The Malieveld is perhaps the most famous grassy field in the Netherlands and a real eye-catcher in the heart of The Hague. This vast green field is located right next to The Hague Central Station and has been the setting for major events, festivals, concerts and demonstrations for decades. But even outside the hustle and bustle of events, the Malieveld is a popular place for a relaxing walk, sports, a picnic on the grass or simply to enjoy the space and urban nature. Thanks to its central location, the Malieveld is also an ideal base from which to explore The Hague further.
Malieveld is the place in The Hague for big events and festivals
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.
Eating pancakes at Pavilion Malieveld: a tasty idea!
Historical importance
From the 17th century onwards, people played the popular game of Maliën on the Malieveld; rolling a large ball, which was hit with a maliekolf (a type of mallet). The ball had to roll across the entire maliebaan (playing field), touch two poles and pass through a gate.
On the corner with Raamweg, you can see the Provincial House. Previously, there was a zoo here, with the beautiful Zoo Building, popularly known as the Hague Sports Palace because of the many sports competitions that were held there (including fencing, judo, gymnastics, boxing, table tennis, and roller skating). In 1913, the National and International Exhibition of Sport and Tourism also took place at the Malieveld.
The Malieveld was the place for sports, games and victories. With sports such as running, horse racing, cricket, football and cycling, the Malieveld was an important centre for sport. In 1890, HVV won its first national football championship here. ADO also originated at this location. In July 1993, the Davis Cup tennis match between the Netherlands and Sweden took place on a specially constructed clay court.
The Malieveld today
We know the Malieveld, of course, as the start and finish location of the CPC, the running event. But also as a course for sports, boot camp and skating. Markings every 50 metres provide space for interval running, a vigorous sprint or a breathtaking 400 or even 800-metre run.
Nowadays, the Malieveld is also known for the events, festivals and demonstrations that take place here, such as the Liberation Festival and, around King's Day and Prince's Day, it is time for the funfair.
How do you get to Malieveld?
Malieveld is easily accessible, regardless of how you travel. From The Hague Central Station, it is a five-minute walk directly to Malieveld. By bike, you can get there in no time: there are several bike racks around Malieveld where you can park your bike.
If you are travelling by public transport, get off at The Hague Central Station and follow the signs to Malieveld. Several trams and buses also stop nearby, including tram lines 9, 15, 16 and 17 and bus lines 20, 28, 29 and 61. The Central Station and Malieveld/Koningskade stops are both a few minutes' walk away.
If you are coming by car, there are several parking options in the immediate vicinity. The closest is Q-Park Malieveld, located right next to the site. Helicon Car Park and Q-Park CS New Babylon are also within walking distance. From there, you can reach Malieveld in a few minutes.
The Malieveld is the place to be in The Hague for large events and festivals.
