Explore The Hague on foot with local expert Laurence's favorite walking routes. Discover forests, palaces, museums, and dune landscapes.
Published: June 15, 2024
Laurence Gerretsen, a 34-year Hague resident working at Stayci, believes exploring cities on foot reveals their authentic character. Here are his personal favorite walking routes through historic forests, royal estates, and coastal dunes.
“The Hague is much more than government buildings and international courts,” Laurence explains. “Within 20 minutes of our city center apartments, you can be walking through 13th-century forests, discovering hidden Japanese gardens, or hiking coastal dunes where the North Sea meets pristine nature reserves. These walks showcase the unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty that makes The Hague special. I walk these routes year-round, and each season reveals something new—spring tulips in Clingendael, summer beach days at Meijendel, autumn colors in the forest, or crisp winter mornings with frost-covered dunes.”
Het Haagse Bos (The Hague’s Forest)
The Netherlands’ oldest forest featuring red and fallow deer in De Koekamp. Enjoy views of Huis ten Bosch Palace, the royal residence since 1981.
This 200-hectare woodland dates back to the 13th century and serves as a remarkable green lung in the heart of the city. The forest features ancient oak and beech trees, winding paths perfect for contemplative walks, and surprisingly diverse wildlife. Early morning visitors often spot deer grazing peacefully near De Koekamp meadow. The forest connects seamlessly to Clingendael Estate, allowing for extended walking routes through pristine nature.
Distance: Approximately 4km circular route Best time: Early morning or autumn when the foliage transforms into golden hues
Clingendael Estate
Magnificent estate featuring English country mansion gardens and the famous Japanese Garden, which opens for 8 weeks annually with free entry.
Once a private aristocratic estate, Clingendael now welcomes the public year-round to explore its romantic English landscape gardens, winding paths through rhododendron collections, and serene ponds. The Japanese Garden, created in the early 20th century with authentic elements imported from Japan, opens typically from mid-April to mid-June when the azaleas and cherry blossoms peak. The estate also houses a charming tearoom serving traditional Dutch treats.
Walking the entire grounds takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Pro tip: Visit on weekday mornings during Japanese Garden season to avoid crowds and capture stunning photographs.
Voorlinden Museum
Private modern and contemporary art museum in the Wassenaar dunes, housing art collector Joop van Caldenborgh’s impressive collection.
This architectural masterpiece opened in 2016 and seamlessly blends contemporary art with surrounding nature. The museum features rotating exhibitions of international contemporary artists alongside permanent installations in the sculpture garden. The building itself, designed by Kraaijvanger Architects, uses floor-to-ceiling windows to frame dune landscapes as living artworks. The grounds include walking paths through protected dune nature, making this both a cultural and natural experience.
Allow 2-3 hours for the museum and garden. Tickets must be booked online in advance. The museum café serves lunch with locally sourced ingredients.
Distance from The Hague city center: 6km (reachable by bus 43 or bicycle)
South Holland’s largest dune area between Scheveningen and Wassenaar. Diverse landscapes include dune valleys, lakes, pine forests, and sandy beaches.
This 2,000-hectare nature reserve protects one of Europe’s most biodiverse dune ecosystems. Walking trails wind through shifting sand dunes reaching heights of 25 meters, past freshwater lakes created for drinking water filtration, and through ancient pine plantations. The reserve is home to roe deer, foxes, numerous bird species, and rare dune flora including orchids.
Multiple marked trails range from 2km family-friendly loops to challenging 12km coastal hikes. The visitor center (Duinrell entrance) provides trail maps and rents binoculars for birdwatching. Parking available at multiple entrances. Free admission, though some car parks charge a small fee. Bring water and snacks—facilities are limited within the reserve.
🥞 Laurence’s Tip: Stop at Boerderij Meyendel for delicious pancakes, then finish your walk at “Het Zwarte Pad” near beach restaurants.
Getting Around
These routes are accessible by foot or bicycle from most Stayci apartments. Return to the city center via tram #1 from the beach.
By Public Transport: HTM trams and buses connect all starting points. Use the HTM app for real-time schedules and contactless payment. Day passes (€8) offer unlimited travel.
By Bicycle: The Hague features excellent cycling infrastructure. Rent bikes from Donkey Republic (app-based, €3/hour) or traditional shops near Central Station. Most routes include dedicated cycle paths.
