't Malieveld is a large grass field in the centre of The Hague with an area of over ten hectares. Both inside and outside the city, the Malieveld is a household name. Of historical importance but nowadays best known for the events, festivals and demonstrations that take place here. The Tong Tong Fair and the Liberation Festival are held here every year. The annual City-Pier-City Loop starts and finishes at the Malieveld. And during the Christmas period, The Hague's Groot Kerstcircus (Grand Christmas Circus) is on Malieveld.
History of Malieveld
Malieveld was originally part of the Haagse Bos. The 1575 Act of Redemptions protected the Malieveld and prohibited building on the area. The act stated that not even a tree could be cut down. Yet at the beginning of the Eighty Years' War, part of The Hague Forest was cut down to protect The Hague from the Spaniards. The heavy rain that year washed away the fertile soil. As a result, the forest on the site of Malieveld never came back.
In 1594, those dunes were further excavated, creating the present grassy plain. From 1606, the grassy field was used to play the game malie, or palmalie. The name Malieveld also comes from this game, which was popular among the English and French nobility. In 1705, the Malieveld was considerably shortened by the expansion of The Hague. The Prinsessegracht was moved and provided the new boundary of the Malieveld.
Haagse Bos
Originally, the Malieveld was part of the Haagse Bos. The Malieveld still borders the forest. The 100-hectare Haagse Bos consists of an extensive and centuries-old green structure and is inextricably linked to The Hague's rich history.
Pavilion Malieveld
Pavilion Malieveld, located on The Hague's Malieveld since 1941, is known for its delicious poffertjes, pancakes and Old Dutch waffles. The pavilion is also great for a light lunch and an extensive coffee table. Hot or cold weather? You can sit here inside or on the sunny terrace.
Koekamp
Together with Malieveld, the Koekamp is historically part of the Hague Forest. Originally, the Koekamp was the hunting grounds of the Counts of Holland, who resided in the castle that forms the basis of today's Binnenhof. The Koekamp owes its name to the cattle that roamed here. The Koekamp has kept its original function, namely as an animal pasture. It is a forest park with large ponds and a deer park in which red deer and fallow deer, among others, roam.
Accessibility
The Malieveld is easily accessible in various ways thanks to its central location near The Hague Central Station and the Utrechtse Baan. There is a large car park under the Malieveld. Another parking option is Interparking on Korte Voorhout. The Malieveld is also easily accessible by public transport. From The Hague Central Station, you can walk there within five minutes. Several bus lines also stop at the Malieveld.
Events at the Malieveld
The Malieveld is mainly known for the many events held there every year. Recurring events like the Christmas Circus, the Tong Tong Fair and the Liberation Festival are favourites among residents of The Hague. The Veterans Day, the NN CPC run and Prinsjesdag also hold parts of their programme on Malieveld. Malieveld is also regularly used for political demonstrations.
More information about events at MalieveldParks and forests
Fancy discovering even more green in The Hague? Then indulge yourself: with its parks and forests, The Hague is one of the greenest cities in Europe.
