Head off to Den Haag for a feel-good seashore metropolis weekend. My sustainable journey information spotlights learn how to spend 2 days in The Hague delivering most enjoyable with minimal impression.
The Hague is thought globally because the worldwide metropolis of peace and justice, but surprisingly, few folks I do know have explored this Dutch gem. Let me inform you—you’re lacking out!
This quaint, walkable metropolis is brimming with historical past, world-class artwork galleries, expansive inexperienced parks and ‘gezellig’ neighborhood cafés. Undertake the native lifestyle by profiting from town’s cycle-friendly infrastructure. Really feel the wind in your hair as you pedal your method to Scheveningen Seashore for a refreshing coastal journey.
On this two-day sustainable journey information, uncover learn how to discover The Hague responsibly, from staying in eco-conscious lodging to sampling natural delicacies and travelling on inexperienced transportation. Suppose past Amsterdam and take a one-hour prepare experience to The Hague, a metropolis simply as picturesque as its big-city counterpart.
Binnenhof in The Hague
About The Hague
Historical past of The Hague
The Hague, formally referred to as Den Haag, traces its roots to the thirteenth century when it started as a modest searching lodge for Rely Floris IV of Holland. By the sixteenth century, it turned the seat of presidency for the Dutch Republic, housing important administrative and political establishments regardless of not being formally recognised as a metropolis till 1806.
The Binnenhof, its historic parliament advanced, stays central to Dutch governance. In contrast to Amsterdam, The Hague developed because the nation’s political coronary heart slightly than a cultural centre, internet hosting the royal household, overseas embassies, and now many worldwide organisations, together with the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice.
How sustainable is The Hague?
The Hague demonstrates a robust dedication to sustainability, aligning its insurance policies and initiatives with the Sustainable Growth Objectives (SDGs). As a metropolis recognized for its function in worldwide governance, The Hague leads by instance in addressing environmental and social challenges, and is striving to be carbon impartial by 2030.
The town prioritises creating sustainable and habitable city areas by way of in depth inexperienced areas like Haagse Bos and Westduinpark, which improve biodiversity and supply residents with entry to nature. City planning focuses on energy-efficient buildings and eco-friendly infrastructure, serving to to fight local weather change and construct resilience towards environmental dangers. As a coastal metropolis, The Hague are seeing the outcomes of funding in coastal safety initiatives similar to Hondsbossche Dunes, a pure flood safety for the Netherlands.
Biking tradition and an environment friendly public transport system are central to The Hague’s strategy to sustainable city mobility, lowering reliance on automobiles and reducing emissions. Efforts to encourage accountable consumption and manufacturing are evident in packages that promote waste discount, restore cafes, and second-hand markets, which minimise landfill use and foster a round economic system.
The Hague’s metropolis council authorised a pioneering ban on out of doors promoting for fossil fuels, among the many world’s strictest. Beginning in January 2025, the ban will cowl advertisements for fossil fuels, petrol automobiles, air journey, and cruise ships in public areas.
The Meals Coverage Council The Hague has revised its built-in meals imaginative and prescient, adopting a step-by-step strategy to fostering a more healthy neighborhood and surroundings. This contains academic packages, city agriculture, and regional provide chains. Initiatives like Acutely aware Kitchen and Het Eetbare Park exemplify these efforts.
Lange Voorhout Farmers Market (Boerenmarkt)
Map of issues To Do In The Hague
Though I couldn’t go to every thing on my must-see checklist in my 2 days in The Hague on account of restricted time, I’m excited to share my analysis that can assist you plan your individual journey. I hope this map of issues to do in The Hague proves to be a helpful useful resource so that you can discover and navigate town.
CLICK TO VIEW THE MAP OF THINGS TO DO IN THE HAGUE
Day 1: Discover The Hague
Take a strolling Tour
Once I arrive in a metropolis, particularly if I’m on a brief one, it’s an excellent concept to take a guided stroll to shortly get your bearings and pack in some historical past information! Every tour varies so discover the itinerary that fits your pursuits.
Stroll alongside the view of ‘het Binnenhof’, the political coronary heart of the Netherlands, and marvel at its medieval buildings and serene Hofvijver lake. Wander previous charming cobblestone streets to the majestic Peace Palace, an emblem of worldwide justice. Alongside the best way, you’ll discover historic squares like Grote Markt or Plein, while listening to tales of the royal household, and the regents.
