Discover the Magic of the Bollenstreek: A Colorful Spring Paradise!
A bit of history about our Bollenstreek. The cultivation of flower bulbs in the area around Haarlem began as early as the 16th century. The Bollenstreek as we know it today started to take shape in the second half of the 19th century. Large areas of flower bulb fields emerged due to increasing demand, the expansion of cultivation south of Haarlem to towns like Hillegom, Lisse, and Sassenheim, and the growth of exports abroad. In 1880, the steam pumping station in Katwijk was put into use, which made it possible to better regulate the groundwater level. This gave a major boost to bulb production.
From late March to early May, you can enjoy the stunning colors the Bollenstreek has to offer. There are also many attractions in the region, which I describe below.
1. Keukenhof in Lisse
Keukenhof is a must-see if you're staying at our Wellness Lodge. It’s often called the most beautiful spring park in the world. The history of Keukenhof dates back to the 15th century. Countess Jacoba of Bavaria (1401–1436) used the area known as ‘Keukenduyn’ as a hunting ground. In 1641, Keukenhof Castle was built, and the estate eventually grew to more than 200 hectares.
In 1857, landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher redesigned the gardens around the castle. That park, in English landscape style, still forms the foundation of today’s Keukenhof.
In 1949, a group of prominent flower bulb growers and exporters came up with the idea to create an exhibition of spring-flowering bulbs on the estate. Thus, Keukenhof spring park was born. It opened in 1950 and was an immediate success, drawing 236,000 visitors. In 2025, the park welcomed 1.5 million visitors. Over the past 74 years, Keukenhof has become a world-renowned attraction.
Keukenhof is located just 5 km from our Wellness Lodge.
2. The Flower Parade (Bloemencorso)
The Flower Parade is known as the Biggest Spring Festival in the Netherlands! Lavishly decorated floats covered in thousands of flowers parade through the region on Corso Saturday. The 42-kilometer route features cheerful music and stunning floral artworks. It’s a day full of color, fragrance, flowers, culture, and fun. Check the website for the annual parade dates.
3. Tulip Experience Amsterdam – Just Around the Corner
The Tulip Experience was founded in late 2019 by Simon Pennings and is a family business. The idea came about due to the growing tourism in the Bollenstreek and the selfie culture, which caused significant damage to tulip fields. Simon thought, “I’ll create bulb fields where people can take all the selfies they want.” And so he did.
Visiting the Tulip Experience is a fantastic outing. The history of flower bulb cultivation is explained in words and images. There are fun souvenirs, delicious coffee, and of course, breathtaking flower fields (4 million tulips) in every color — perfect for selfies. And… it’s just 950 meters from your Wellness Lodge. You can easily walk there.
4. De Tulperij in Voorhout
De Tulperij is also a true family business. Daan and Anja Jansze run it together with their three children. In 2013, they decided to open their farm to visitors. You can enjoy a lovely walk through the tulip fields and pick your own beautiful bouquet. They also offer tours, workshops, and scavenger hunts for children.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and you can enjoy a delicious coffee in a charming old-fashioned setting.
Outside the tulip season (mid-March to mid-May), De Tulperij also hosts a dahlia season with a picking garden. The dahlia season runs from early August to mid-October. During this time, tours are also available, and the picking garden is open.
De Tulperij is located 8 km from the Wellness Lodge.
5. Cycling Through the Bollenstreek
If you haven’t had enough of all the bulbs yet, you can go on fantastic bike rides through the Bollenstreek. Here are 5 scenic routes to enjoy. Click here.
6. More Cycling – The Giant Bulbs Bike Route
Yes, you read that right. In the Bollenstreek, we have Giant Bulbs! These are human-sized artworks in the shape of tulip bulbs, painted by various local artists. The goal is to eventually place 80 Giant Bulbs between Leiden and Haarlem, each telling its own story. These artworks are adopted by foundations, businesses, and municipalities.
The Giant Bulbs Bike Route allows you to admire these stunning pieces of art all year round.
If you love flowers, history, art, and the real Holland experience, then the Bollenstreek is the perfect place for you – and it’s all right near our Wellness Lodge. 🌷🚴♀️✨