Places to Visit in Bollenstreek
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Keukenhof Gardens
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bollenstreek is the Keukenhof Gardens. The gardens are home to over seven million tulips, as well as other flowers, and is open only during spring.
Lisse
Lisse is a charming town in the centre of Bollenstreek, most famous for the Castle Keukenhof and the Keukenhof Tulip Garden.
Museum de Zwarte Tulp
Located in Lisse, the Museum de Zwarte Tulp is a museum dedicated to the history of Dutch flower bulb cultivation.
Frans Hals Museum
Frans Hals Museum is a must-visit museum especially for art lovers. The museum showcases a collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including works by Frans Hals and other famous Dutch artists.
Natural Attractions of Bollenstreek: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Zandvoort Beach
Zandvoort Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach located on the coast of Bollenstreek. This spot is perfect for swimming, beach walks, and sunbathing.
National Park Zuid-Kennemerland
National Park Zuid-Kennemerland features a diverse landscape of dunes, grasslands, and forests, making it a perfect place for hiking and cycling.
Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
Located in the north of Bollenstreek, Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is a nature reserve where visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling. Here, you can also spot red deer, foxes and rabbits.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Bollenstreek
Bollenstreek has a network of walking and cycling trails that offer stunning views of the region’s natural beauty. The famous Flower Tour is a 35km route that takes you across all the scenic spots hosting tulip fields.
Best Things to Do in Bollenstreek: Activities and Tours
Tulip Fields Tour
A visit to Bollenstreek is not complete without experiencing a Tulip Fields tour. It’s a unique experience to walk through the tulip fields.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to explore Bollenstreek’s gorgeous coastline and see the natural sights from the sea.
Canal Tour in Leiden
The canal tour in Leiden is a relaxing way to explore the region’s most beautiful waterways and see the sights from a different perspective.
Week-Long Itinerary for Bollenstreek
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, explore the town of Lisse, and have dinner at Beachclub O. |
| Day 2 | Explore Frans Hals Museum, and head to Zandvoort Beach for a day of sunbathing and swimming. |
| Day 3 | Visit Museum de Zwarte Tulp and take a hike in the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. |
| Day 4 | Go on a Tulip Fields tour and enjoy a picnic near the tulip fields. |
| Day 5 | Take a day trip to Amsterdam to explore the Van Gogh Museum and cruise on the canals. |
| Day 6 | Rent a bike and explore the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. |
| Day 7 | Spend a relaxing day exploring the town of Haarlem and shopping at the local markets. |
Food and Drink Scene of Bollenstreek
Must-Try Dishes
Bitterballen
Bitterballen is a Dutch snack made of meat and breadcrumbs, shaped into small balls and deep-fried until crispy.
Herring
Herring is a popular fish dish in the Netherlands that is served raw with onions and pickles.
Stroopwafels
A stroopwafel is a delicious waffle cookie filled with caramel syrup.
Local Beverages
Jenever
Jenever is a Dutch gin that is traditionally served neat or mixed with tonic.
Heineken Beer
Heineken is one of the most famous beers in the Netherlands and is enjoyed worldwide.
Where to Stay in Bollenstreek: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Bollenstreek offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the best options include the Hotel van Oranje, the NH Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst, and the Bed & Breakfast De Vier Seizoenen.
What to Buy in Bollenstreek: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Bollenstreek is known for its flower bulbs and smoked mackerel, which make excellent souvenirs. Other popular items include Dutch cheese and stroopwafels.
Local Culture and Customs of Bollenstreek
The people of Bollenstreek are friendly and welcoming to visitors. It is essential to dress appropriately when visiting museums and other cultural attractions.
Best Time to Visit Bollenstreek
The best time to visit Bollenstreek is between April and May when the tulip fields are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant.
Do’s and Don’ts of Bollenstreek
Do:
- Try the local cuisine, including herring, stroopwafels, and bitterballen.
- Take a bike tour of the region’s scenic routes and natural beauty.
- Take time to explore the charming town of Lisse and its historical buildings and museums.
Don’t:
- Pick the tulips in the fields.
- Worry about language barriers as most people speak English.
- Leave your bike unlocked in public areas.
Safety and Health
Safety in Bollenstreek
Bollenstreek is a safe and friendly region, with low crime rates, but it is essential to take usual precautions with your valuables.
Health in Bollenstreek
Medical facilities are easily available in Bollenstreek, with several hospitals and clinics located in the region.
Getting to Bollenstreek: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Bollenstreek
Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is the closest airport to Bollenstreek and is just a 20-minute drive away.
Bus Stations Near Bollenstreek
Lisse and Zandvoort are the primary bus stops for Bollenstreek, offering regular services to and from Amsterdam and other nearby towns.
Other Options
Taxis are readily available in Bollenstreek, and renting a car is also an option for those who prefer to drive.
How to Get Around in Bollenstreek
Bollenstreek is a relatively small region, and most attractions are within cycling distance. Local buses are also available and are an excellent way to get around if you prefer not to drive.
Where to Go Next from Bollenstreek: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Amsterdam is just a short train ride away and is a great place to visit after exploring Bollenstreek. Other nearby destinations include Delft, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Haarlem.
Conclusion
Bollenstreek is a stunning region with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for tourists looking for peaceful vacations amidst natural beauty. We hope that the ultimate guide to Bollenstreek, Netherlands, helps you plan your visit and makes your trip enjoyable and exciting.