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See the well-known Portray in Mauritshuis
A visit to The Hague wouldn’t be full with out visiting the Mauritshuis Museum to see the well-known portray Woman with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. This masterpiece is without doubt one of the highlights of the museum’s distinctive assortment of Dutch Golden Age artwork, which additionally contains works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen.
Initially inbuilt 1644 for Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, the Mauritshuis was sadly broken by fireplace in 1704 however was fantastically rebuilt. After being bought by the Dutch state, it was formally opened as a museum by King William I in 1822. Right this moment, it proudly homes one of many oldest and most esteemed collections of work within the Netherlands.
Go to the Escher Museum
With a background in textile design, M.C. Escher’s work has all the time been an enormous supply of inspiration for me. The Dutch graphic artist, celebrated for his optical illusions, by no means fails to confuse and amaze. Visiting the Escher Museum to see his mind-bending creations within the flesh was an expertise I couldn’t miss!
The gathering covers numerous phases of Escher’s profession, from his early works impressed by his time on the Amalfi Coast to his intricate lithographic portraits and self-portraits in mirrored spheres. His iconic items, similar to Relativity and Ascending and Descending, display his evolution right into a mathematical artist who masterfully performed with symmetry and perspective. These works problem the viewer’s notion of house and actuality.
The everlasting exhibition is housed within the elegant Paleis Lange Voorhout, a former royal palace that after served because the winter residence of Queen Mom Emma of the Netherlands. This 18th-century constructing, with its neoclassical structure offers a becoming backdrop for Escher’s intricate works. Earlier than you allow, go to the interactive rooms to step into the thoughts of the artist and expertise his visible puzzles firsthand!
Tessellations within the Escher Museum
Store Sustainably in The Hague
The Hague has a wealth of moral purchasing choices. Head to Het Appeltaartgevoel or Second Greatest Chosen Treasures, the place you’ll find preloved clothes and classic equipment. WAUW and WNKL are cute outlets for considerate presents. Little Inexperienced Store focuses on all issues nature from pottery, secondhand clothes and do-it-yourself kokedamas. Op Zn Kop is a should to create cool and quirky interiors. Farmers’ markets like Haagse Markt are a go-to for regionally grown produce, supporting regional agriculture.
A leaflet itemizing impartial shops in The Hague is obtainable at taking part outlets. For ease, I’ve pinned them on my map of issues to do and see in The Hague.
Style the Native Craft Beer
In the event you’re a craft beer fan, you’ve obtained to take a look at Kompaan Brewery in The Hague. These guys are all about daring, artistic brews with quirky names and flavours that stick to you. Throughout my go to to their Tasting Room Binnenhaven, I attempted the Satan’s Spine Crimson Ale, which had this excellent malty kick, and the Nightcap Decaf Espresso Stout, a clean and wealthy deal with with out the caffeine buzz.
Kompaan Brewery, based in 2012 in The Hague, was began by two childhood associates pushed by a ardour for distinctive beer and honing their dwelling brewing expertise. The title “Kompaan,” which means “companion,” displays their bond and the neighborhood spirit behind this modern Dutch brewery.
Kompaan taproom in The Hague
Dine Al Fresco at Cafe Zeta
Café Zeta, in The Hague’s vigorous Grote Markt, is thought for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu. From healthful breakfasts to artistic dinners, every thing is recent, flavourful, and higher for the planet. Partnering with neighbouring companies, Cafe Zeta has been actioning accountable practices for years by way of plastic recycling, 100% emission-free transport, and bulk sourcing from native suppliers.
The dinner menu at Café Zeta has hundreds to select from—suppose tasty kimchi hen burgers, pumpkin coconut soup, and aubergine lasagne that actually hit the spot. Climate allowing, it’s an exquisite place to relax with a drink and watch the world go by, or kick off your evening within the ‘Popdistrict’.
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Cafe Zeta in The Hague
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Day 2: Go to Scheveningen
Rent a motorcycle for the day
One of the simplest ways to discover the coastal aspect of The Hague is by bike. When you get conversant in the cycle lanes, it’s clean crusing. Many accommodations in The Hague present bike leases, but when not, don’t fear—it’s straightforward to search out one. Haagse Stadsfiets provides reasonably priced metropolis bikes for short-term use, Black Bikes has an excellent choice, together with duo and kid-friendly choices, and Donkey Republic, a bike-sharing app, permits you to unlock and hire bikes proper out of your cellphone. Driving alongside the boulevard with blue flag seashores or by way of town is a breeze on this bike-friendly metropolis.
