The Hague has many cultural and historical sites: palaces, temples, mansions, museums, gardens, etc. It even has its own seaside resort, where you can relax if the weather is good.
The Hague stands on the shores of the cool North Sea and is the political capital of the Netherlands. The headquarters and offices of international structures are located here. Maybe that’s why The Hague is perceived in many people’s minds as a boring city for adults.
The top 12 sights in The Hague
We offer you a brief description of the sights of The Hague with photos. We hope that you will learn about them in detail when you personally go on vacation in this city and fall in love with it forever. So, what to see in The Hague?
Peace Palace
This palace was built with money from American businessman and philanthropist Carnegie just before the First World War. The idea of its construction arose in the minds of many international organizations of the time, fighting for world peace.
The palace was built in the then fashionable Neo-Renaissance style. Its design was created by the famous architect Cardonnier from France. Today, the Peace Palace houses the UN Court, a library, and a museum. International treaties and other documents are kept here.
Scheveningen
This is one of the areas of The Hague near the North Sea, where an excellent European seaside resort with first-class service is organized. It is known among tourists for its long sandy beaches, perfect for surfing.
In Scheveningen you can visit several excellent museums, the oceanarium, the local theater and the park of miniatures. In the 19th century there was a fishing village on this site, until a resident of The Hague suggested that the local rich people take salt baths here.
Binnenhof
This architectural ensemble is located in The Hague, it includes a building housing the Dutch parliament, the residence of the president of this country, an art gallery and several historical monuments.
Binnenhof was founded in the middle of the 13th century. Most of its buildings were built during the absolute reign of Medieval Gothic, around an artificial pond dug in the mid-14th century.
Knight’s Hall
It is a small mansion, built in the Northern Gothic style and is part of the architectural ensemble Binnenhof. Earlier here the king made important speeches, solemnly received foreign embassies, noblemen, etc.
The Knights’ Hall, or Ridderzaal, was built in the 13th century at the behest of King Floris V. From the 17th century it had various functions: a hospital, a bookshop, etc. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries the Knights’ Hall was internally and externally restored.
Nordeinde Palace
This is the official residence of the Dutch king. The palace was erected in the 16th century, and later significantly expanded in the classicist style, it had two wings. It is this version of Nordeinde that can be seen today.
In the 1840s Voltaire stayed in the palace. At the end of the 18th century, Napoleon and his armies came here, and Prince Willem had to flee with his family from the Netherlands to England. After the fall of Napoleon, Willem returned and became king.
In the late 1940s, a fire burned almost the entire central part of the palace. It has been fully restored, after almost 40 years. Since then, Nordeinde has been the residence of the current King of the Netherlands, Willem Alexander.
Old Town Hall
This town hall was built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. Before that there was a count’s castle in its place. Today the city government works in the New Town Hall, and here marriages are registered, and birth or death documents are issued to the King’s subjects.
The old town hall hardly suffered during the troubled times and wars in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, preserving its original, authentic appearance. The last restoration of the town hall took place in the 1980s of the 19th century.
Mauritshuis
This art gallery is one of the most famous attractions in The Hague and the Netherlands. The gallery palace, the Moritz House, was built in the mid-17th century near the Binnenhof. At the beginning of the 19th century, the state bought it as a gallery.
There has always been a small collection of paintings here, but exclusively with great vintage canvases. At the end of the last century, a specialized fund was organized into which all of Mauritshuis’ paintings were transferred.
Today it is the most popular picture gallery in the Netherlands, a constant success with residents and tourists. If you are looking for something to see in The Hague, go with Mauritshuis.
Prisoner Gate
In the 14th century there was a prison near the city gates of The Hague, where criminals awaited trial. The prison existed almost until the end of the 19th century, after which it was closed and a museum was opened in its prisons.
Those who wish can see a collection of instruments of torture, as well as everyday objects used by the prisoners in the museum. Here you can take a tour of the ancient cells and experience the terrifying atmosphere of the prison.
Madurodam Park of Miniatures
This park is located in the spa district of The Hague, Scheveningen. This is an ordinary city in the Netherlands, but reduced by 25 times. Here trains and streetcars run on rails, cars drive, people walk along the streets, etc. Everything is real, but in miniature sizes.
Madurodam was created by the best craftsmen in the Netherlands in the mid-20th century. It has been on public display ever since, and is patronized by Queen Beatrix herself. Be sure to see this wonder of technology and art.
Castle van Doorne
This castle is located in South Holland, of which The Hague is the capital. It was built in the 15th century, and its oldest parts were built in the 12th century. At one time the castle had many fortifications, but today only ruins remain.
The castle of Van Voornay had strong walls, which were surrounded by a deep moat on the outside. During the Middle Ages, such defenses were vital for protection against enemies. But the castle was ruined by poorly made foundations, which crumbled with each passing year.
Already in the 17th century the castle became a ruin and became the property of the state. Today it is a national monument. Some of the ruins are on display as an exhibit for tourists, for whom Castle van Voornen is always popular.
Köckenhof Flower Park
This royal park is also called the Garden of Europe. It is located near The Hague in the city of Lisse. The park is open to visitors every spring. Today it has several million tulips, crocuses, hydrangeas, lilies, and other flowers.
The history of Köckenhof began in the 15th century, when a castle was built here. Its owners instructed their servants to plant a garden near the castle to grow the spicy herbs needed in the kitchen. That’s how the Kitchen Court came to be.
In the 1940s there was an idea to organize here an entertainment park for Dutch residents and tourists. This is how huge beds of tulips, narcissus, hyacinths appeared, which you can admire and buy immediately.
Mesdah Panorama
It is a huge painting more than 100 meters long, on which the Dutch artist Mesdah depicts the 19th-century fishing village of Scheveningen, which later became a famous seaside resort in The Hague.
This panorama is shaped like a cylinder. It is installed in a museum specially built to display it. Thanks to the cylindrical shape of the canvas, the viewer has the illusion of being in this village.
Mesdah worked on his creation for many years, assisted by his wife, children and students. And then he gave it to the city authorities. Today, the painting is an integral part of the resort of Scheveningen, a holidaymaker’s favorite.
Video overview of sights in The Hague
The climate in The Hague is in many ways similar to that of St. Petersburg. It often rains here, and it’s quite cool in the summer. You are unlikely to enjoy a local beach vacation, but the architectural and floral attractions will appeal to you.
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