The Hague, Netherlands
Region: South Holland
Geographic Coordinates: 52.080000, 4.310000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 30.0°C (14°F to 86°F)
Climate: The climate in The Hague is moderate with mild winters and cool summers, while the weather patterns vary throughout the year with frequent rainfall and occasional storms.
Population: 548320
Language: Dutch
The Hague, Also known as Den Haag in Dutch, Is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located in the western part of the Netherlands. It is the third-largest city in the country and serves as the seat of government and home to many international organizations. The Hague has a rich history that dates back to medieval times, Making it one of Europe’s oldest cities. One of The Hague’s most iconic landmarks is undoubtedly the Peace Palace, Which houses several international courts such as the International Court of Justice.
Visitors can take guided tours through this impressive building to learn about its history and role in international justice. The Hague is also famous for its beaches, Particularly Scheveningen Beach. This stretch of coastline offers miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. During summertime, Visitors can enjoy various activities such as surfing lessons or beach volleyball tournaments. For those interested in art and culture, The Hague has plenty to offer.
One must-visit attraction is undoubtedly Mauritshuis Museum – home to some world-famous paintings such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring or Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson. Another cultural highlight includes Escher Museum – dedicated entirely to works by M.C Escher – one of Holland’s most celebrated artists. Foodies will not be disappointed either when visiting The Hague; there are plenty of fantastic restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine such as herring sandwiches or traditional Dutch stamppot (a hearty dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables).
no visit to The Hague would be complete without exploring its charming streets lined with historic buildings dating back centuries ago. Visitors can wander around Het Plein square or Noordeinde street – both bustling areas filled with shops selling everything from designer clothing brands to vintage antiques. The Hague offers an incredible mix of history, Culture, Nature and modernity that makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Netherlands. With something to offer for everyone, It is no surprise that The Hague has become one of Europe’s most popular cities in recent years.
- Peace Palace
- Binnenhof
- Mauritshuis
- Scheveningen Beach and Pier
- Madurodam Miniature Park
- Escher in Het Paleis Museum
- Panorama Mesdag
- Lange Voorhout
- The Hague Tower (De Haagse Toren)
- Grote Kerk (Great Church)
- International organizations: The city is renowned as the City of Peace and Justice due to its numerous international organizations like the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
- Government: Several ministries of the Dutch government are situated in The Hague.
- Tourism: Every year millions of tourists visit The Hague to explore its historical landmarks and museums.
- Technology: The city has a thriving tech industry with companies such as T-Mobile Netherlands and Siemens Nederland based there.
- Financial services: Many financial institutions have their headquarters or offices located in The Hague including ING Group and Rabobank.
- Healthcare: A number of hospitals and healthcare companies are based in or around The Hague such as HMC Westeinde Hospital and Mediq Apotheken Nederland BV.
- Education: There are several universities and research institutes situated in or near The Hague like Leiden University’s campus in The Hague and Netherlands Institute for International Relations Clingendael.
- The Hague Convention of 1899 and 1907 established rules for warfare, protecting civilians and prisoners of war, and regulating the use of certain weapons.
- The International Court of Justice settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs.
- King William II ruled the Netherlands from 1840 until his death in 1849, known for his liberal reforms including granting freedom to slaves in Dutch colonies.
- Van Gogh lived in The Hague from 1881-1883 where he painted some of his most famous works including The Potato Eaters and View from Theo’s Apartment.
- The Peace Palace was constructed between 1907-1913 as a symbol for peace after the Second Hague Conference; it currently houses several international organizations dedicated to peacekeeping efforts.
- Queen Juliana reigned over the Netherlands from 1948-1980 after succeeding her mother Queen Wilhelmina; she is remembered for her humanitarian work, especially with refugees during World War II.
- Escher’s intricate prints that often played with perspective and impossible geometries have become world-renowned pieces today despite him being born in Leeuwarden but living most of his life near Amsterdam in Baarn.
- The Binnenhof Palace complex dates back to medieval times but has been used as a government building since then; it now houses both Houses of the Dutch Parliament.
- Mauritshuis Museum is home to some of the world’s most famous paintings, including Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer.
- Gemeentemuseum Den Haag showcases modern and contemporary art, fashion, and design.
