Day-5 Netherland: Den Haag Day Tour

Vredespalais, which was closed to the visitor on that day

On my last post, I mentioned that after visiting Groningen, I continued my journey to Rotterdam. However, since it takes only 30 minutes travel time from Rotterdam to Den Haag, I decided to base myself at Rotterdam. I decided to commute to Den Haag and spend one day there before spending the night in Rotterdam.

I listed six amazing places in Den Haag, but I didn’t have chance to visit all of them. Those six places were City Hall of The Hague, Palais Noordeinde, Binnenhof Palace, Gemeentemuseum, Vredespaleis, and Museum Voorlinden. Without further ado, these are some places that I got a chance to visit.

Table of Contents

Binnenhof Palace

Het Binnenhof (translated as Inner Court) is a political complex in Den Haag, which was thought to be originated back in 13^th century. Some of the building inside the complex are Het Torentje (“The little tower”), Ridderzaal (the great hall), Neo-Gothic fountain in the middle of the courtyard. Visitors can enter the building via guided tour which can be booked online here.

Just love the layered semi-circular arch of the building

Museum Voorlinden

This museum is located outskirt of Den Haag, about 17 minute’s drive or about an hour bus ride. What attracted me to visit this contemporary art museum is the swimming pool exhibition. On the basement level the small space is painted like those being inside a swimming pool while it’s actually dry. Meanwhile, the transparent ceiling was orchestrated so as those in higher level can see people in the basement as if they’re submerged inside a swimming pool. This exhibition was made by Leandro Erlich designed specifically for Voorlinden. In my opinion, this is my favourite contemporary art museum in Netherland so far.

If you come by public transport, please expect a longer travel journey, combined with a walk from the bus stop to the museum. However, it could be your best walk so far, as along the way to the museum are green lust garden with beautiful flower, until you meet a clean slate architecture building that is the museum. If you are a fan of contemporary art, plan to spend about 3-4 hours here. On some famous exhibition, expect to queue as there could be visitors waiting to take picture. Explore both the indoor museum and the garden (sculpture garden Clingenbosch, and garden by Piet Oudolf) for the best experience. These garden is within the museum parameter.

Ticket to the museum cost 17,5 EUR, and for the opening hours, you may want to check its official website for updated information.

The swimming pool exhibition by Leandro Erlich – from the top

The swimming pool exhibition by Leandro Erlich – from the bottom

Ron Mueck, Couple under an Umbrella (2013)

“Open Ended” by American artist Richard Serra weighs almost 216 tonnes. The corten steel work is 4 metres high, 18 metres long and 7 metres wide

Admiring building in the Voorlinden complex. If i’m not mistaken, this building i was looking at was a restaurant

Kurhaus of Scheveningen

The visit to this hotel was suggested by a friend of mine who lives in Den Haag. She knows my love for beautiful architecture and told me that the interior of this hotel worth checking. This hotel is situated by the Scheveningen beach in Den Haag, and you can actually combine the visit to this hotel and enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Den Haag.

Vredespalais (The Peace Palace)

Vredespalais was my disappointment in Den Haag, since it was close when I arrived. I can only see it through the gate though. During corona pandemic, guided tour around the palace’s garden costs 11 EUR while there is no guided tour inside the palace. For more updates on visitation, please check the official website of the palace.