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Be In Awe at The Museum Panorama
A go to to Museum Panorama Mesdag is a should in The Hague. Whether or not you have got heard of panorama work or not, seeing this huge cylindrical masterpiece within the flesh is a jaw-dropping second.
The long-lasting panorama portray by Hendrik Willem Mesdag, a famend Dutch marine painter of the Hague Faculty, was accomplished in 1881. It measures 120 metres in circumference and 14 metres excessive, depicting a 360-degree view of the seaside village of Scheveningen because it appeared throughout Mesdag’s period. It’s the right prelude earlier than biking to the seashore to see how the shores of the North Sea appears to be like right now.
The museum additionally homes an intensive assortment of seascapes, landscapes, and nonetheless lifes by Mesdag, his spouse Sientje Mesdag-van Houten, an achieved artist in her personal proper, and different artists of the Hague Faculty.
Panorama of Scheveningen by Mesdag
Beelden aan Zee museum
The Beelden aan Zee Museum in Scheveningen is devoted completely to up to date sculpture. The modern constructing design permits pure gentle to light up the sculptures, although it’s tucked away within the dunes being a part of the panorama.
Based in 1994 by Theo and Lida Scholten, passionate collectors and patrons of the humanities, the museum homes over 1,000 sculptures, with a deal with human figures in numerous kinds and types. Famend artists similar to Henry Moore, Man Ray, and Kiki Smith are represented, alongside rising abilities.
Along with its everlasting assortment, Beelden aan Zee hosts momentary exhibitions that discover numerous themes and strategies in sculpture. Throughout my go to, I used to be thrilled to see works by Joan Miró, one in all my all-time favorite artists, alongside Vera Gulikers, whose artwork shortly turned a brand new favorite. Exterior, the playful Fairytale Sculptures by the Sea, created by American artist Tom Otterness, add a enjoyable contact to the seashore view promenade.
Beelden aan Zee museum in Scheveningen
Lunch at The Shore
The Shore Scheveningen is a shining instance of sustainability in motion. Greater than only a café and surf faculty, it’s a champion for the surroundings, devoted to preserving the native marine ecosystem. Their eco-conscious efforts embody developing the constructing from reclaimed delivery containers, utilising a solar-powered power community, recycling water, and partnering with native suppliers to minimise their footprint.
To shake off the chilliness of brisk September climate, I kicked issues off with a soothing chamomile natural tea from Wilder Land, an organization championing biodiversity by encouraging Dutch farmers to develop indigenous crops on spare land. The café’s menu at The Shore is a testomony to its sustainable ethos, providing 100% natural and plant-based dishes. Breakfast bowls, veggie toasties, and Indonesian-inspired dinner plates are served with a aspect of ocean views and crashing waves. My choose from the lunch menu—the do-it-yourself tempeh sandwich—was an absolute delight.
After two months of adventures in Peru, I couldn’t go up the prospect to attempt single-origin typica from northern Peru, roasted regionally by Roast Manufacturing unit in The Hague. The flavour was unbelievable—wealthy, clean, and with a touch of chocolate that melted on the palate. Staying true to their sustainable ethos, Roast Manufacturing unit packs their espresso waste-free in reusable containers and delivers it by bike. Regardless that I’m not a surfer, the relaxed environment made The Shore the right cease on a feel-good day by the ocean.
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The Shore on Scheveningen seashore
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Kunstmuseum The Hague
Kunstmuseum Den Haag, one of many Netherlands’ most famed artwork establishments, is a masterpiece in itself. Designed by architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage and accomplished in 1935, the constructing is a hanging instance of modernist structure. With its clear strains, geometric kinds, and ample pure gentle, the museum was constructed to create an optimum surroundings for experiencing artwork. Initially named the Gemeentemuseum, it was rebranded as Kunstmuseum in 2019 to raised replicate its deal with artwork.
The museum homes an intensive assortment masking numerous durations and types, with highlights in fashionable artwork, ornamental arts, and style. It’s famend for the world’s largest assortment of Piet Mondrian’s works, from his Windmill in Daylight to his masterpiece Victory Boogie Woogie, a defining second in summary artwork and a spotlight of the Dutch modernist motion De Stijl.
A few of my different favourite items embody Impressionist and Expressionist works by artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Egon Schiele, in addition to minimalist creations by Donald Judd. The museum additionally showcases modern design and historic ceramics, together with conventional Delftware and extra. This treasure trove of artwork and design at Kunstmuseum The Hague may hold you busy for hours.