- Peace Palace is a monument dedicated to international peace and justice.
- Panorama Mesdag features a 360-degree painting of the seaside town of Scheveningen in the late 19th century.
- Escher in Het Paleis is a museum dedicated to the works of Dutch artist M.C. Escher.
- Binnenhof is an iconic complex of buildings that houses the Dutch government and parliament.
- The Hague Historical Museum (Haags Historisch Museum) showcases the history, culture, and art of The Hague through various exhibitions and collections.
- Madurodam Miniature Park features miniature replicas of famous Dutch landmarks and cities on a scale model.
- Louwman Museum exhibits one-of-a-kind vintage cars from all over Europe dating back to 1886 until present day.
- De Pier Scheveningen is a pier located on Scheveningen beach with restaurants, bars, attractions such as zip line & bungee jumping offering panoramic views over North Sea Coastline.
- ADO Den Haag is a professional football club founded in 1905 and based in The Hague. They have won two KNVB Cups and one Johan Cruijff Shield.
- HGC is a field hockey club founded in 1906 and based near The Hague in Wassenaar. They have won numerous national championships and European titles.
- SVV Scheveningen is a former professional football club founded in 1919 and based in the district of Scheveningen, which is part of The Hague. Their last season was played in the Eredivisie (Dutch premier league) back in 1987.
- Quick Den Haag is a cricket and football club founded in 1896, based out of The Hague. Their cricket team has won multiple national championships.
- VVV Westlandia is a football club founded just outside of The Hague, back in 1927; they currently play at the fourth tier of Dutch football.
- HV KRAS/Volendam is originally from Volendam but now playing their home games at the Sportcampus Zuiderpark arena located within The Hague’s city limits since the 2018-19 season after their original stadium burned down on New Year’s Eve of December 2018; they have won several Dutch national titles and competed regularly at European level competitions such as EHF Champions League and EHF Cup Winners’ Cup over recent years.
- The Hague Jazz Festival
- Scheveningen International Sand Sculpture Festival
- Tong Tong Fair (Indonesian cultural festival)
- Parkpop (largest free pop music festival in the Netherlands)
- Embassy Festival (cultural showcase of international embassies in The Hague)
- Vlaggetjesdag (celebration of the arrival of new herring in Scheveningen)
- Life I Live Festival (music and street art festival in the city center)
- Museum Night The Hague
- Royal Christmas Fair (Christmas market with live entertainment and food stalls)
- The Hague African Festival
- The Hague has a large Indonesian community, which means that there are many restaurants serving traditional Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng and satay.
- Being a coastal city, The Hague is famous for its fresh seafood. Herring, mussels, and smoked eel are among the popular dishes.
- Stamppot is a classic Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale or sauerkraut and served with meat.
- Poffertjes are small fluffy pancakes that are a favorite snack in the Netherlands and can be found at many street vendors in The Hague.
- Haagse Hopjes is a type of coffee candy that originated in The Hague during the 18th century.
Some of the most popular restaurants to try in The Hague include:
- Restaurant Garoeda – They have been serving traditional Indonesian cuisine since 1949
- Catch by Simonis – This seafood restaurant is located on the harbor
- De Ooievaer – Known for their stamppot dishes
- Hoftrammm – A unique dining experience where you can enjoy a four-course meal while riding on a tram through the city
- Café-Restaurant Rootz – Offers an extensive selection of beers from around the world along with Dutch cuisine
- Scheveningen Beach: A popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Westbroekpark: A large park with gardens, ponds, and a playground.
- Zuiderpark: The largest park in The Hague with sports fields, a petting zoo, and a lake.
- Madurodam: A miniature park featuring scaled-down models of Dutch landmarks.
- Kijkduin Beach: Another beach for swimming and water sports with sand dunes nearby for hiking.
- Haagse Bos: A forested area perfect for hiking or biking trails.
- Clingendael Park: A beautiful park known for its Japanese Garden.
- Peace Palace Gardens: Located near the International Court of Justice building is this beautiful garden open to the public.
- Skatepark Sweatshop Deel II – For skateboarders to enjoy street skating.
- The Hague Forest Adventure – An outdoor adventure park that offers zip-lining courses through the trees.
