Is the Japanese Garden in Clingendael always open?

No, the Japanese Garden is only open for a short time each year to protect its rare plants. It usually opens for six weeks in May/June and two weeks in October. The rest of Clingendael park is open year-round.

Can I go inside Huis ten Bosch palace?

No, Huis ten Bosch is the private residence of the Dutch Royal Family and is not open to the public. You can view the exterior and the surrounding gardens from the public forest paths.

Is this walking tour The Hague suitable for children?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children will especially enjoy the deer at the Koekamp and the large playgrounds found within the Haagse Bos and Clingendael estate.

What is the best time to visit the Palace Garden?

The Paleistuin is best visited in the morning when it is quietest. It typically opens at 7:30 AM and closes at sunset.

Are there places to eat along the walking route?

Yes, there are several options including 'Chalet ten Bosch' within the forest and a pancake house near the entrance of Clingendael. The city center near the start point also has numerous cafes.

Can I bike this route instead of walking?

While most of the forest and Malieveld have dedicated bike paths, the Paleistuin and parts of Clingendael are walking-only zones. Walking is the best way to see all the stops.

Is the walk difficult or hilly?

The terrain is very flat, consistent with the rest of the Netherlands. The 'moderate' difficulty rating is due only to the total distance covered, not the incline.

Is a guided tour The Hague necessary for the forest?

A self-guided audio walk is perfectly sufficient. The paths are well-marked, and the history of the forest is easily explored independently with the right narration.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the urban bustle and discover the emerald soul of the Netherlands' political capital. While many visitors flock to the Binnenhof or Scheveningen beach, this self-guided walking route reveals the lush, interconnected green spaces that have defined the city’s royal character for centuries. This journey takes you through the transition from manicured aristocratic retreats to the wild, ancient woodlands that once stretched across the Dutch coast. You will explore the hidden tranquility of the Palace Garden, the historic site of the Malieveld, and the deep, shaded paths of the Haagse Bos, eventually reaching the gates of a living royal residence. What makes this walking route special is the seamless blend of history and nature. You aren't just walking through trees; you are walking through the former hunting grounds of the Counts of Holland and the scars of World War II history. The Hague is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and this neighborhood stroll showcases why. From the serene ponds of Clingendael to the deer-filled meadows of the Koekamp, the route offers a refreshing perspective on the city. Starting in the elegant center near Noordeinde Palace, you will venture eastward, leaving the brick-paved streets for soft forest trails. Along the way, you can admire the 17th-century architecture of Huis ten Bosch and the botanical diversity of one of the country's most beautiful estates. This walking tour The Hague experience allows you to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with the environment at your own pace. Whether you are interested in royal heritage or simply seeking a peaceful afternoon outdoors, this route provides a comprehensive overview of the city's botanical treasures. Many find that a self-guided walk is the most rewarding way to experience these spaces, allowing for spontaneous detours into hidden glades or extra time spent watching the local wildlife. If you have ever considered a guided tour The Hague, you will find that the independence of this audio walk offers a much more intimate connection with the 'Green Heart' of the city.

Highlights

The secluded tranquility of the Paleistuin (Palace Garden)

Historic Malieveld, the city's grandest public square

Observing the resident deer at the centuries-old Koekamp

Walking the ancient paths of the Haagse Bos forest

The world-renowned landscape architecture of Clingendael Estate

A glimpse of the Royal Palace 'Huis ten Bosch'

Tour Stops (6)

Paleistuin (Palace Garden)

Welcome to the Paleistuin, a hidden gem nestled directly behind Noordeinde Palace. Once a private retreat for the House of Orange-Nassau, it was gifted to the public in the 20th century. As you walk through these manicured lawns and past the winding ponds, notice the 'Royal Stables' nearby. The garden offers a rare sense of intimacy with the monarchy; it is not uncommon to see locals picnicking where kings and queens once strolled in private. The atmosphere here is one of quiet elegance, featuring classic Dutch landscaping and sculptures that bridge the gap between the city's royal heritage and its modern civic life.

Malieveld

As you exit the dense city streets, you emerge onto the Malieveld, a massive 10-hectare lawn that serves as the city's front porch. Its name originates from the 'malie' game—a precursor to croquet and golf played here in the 17th century. Today, the Malieveld is famous as the primary site for national demonstrations, festivals, and circuses. It represents the Dutch spirit of free speech and assembly. Standing here, you can see the skyline of The Hague's 'New Babylon' district contrasting with the edge of the ancient forest you are about to enter.

Koekamp

Adjacent to the Malieveld lies the Koekamp. This area has served as a cattle and deer park since the 14th century. Look closely and you will likely see red deer and fallow deer grazing peacefully. The Koekamp is part of the original forest of The Hague and features stunning water features and aged trees. It serves as a vital ecological bridge, connecting the city center to the larger Haagse Bos. The sight of deer just steps away from a major international transit hub is a testament to The Hague's commitment to preserving its natural roots amidst urban development.

Haagse Bos

You are now entering the Haagse Bos, one of the oldest remaining forests in the Netherlands. During the 16th and 17th centuries, much of the Dutch landscape was deforested, but a special 'Act of Redemption' in 1576 forbid the cutting of trees here. This forest has survived wars and urban expansion. During World War II, it was used by the German military as a launch site for V2 rockets, and parts of the forest were tragically bombed by the Allies in error. Today, it is a place of healing and recreation, with dense canopies and wide avenues that feel worlds away from the nearby government buildings.

Clingendael Estate

Clingendael is arguably the most beautiful estate in the country. Developed over centuries, it showcases various gardening styles, including a grand English landscape section with sweeping vistas and ancient oaks. The estate is most famous for its Japanese Garden, created by the former owner, Baroness van Brienen, in the early 1900s. While the Japanese Garden is only open for a few weeks a year due to its fragility, the rest of the estate offers stunning rhododendrons, a traditional Dutch farm, and serene tea gardens that make it a local favorite for long afternoon walks.

Royal Palace 'Huis ten Bosch'

Our journey concludes at the gates of Huis ten Bosch, the official residence of King Willem-Alexander and his family. Built in the mid-17th century, it is one of three official palaces of the Dutch monarch. The palace is most famous for the 'Oranjezaal' (Orange Hall), a room filled with massive Golden Age paintings dedicated to the House of Orange. While the palace itself is private and heavily guarded, the view from the surrounding forest paths provides a glimpse into the regal life of the Dutch royals, perfectly situated within the green heart of their capital city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full route from Paleistuin to Huis ten Bosch is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). Depending on your pace and how long you linger at the deer park or Clingendael, it typically takes 3 to 4 hours.