Around The Hague, The Hague

Going for a walk you can visit the Prins Hendrikplein. This wonderful square is surrounded by buildings built in the beginning of 1900. The railings and classic lanterns around the square correspond in same style. It has been renewed in the beginning of 2000 and the square, located in the Zeehelden Kwartier (Sea-heroes Area), is created in a perfect circle ...

It got well-known because of its flowers; Magnolia's, crocusses in all colors and Rosa Amstelveen roses. The chestnut trees will flower in summertime. Take a rest and enjoy the 5 turtles which make this place a bit of a spiritual character. You can go for a shop in the shopping streets around the Prins Hendrikplein, named Piet Heinstraat, Prins Hendrikstraat and Zoutmanstraat ... happy shopping time!

Not that far from The Hague's center, Westwards, is the corn-mill Korenear at Loosduinen. Also known as "Prins Maurits" Mill, because this Prince of Orange built a new one in 1595 after pull-down of the former corn-mill in 1569. This cute little village, arosen in the old dunes, needed its corn-mill. The Loosduinen people complained of the corn-grind which had to be done in Westland. Prins Maurits granted the new corn-mill.

Unfortunately the village got obsolete when new dunes got formed at the coast. So the dunes near Loosduinen became "false dunes" (= "loze duinen = Loosduinen"). The corn-mill belongs for now to the Hague's municipality (since 1925) and, the miller is named Huub Lelieveld. Please, give him a call for visiting the corn-mill, where is a museum ...

The museum is open every Saturday and first Sunday of the month from 13.00 to 17.00h. Groups who want to visit the museum on other days can make an appointment

The Hague's Mill

This beautiful castle has been built between 1876 and 1879. Some different prominent nobilities stayed in the former "Old Wassenaar", during the summer.

That building got demolished in 1872 and Mr. C.J. van der Oudermeulen bought the place. Descendant of a wealthy merchant-family, he was also member of Provincial States and, alderman of Wassenaar. In 1876 Constantijn Muysken designed the Oud-Wassenaar Castle for the millionaire and, the Castle made a sensation because of the remarkable architecture (Old Dutch Renaissance style), as well the spent money to it.

With its very rich interiors, the castle is renovated to become a hotel now. And for rent for special cases. Included fashion photography ... I had a wonderfull experience here, and recommend the view of the castle, too!

A wonderfull way to see the Hague with a boat trip with De Willemsvaart. Starting from the center towards Scheveningen.

It is also possible to go by boat from the center of The Hague to Delft in a antique boat in appr. 1 hour with Rondvaart Salonboot Den Haag & Delft.

When you are interested in astronomical matters you could take a visit to "Stichting Sterrenwacht Rijswijk Zuid-Holland"... (Institution Astronomical Observatory Rijswijk South-Holland, opened in Oktober 22, 1971).

It is located at the top of a block of flats (12 floors), just at the borders of Rijswijk, next to The Hague. Some scientists give fascinating informations to interested outsiders and hobbyists who want to learn some about our cosmic Universe. And see the stars moving from "very close" ... it's worth of it!

The Astronomical Observatory is open to public every first and third Friday of the month (20.00 until 22.00 o'clock) and at some announced data.
April, May and September: 21.00 until 23.00 o'clock.
Closed during Juin, July and August.
Entrance: free, although a smaal gift ia appreciated (about 1.50 Euro)
Groups of 15 persons and more can arrange a visit at another day, too ...

About 1250 Count William II of Holland began the building of a castle which was completed by his son Floris V, who in 1291 made this his principal residence. From the time of Prince Maurice of Orange-Nassau the Binnenhof was the residence of the Stadholders. It now houses both chambers of the Dutch Parliament as well as a number of government departments.

Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Dutch National Day (April 30)

It is a brand new and big cinema in the city centre of The Hague, do give it a try for a family day out, or hanging out with your mates, or as a date.

Besides this cinema, there is a casino where you could try your luck.

The Hague Sports

There are several sporting activities to do in and around The Hague. The University's fitness hall allows visitors to buy a pass and enjoy working out, swimming as well as many other activities. There is ice skating in the city as well as horse back riding in the country.

During your stay, The Hague offers a wide range of sports facilities. Take a relaxing break from your meeting or enjoy an enjoyable and vigorous day out during your holiday. You will feel reborn after one hour of fitness and are sure to enjoy a game of miniature golf. We have listed a selection from the many possibilities on offer. Minature golf, bowling, tennis, and various water sports like sailing are all available in this wonderful city.

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For a southern european like me, used to the sun, the blue and green sea, the almost white sand and the yellow umbrellas, it is most funny to appreciate this kind of grey 'beach'. Maybe it was just the winter colours that made it so peculiar, but truth is - I didn't find any beauty in it! :S

Nonetheless, it was very interesting to see a northern beach like this, even if with that cold and wind (and dirtiness), i couldn't imagine anyone sunbathing there!

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Keukenhof is probably the most beautiful flower park in the world. It is open only during the spring time (Mar 22-May 20th this year) so I was determined to go this year. I could not die or leave Holland without seeing Keukenhof first. It was still early in the season and only a quarter or so of the flowers were in bloom. Still, it was all very beautiful and worth the visit. I will probably go back again in May once I am back from the Middle East trip in April.

Keukenhof is a photographer's paradise. If you're an avid photographer, high-noon and afternoon is probably better for photography since flowers open up later in day and there are lots of shadows early in the morning from the many trees in the park. If you're not an avid photographer, avoid going with one since we will spend 5 minutes at every flower bed taking photos. It does get crowded in Keukenhof though, so if possible, it is best to arrive first thing in the morning (hours are 0800-1930) so you get the park to yourself for a little while. Plan to spend at least a few hours in the park. I was there probably 4-5 hours, including lunch time.

After finishing with the park, we went on to check out the flower fields outside of Keukenhof. You can rent bicycles, but we were lazy and drove around trying to find the best ones to stop at. We ended up in the flower fields just behind Keukenhof at the very end of the day. These are the most colorful ones, and you have a nice windmill backdrop. This should actually be the first stop one should make, if possible, since the sun will be facing the right direction then.

The park entrance fee is 13 euros per person, and 5 euros to park your car. Be sure to check out the green house too for more beautiful flowers, including super tulips (genetically modified big & tall tulips). These are probably the best for close up shots.