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. 

Paviljoen Malieveld

Paviljoen 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.