Head off to Den Haag for a feel-good seashore metropolis weekend. My sustainable journey information spotlights how one can spend 2 days in The Hague delivering most enjoyable with minimal affect.
The Hague is thought globally because the worldwide metropolis of peace and justice, but surprisingly, few individuals 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 making the most of the town’s cycle-friendly infrastructure. Really feel the wind in your hair as you pedal your technique to Scheveningen Seaside for a refreshing coastal journey.
On this two-day sustainable journey information, uncover how one can discover The Hague responsibly, from staying in eco-conscious lodging to sampling natural delicacies and travelling on inexperienced transportation. Assume past Amsterdam and take a one-hour prepare experience to The Hague, a metropolis simply as picturesque as its big-city counterpart.
About The Hague
Historical past of The Hague
The Hague, formally often known as Den Haag, traces its roots to the thirteenth century when it started as a modest looking lodge for Depend 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 somewhat 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 powerful dedication to sustainability, aligning its insurance policies and initiatives with the Sustainable Growth Targets (SDGs). As a metropolis identified 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 via 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 tasks resembling Hondsbossche Dunes, a pure flood safety for the Netherlands.
Biking tradition and an environment friendly public transport system are central to The Hague’s method to sustainable city mobility, decreasing reliance on vehicles and slicing emissions. Efforts to encourage accountable consumption and manufacturing are evident in applications 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 vehicles, 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 method to fostering a more healthy neighborhood and surroundings. This consists of academic applications, city agriculture, and regional provide chains. Initiatives like Acutely aware Kitchen and Het Eetbare Park exemplify these efforts.
Map of issues To Do In The Hague
Though I couldn’t go to every thing on my must-see record in my 2 days in The Hague attributable to restricted time, I’m excited to share my analysis that will help you plan your personal journey. I hope this map of issues to do in The Hague proves to be a useful useful resource so that you can discover and navigate the 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 a fantastic 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 way in which, 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 consists of works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen.
Initially in-built 1644 for Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, the Mauritshuis was sadly broken by hearth in 1704 however was superbly rebuilt. After being bought by the Dutch state, it was formally opened as a museum by King William I in 1822. Right now, 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 at all times 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, resembling 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 supplies a becoming backdrop for Escher’s intricate works. Earlier than you permit, go to the interactive rooms to step into the thoughts of the artist and expertise his visible puzzles firsthand!
Store Sustainably in The Hague
The Hague has a wealth of moral purchasing choices. Head to Het Appeltaartgevoel or Second Finest Chosen Treasures, the place you will discover preloved clothes and classic equipment. WAUW and WNKL are cute outlets for considerate items. Little Inexperienced Store focuses on all issues nature from pottery, secondhand clothes and selfmade 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 unbiased retailers in The Hague is accessible 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
For those who’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 persist with you. Throughout my go to to their Tasting Room Binnenhaven, I attempted the Satan’s Spine Purple Ale, which had this excellent malty kick, and the Nightcap Decaf Espresso Stout, a easy and wealthy deal with with out the caffeine buzz.
Kompaan Brewery, based in 2012 in The Hague, was began by two childhood pals pushed by a ardour for distinctive beer and honing their residence brewing abilities. The title “Kompaan,” that means “companion,” displays their bond and the neighborhood spirit behind this revolutionary Dutch brewery.
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 contemporary, flavourful, and higher for the planet. Partnering with neighbouring companies, Cafe Zeta has been actioning accountable practices for years via plastic recycling, 100% emission-free transport, and bulk sourcing from native suppliers.
The dinner menu at Café Zeta has masses to select from—assume tasty kimchi hen burgers, pumpkin coconut soup, and aubergine lasagne that actually hit the spot. Climate allowing, it’s an exquisite place to sit back with a drink and watch the world go by, or kick off your night time within the ‘Popdistrict’.