Kunstmuseum in Scheveningen
Study within the Museon-Omniversum
Museon-Omniversum, close to the Kunstmuseum, is an interactive museum and movie dome centered on science, tradition, and sustainability. Based in 1904 because the Museum of Training, it merged with the Omniversum in 2022, combining participating displays with immersive movies.
The museum’s collections and displays are centred round international challenges and options, encouraging guests to suppose critically about local weather change and cultural variety. Highlights embody insightful shows on different power, biodiversity, and water conservation, in addition to artefacts from pure historical past and world cultures.
I beloved that the exhibitions are accessible to everybody. They’re thoughtfully curated with easy-to-understand language, whereas kid-friendly actions make studying about environmental duty enjoyable and interesting for youthful generations.
Throughout my go to, I had the chance to discover a brief exhibition devoted to the life’s work of biologist and conservationist Jane Goodall. It featured a robust movie and picture show that fantastically captured her groundbreaking analysis on chimpanzees and her lifelong dedication to conservation.
Museon-Omniversum
Dinner at By Ami
Strolling into By Ami felt like moving into a fascinating forest, the place each nook bursts with life. Big hummingbirds flutter amid magenta foliage, sensible owls repair their gaze upon you, and cheerful koalas peek out with welcoming smiles. This city bistro is an Instagrammer’s paradise, the place the murals are matched by dishes with the identical artistic aptitude.
The menu at By Ami crafts fusion dishes with curious permutations impressed by international flavours. What ties all of it collectively is the deal with seasonal, regionally sourced elements making certain it’s recent rooted in sustainability. The bistro shines in its inclusivity, providing a formidable number of vegan and vegetarian dishes that rival these that includes meat and fish.
Kick off your expertise at By Ami with a choose from their loopy cocktail menu together with vegan choices of Amaretto Bitter and Foaming Flamingo, the mixologist clearly loves his job. Their rigorously curated wine checklist enhances the menu with some natural pours. Select from worldwide flavours with crispy karaage lollipops, tangy Peruvian ceviche, fiery cauliflower Buffalo wings, or a refreshing plant-based ‘chicken’ salad.
There was an actual mixture of diners, from teams of associates to {couples} having fun with romantic meals. As a solo diner, the attentive workers made positive I felt proper at dwelling. The waiter satisfied me to attempt the Rolo cheesecake. And he was proper, it was a fantastically tasty concept. In spite of everything, their motto is “Good Vibes Only!”
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Vegan Caesar Salad at By Ami
How To Go to The Hague Responsibly
Keep in Sustainable Resorts in The Hague
VOCO The Hague
VOCO The Hague is a trendy renovated Nineteen Twenties constructing close to town centre. With Inexperienced Key GOLD certification and BREEAM In-Use Glorious award, they’ve a robust deal with eco-friendly practices, the lodge incorporates energy-efficient techniques, sustainable supplies, and waste-reducing initiatives.
By appointing a devoted Inexperienced Staff, VOCO The Hague actively contributes to social and environmental objectives. Initiatives embody internet hosting neighborhood dinners, organising charity auctions, and partnering with native suppliers and organisations to assist inexperienced practices. It’s nice to see a full and clear checklist of those initiatives on-line.
Past its elegant Dutch design and cozy rooms, the 4-star lodge exudes a heat, constructive environment, reflecting the well-being of its workers. Dedicated to lowering its environmental footprint, VOCO The Hague is a perfect alternative for accountable travellers searching for sustainability with a private contact.
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Atrium in VOCO The Hague
Eco-Hostel in The Hague
Stayokay is a hostel chain inside the Netherlands, and rating extremely within the sustainability stakes. They’ve the EU Ecolabel and BREEAM hallmark and are licensed by HI Q&S which is recognised by International Sustainable Tourism Council. Their spectacular checklist of community-based and waste partnerships are testomony to their accountable enterprise dedication. Stayokay has a bar, restaurant and out of doors terrace. || CHECK availability for Stayokay De Haag
Dine Natural Eating places in The Hague
Reflecting on my journey to The Hague, I seen an abundance of impartial, natural cafés and eating places in comparison with quick meals chains. The town’s deal with wholesome, native sourced and sustainably produced meals shines by way of its eating scene.
