Positioned within the western a part of the nation, The Hague sits close to the North Sea, making it one of many few main Dutch cities with direct seaside entry. Listed below are ten key issues to learn about this fascinating metropolis:
1. It’s the Political Heart of the Netherlands
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| Binnenhof Dutch Parliament |
In contrast to most capital cities that home each authorities places of work and business facilities, The Hague is extra reserved and fewer tourist-heavy than Amsterdam. This enables it to keep up a stability between political formality and a relaxed, coastal ambiance. The town’s position as a governing middle makes it a key location in European politics.
2. The Hague Hosts the Worldwide Court docket of Justice
Often called the “Metropolis of Peace and Justice,” The Hague is dwelling to the Worldwide Court docket of Justice (ICJ), which is housed within the iconic Peace Palace. The ICJ is the judicial arm of the United Nations and is liable for settling disputes between nations. It was established in 1945 and has since performed an important position in sustaining worldwide regulation and diplomacy.
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| Worldwide Prison Court docket Headquarters |
Past the ICJ, The Hague additionally hosts the Worldwide Prison Court docket (ICC), which prosecutes people for crimes comparable to genocide and battle crimes. This worldwide presence solidifies The Hague’s popularity as a worldwide metropolis devoted to peacekeeping and human rights. Guests may even tour the Peace Palace and be taught extra about its mission.
3. It’s The place the King Works, However Not The place He Lives
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy, and The Hague serves because the working seat of King Willem-Alexander. The King’s official office, Paleis Noordeinde, is situated within the metropolis middle, making it an essential royal web site. Whereas the palace itself shouldn’t be open to the general public, its lovely gardens may be visited throughout the summer season months.
Nevertheless, the King doesn’t stay right here. As a substitute, the royal household resides at Huis ten Bosch Palace, situated inside the huge Haagse Bos forest. This separation between work and residential displays the Dutch monarchy’s extra fashionable and sensible method, avoiding pointless extravagance.
4. The Metropolis Has Gorgeous Historic Structure
Strolling by means of The Hague appears like getting into a mix of medieval and fashionable structure. The Binnenhof, dwelling to the Dutch Parliament, is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks within the metropolis. Constructed within the thirteenth century, it is without doubt one of the oldest authorities buildings nonetheless in use immediately. The Binnenhof advanced overlooks the Hofvijver pond, providing a picture-perfect view of Dutch historical past in motion.
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| Mauritshuis Hofvijver |
Past politics, The Hague is full of charming Seventeenth-century mansions, elegant townhouses, and hidden courtyards. The Mauritshuis Museum, a former royal residence, is a main instance of basic Dutch structure and now homes world-renowned artworks. The town’s architectural combine showcases the Netherlands’ wealthy historical past and continued development.
5. It’s Residence to Vermeer’s “Lady with a Pearl Earring”
Artwork lovers flock to The Hague to see one of many world’s most well-known work, Johannes Vermeer’s “Lady with a Pearl Earring.” This masterpiece is housed within the Mauritshuis Museum, which additionally options works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and different Dutch Golden Age artists. The museum itself is a historic Seventeenth-century constructing that gives an intimate expertise with among the best artworks on this planet.
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| Johannes Vermeer’s “Lady with a Pearl Earring” |
In contrast to bigger museums in Amsterdam, the Mauritshuis presents a extra private and immersive setting, permitting guests to admire the small print of Vermeer’s enigmatic portrait up shut. The museum is centrally situated close to the Binnenhof, making it straightforward to incorporate in a day of sightseeing.
6. It Has a Lovely North Sea Seashore
One among The Hague’s distinctive options is its entry to the North Sea shoreline, with Scheveningen Seashore being essentially the most well-known seaside district. In contrast to many landlocked capitals or authorities hubs, The Hague presents a refreshing escape from metropolis life. Its lengthy, sandy seashores appeal to guests year-round, from sunbathers in summer season to kite surfers in winter.
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| Scheveningen Seashore |
Scheveningen isn’t just a seaside however a vibrant a part of the town, that includes a historic pier with a Ferris wheel, seafood eating places, and a full of life promenade. The seaside is definitely accessible by way of tram from the town middle, making it a preferred weekend vacation spot for locals and vacationers alike.
7. It’s a Metropolis of Embassies and Worldwide Organizations
The Hague is dwelling to over 150 embassies and worldwide organizations, making it some of the internationally related cities in Europe. Along with the Worldwide Prison Court docket and Europol, The Hague additionally hosts the Group for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which gained the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts in eliminating chemical weapons.
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| Group for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons |
This worldwide presence provides The Hague a extremely diplomatic ambiance, with frequent world summits and peace conferences. Many streets are lined with embassy buildings, including to the town’s various and cosmopolitan really feel.
8. Public Transport is Extremely Environment friendly
Getting round The Hague is extremely straightforward due to its in depth tram and bus community. The town’s public transport system connects all main areas, together with authorities places of work, worldwide establishments, and seaside districts. Trams are the most well-liked mode of transport, providing a fast and scenic approach to discover the town.
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| Tram in The Hague |
For these trying to journey past The Hague, the Den Haag Centraal practice station offers direct connections to different Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. A practice trip to Amsterdam takes lower than an hour, making The Hague a handy base for exploring the Netherlands.
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9. It Has a Robust Indonesian Affect
As a result of Netherlands’ colonial historical past, The Hague has one of many largest Indonesian communities within the nation. Many Indonesians migrated right here after Indonesia gained independence from Dutch rule in 1949. Because of this, the town is legendary for its genuine Indonesian delicacies, notably rijsttafel (rice desk), a feast of small, flavorful dishes.
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| Tong Tong Truthful 2023 |
Eating places like Toko Frederik and Restaurant Blauw supply among the greatest Indonesian meals within the Netherlands. The annual Tong Tong Truthful, one of many largest Eurasian cultural festivals on this planet, can also be held in The Hague, celebrating Indonesian-Dutch heritage.
10. The Hague is One of many Greenest Cities within the Netherlands
Regardless of being a significant political and diplomatic middle, The Hague is without doubt one of the greenest cities within the Netherlands. It’s dwelling to huge parks like Haagse Bos, a big forested space close to the royal palace, and Westbroekpark, recognized for its gorgeous rose backyard. These inexperienced areas supply locals and guests a peaceable retreat from the city panorama.
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| Japanese Backyard in Clingendael Park |
One of many metropolis’s most unusual pure sights is the Japanese Backyard in Clingendael Park, which opens just a few weeks annually as a consequence of its fragile ecosystem. The backyard options uncommon vegetation, stone lanterns, and conventional Japanese structure, making it a hidden gem in The Hague.
Closing Ideas
The Hague is a metropolis the place historical past, politics, and tradition come collectively. Whether or not you are exploring its historic websites, enjoyable on the seaside, or visiting world-renowned museums, The Hague presents a singular Dutch expertise past Amsterdam. Its mix of worldwide significance, wealthy historical past, and coastal magnificence make it some of the intriguing cities within the Netherlands.