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Day 2: Go to Scheveningen
Rent a motorbike for the day
One of the best ways to discover the coastal aspect of The Hague is by bike. When you get acquainted with the cycle lanes, it’s easy crusing. Many resorts in The Hague present bike leases, but when not, don’t fear—it’s simple to search out one. Haagse Stadsfiets provides reasonably priced metropolis bikes for short-term use, Black Bikes has a fantastic choice, together with duo and kid-friendly choices, and Donkey Republic, a bike-sharing app, helps you to unlock and hire bikes proper out of your cellphone. Using alongside the boulevard with blue flag seashores or via the 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’ve gotten heard of panorama work or not, seeing this large 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 seems to be in the present day.
The museum additionally homes an in depth assortment of seascapes, landscapes, and nonetheless lifes by Mesdag, his spouse Sientje Mesdag-van Houten, an completed artist in her personal proper, and different artists of the Hague Faculty.
Beelden aan Zee museum
The Beelden aan Zee Museum in Scheveningen is devoted completely to modern sculpture. The revolutionary constructing design permits pure gentle to light up the sculptures, though 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 concentrate on human figures in numerous types and kinds. Famend artists resembling Henry Moore, Man Ray, and Kiki Smith are represented, alongside rising abilities.
Along with its everlasting assortment, Beelden aan Zee hosts short-term exhibitions that discover numerous themes and methods in sculpture. Throughout my go to, I used to be thrilled to see works by Joan Miró, certainly one of 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.
Lunch at The Shore
The Shore Scheveningen is a shining instance of sustainability in motion. Greater than only a café and surf college, it’s a champion for the surroundings, devoted to preserving the native marine ecosystem. Their eco-conscious efforts embrace 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 coolness 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 decide from the lunch menu—the selfmade tempeh sandwich—was an absolute delight.
After two months of adventures in Peru, I couldn’t cross up the prospect to strive single-origin typica from northern Peru, roasted regionally by Roast Manufacturing unit in The Hague. The flavour was unimaginable—wealthy, easy, 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. Although I’m not a surfer, the relaxed ambiance made The Shore the right cease on a feel-good day by the ocean.
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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 placing instance of modernist structure. With its clear traces, geometric types, and considerable 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 higher mirror its concentrate on artwork.
The museum homes an in depth assortment protecting numerous intervals and kinds, with highlights in fashionable artwork, ornamental arts, and vogue. 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 embrace Impressionist and Expressionist works by artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Egon Schiele, in addition to minimalist creations by Donald Judd. The museum additionally showcases revolutionary design and historic ceramics, together with conventional Delftware and extra. This treasure trove of artwork and design at Kunstmuseum The Hague may maintain you busy for hours.
Be taught within the Museon-Omniversum
Museon-Omniversum, close to the Kunstmuseum, is an interactive museum and movie dome targeted on science, tradition, and sustainability. Based in 1904 because the Museum of Schooling, 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 assume critically about local weather change and cultural variety. Highlights embrace insightful shows on various power, biodiversity, and water conservation, in addition to artefacts from pure historical past and world cultures.
I liked that the exhibitions are accessible to everybody. They’re thoughtfully curated with easy-to-understand language, whereas kid-friendly actions make studying about environmental accountability enjoyable and fascinating for youthful generations.
Throughout my go to, I had the chance to discover a short lived exhibition devoted to the life’s work of biologist and conservationist Jane Goodall. It featured a strong movie and photograph show that superbly captured her groundbreaking analysis on chimpanzees and her lifelong dedication to conservation.
Dinner at By Ami
Strolling into By Ami felt like entering into a fascinating forest, the place each nook bursts with life. Big hummingbirds flutter amid magenta foliage, smart 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 concentrate on seasonal, regionally sourced substances making certain it’s contemporary rooted in sustainability. The bistro shines in its inclusivity, providing a powerful number of vegan and vegetarian dishes that rival these that includes meat and fish.