Select from plant-based eateries like Cafe Zeta and Lots to sustainable eating places, similar to Ethica or The Shore Scheveningen, providing a wide range of choices for these searching for natural and eco-conscious meals. Farmers’ markets, similar to De Haagse Markt and Lange Voorhoot Boekenmarkt, additionally assist the natural motion, by promoting recent, pesticide-free produce that always finds its method into native kitchens.
Bookstor Cafe in The Hague
How To Attain The Hague
Reaching The Hague sustainably is straightforward, due to the Netherlands’ robust dedication to eco-friendly journey choices. Listed here are some methods to journey to The Hague with a deal with sustainability:
Journey by Prepare to The Hague
From Inside Europe: The Hague is well-connected by prepare, making it straightforward to achieve from main cities like Brussels, Paris, and London. Eurostar provides a direct high-speed prepare from London to Amsterdam, the place you may connect with The Hague in below an hour. Equally, the Thalys and Intercity Specific (ICE) trains join The Hague with Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt. My arrival and onward journey to Amsterdam was made with European Sleeper.
Home Trains: In the event you’re travelling from one other Dutch metropolis, NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), the nationwide rail service, offers common prepare companies powered by renewable power. Main Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are lower than an hour from The Hague by prepare.
Cycle + Prepare Combo: For avid cyclists, Europe’s in depth bike community provides long-distance routes main into the Netherlands. The Hague is bike-friendly and has connections to EuroVelo routes that cross a number of nations. A train-biking combo can also be attainable, as Dutch trains typically accommodate bicycles.
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Bus to The Hague
Worldwide Bus Companies: Sustainable choices like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus join The Hague to many European cities with decrease carbon emissions per passenger in comparison with flights. The Hague’s bus station is positioned close to Hollands Spoor Station, making onward journey straightforward.
Home Buses: Inside the Netherlands, buses from surrounding areas may also be a extra eco-friendly choice, although trains stay the greenest and quickest alternative.
Electrical and Hybrid Carpooling
Carpool Companies: Carpooling with electrical or hybrid automobiles, by way of platforms like BlaBlaCar, can cut back your carbon footprint if touring from close by nations.
Automobile-Sharing Platforms: Platforms like GreenWheels and MyWheels permit vacationers to hire electrical automobiles for intercity journeys. Many cities within the Netherlands have charging infrastructure, making it simpler to make use of electrical automobiles sustainably.
Ferry and Prepare from the UK
If travelling from the UK, there are a few ferry routes to the Netherlands, which is a extra eco-friendly alternative than flying. Each companies are accessible by public transport at each ends.
Harwich to Hook of Holland Ferry: On arrival, there are handy prepare connections from Hook of Holland to The Hague, taking about one hour.
Newcastle to Amsterdam (Felison) Ferry: To achieve The Hague, it’ll take about two hours by bus and prepare.
NS prepare: Amsterdam to Den Haag
Getting Round The Hague Responsibly
The Hague is very walkable, however should you’re on the lookout for eco-friendly methods to get round, listed here are some choices:
Biking in The Hague
Bike Leases and Bike-Sharing: The Hague is extremely bike-friendly, that includes devoted bike paths and flat terrain excellent for biking. Many accommodations, similar to VOCO The Hague, supply bike leases, and also you’ll additionally discover quite a few rental outlets across the metropolis, or use bike-sharing companies like OV-fiets.
Scenic Routes: The town has stunning routes alongside canals, by way of parks, and to the seashore at Scheveningen.
Electrical Scooters and Bikes
Shared E-scooters and E-bikes: Suppliers like Test and Felyx supply electrical scooters that may be rented by way of an app, making it straightforward to navigate town whereas lowering emissions.
Guidelines and Laws: You could be conscious of the designated areas the place e-scooters are allowed, as not all streets in The Hague allow their use.
Public Transport
Buses: HTM buses are progressively transitioning to electrical, they usually additionally connect with surrounding areas.
Trains and Trams: The Hague’s trams and trains are powered largely by wind power, making them an eco-conscious choice. The HTM tram community covers town and close by areas, whereas NS trains make connections to different Dutch cities straightforward.
Rental Bikes at VOCO The Hague
Thanks to #TheisIsTheHague for supporting me on my mission to create sustainable metropolis guides. This itinerary was researched on my own. All opinions are my very own.
Helpful Hyperlinks to plan a visit to The Hague
Are you prepared to begin planning your journey to The Hague? Listed here are some helpful hyperlinks to get you began together with your itinerary.
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