The Hague - The Hague visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'The Hague' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Zuid Holland.

The Hague (Den Haag) is the seat of government in the Netherlands. The city stands on the shores of the North Sea in South Holland, close to the Rotterdam. The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Around 1230, Floris IV, Count of Holland purchased land alongside a pond to build a hunting lodge. This was extended into a palace by William II, Count of Holland and 'Rex Romanorum' around 1250. The palace still exists today and is used for various political and state events. Gradually, the counts of Holland used 'Des Graven Hage' as their administrative centre.

Main tourist attractions in The Hague include the Plein, the main city square lined with government and historical buildings, containing a statue of William of Orrange and a popular place for demonstrations. Next to the Plein is the Binnenhof which houses the Dutch government, the Mauritshuis, a 17th century palace which contains the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, and the Court Pond (named Hofvijver).

Among the sights not to be missed are the Panorama Mesdag, a circular painting 14m high dating from 1881 by Hendrik Willem Mesdag, and the Escher in het Paleis, a museum dedicated to the famous Dutch artist M.C. Escher.

About 10km north of the center of The Hague is the wealthy suburb of Wassenaar, home to the House of Wassenaer.

Flight: Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Airport
Train: The Hague has 6 train stations, two of which connect to international intercity services.