Experience The Hague

The capital of the province of South Holland is the second largest city in the Netherlands and is also the beating heart of our politics. Even though The Hague is not the capital of the Netherlands, the city still fulfills that role to a large extent. Most embassies and ministries are located in this city, but The Hague is also known as a center for international justice and peace policy. In that respect, the city can compete with international greats such as New York and Geneva. For this reason, the municipality of The Hague added the motto "peace and justice" to the municipal coat of arms in 2012. Park your car for free at TOP Schipluiden and then explore the royal city. Almost 20 kilometers. You pass through the districts of Segbroek and Laak, which have been part of The Hague since 1988. Laak consists of a pre-war district and a mixed industrial estate. It is one of the smallest districts of the city. Segbroek is larger and covers five districts. Then you cycle to the Laakmolen. Another nice sight is the Laakmolen, which is located in the Laakkwartiers. The octagonal polder mill from 1699 was built on the remains of an earlier mill. The mill is surrounded by trees and tall buildings and is an odd one out. Because the wind cannot reach it properly, the ground sailor usually stands still. The Laakmolen has been on the monument list since 1966, but in 1982 a fire broke out that severely damaged the mill. Towards the end of the restoration in 1985, part of the mill went up in flames again. The majority of our political capital undoubtedly occupies the center, which has no fewer than ten districts and is the beating heart of Dutch politics. You pass the Binnenhof Visitor Center, and then Noordeinde Palace. The palace was originally a medieval homestead until it was renovated around 1533. The building has changed hands several times and was even captured as war booty by the French in 1795. Afterwards it became the property of the State. The Palace only came into the hands of the House of Orange in 1609. Since 1984, Noordeinde Palace has been the Queen's working palace, but the building has also been the center of historical events. For example, Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard, but also Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien, got married from this Palace. Less cheerful events also took place within the walls of Noordeinde Palace: Queen Juliana, Prince Hendrik, Prince Claus and Prince Bernhard lay in state here after their death.