Kick off your expertise at By Ami with a decide from their loopy cocktail menu together with vegan choices of Amaretto Bitter and Foaming Flamingo, the mixologist clearly loves his job. Their fastidiously curated wine record 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 pals to {couples} having fun with romantic meals. As a solo diner, the attentive employees made positive I felt proper at residence. The waiter satisfied me to strive the Rolo cheesecake. And he was proper, it was a fantastically tasty concept. In any case, their motto is “Good Vibes Only!”
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How To Go to The Hague Responsibly
Keep in Sustainable Inns in The Hague
VOCO The Hague
VOCO The Hague is a classy renovated Nineteen Twenties constructing close to the town centre. With Inexperienced Key GOLD certification and BREEAM In-Use Wonderful award, they’ve a powerful concentrate on eco-friendly practices, the resort incorporates energy-efficient methods, sustainable supplies, and waste-reducing initiatives.
By appointing a devoted Inexperienced Workforce, VOCO The Hague actively contributes to social and environmental objectives. Initiatives embrace internet hosting neighborhood dinners, organising charity auctions, and partnering with native suppliers and organisations to help inexperienced practices. It’s nice to see a full and clear record of those tasks on-line.
Past its elegant Dutch design and comfy rooms, the 4-star resort exudes a heat, optimistic ambiance, reflecting the well-being of its staff. Dedicated to decreasing its environmental footprint, VOCO The Hague is a perfect alternative for accountable travellers looking for sustainability with a private contact.
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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 record 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 unbiased, natural cafés and eating places in comparison with quick meals chains. The town’s concentrate on wholesome, native sourced and sustainably produced meals shines via its eating scene.
Select from plant-based eateries like Cafe Zeta and Loads to sustainable eating places, resembling Ethica or The Shore Scheveningen, providing a wide range of choices for these looking for natural and eco-conscious meals. Farmers’ markets, resembling De Haagse Markt and Lange Voorhoot Boekenmarkt, additionally help the natural motion, by promoting contemporary, pesticide-free produce that always finds its manner into native kitchens.
How To Attain The Hague
Reaching The Hague sustainably is easy, because of the Netherlands’ robust dedication to eco-friendly journey choices. Listed here are some methods to journey to The Hague with a concentrate on sustainability:
Journey by Prepare to The Hague
- From Inside Europe: The Hague is well-connected by prepare, making it simple 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 beneath an hour. Equally, the Thalys and Intercity Categorical (ICE) trains join The Hague with Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt. My arrival and onward journey to Amsterdam was made with European Sleeper.
- Home Trains: For those who’re travelling from one other Dutch metropolis, NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), the nationwide rail service, supplies common prepare providers 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 international locations. A train-biking combo can be doable, as Dutch trains usually accommodate bicycles.
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Bus to The Hague
- Worldwide Bus Providers: 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 simple.
- Home Buses: Inside the Netherlands, buses from surrounding areas will also be a extra eco-friendly choice, although trains stay the greenest and quickest alternative.
Electrical and Hybrid Carpooling
- Carpool Providers: Carpooling with electrical or hybrid automobiles, via platforms like BlaBlaCar, can scale back your carbon footprint if touring from close by international locations.
- Automotive-Sharing Platforms: Platforms like GreenWheels and MyWheels permit vacationers to hire electrical vehicles 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 providers 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 succeed in The Hague, it is going to take about two hours by bus and prepare.
Getting Round The Hague Responsibly
The Hague is very walkable, however if you happen to’re searching for eco-friendly methods to get round, listed below 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 resorts, resembling VOCO The Hague, provide bike leases, and also you’ll additionally discover quite a few rental outlets across the metropolis, or use bike-sharing providers like OV-fiets.
- Scenic Routes: The town has stunning routes alongside canals, via parks, and to the seashore at Scheveningen.
Electrical Scooters and Bikes
- Shared E-scooters and E-bikes: Suppliers like Examine and Felyx provide electrical scooters that may be rented by way of an app, making it simple to navigate the town whereas decreasing emissions.
- Guidelines and Laws: You should be aware 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 regularly 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 the town and close by areas, whereas NS trains make connections to different Dutch cities simple.
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 along with your itinerary.
Lodging In The Hague
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