Haagse Bos literally means The Hague's forest. Haagse Bos is the green gateway to The Hague. The forest consists of an extensive and centuries-old green landscape and is inextricably linked with the rich history of The Hague. The Hague forest makes an essential contribution to the green character of The Hague. The area is approximately 100 hectares in size and runs from Malieveld to the municipality of Wassenaar. There is a main pond at the centre of the forest. It is the perfect place for running, picnicking beside the water or walking between the beautiful old trees. Haagse Bos, like Central Park, is a green oasis in a big city.
Oldest forest in the Netherlands
The area once stretched from the Hoek van Holland past Amsterdam. Little remains of this primeval forest, except for Haagse Bos and Haarlemmer Hout. These two forests are therefore the oldest in the Netherlands. During the 16th and 17th centuries many trees in Haagse Bos were chopped down. To prevent this, the Act of Redemption (Acte van Redemptie) was drawn up and stated that no one had the right to chop down trees and that the forest could not be sold. Thanks to this act part of the oldest forest in the Netherlands, including Koekamp and Malieveld, has remained intact.
Play forest Robin Hood
Experience a Robin Hood adventure in the Haagse Bos! Follow the exciting route with rope bridges, suspension bridges, cableways and climbing walls. Tired of playing? Relax in the rope swing or enjoy stories on the tree trunk. Adventure and fun for everyone
Koekamp
Combined with Malieveld, Koekamp historically forms part of Haagse Bos. Originally, Koekamp was the hunting area of the Counts of Holland, who lived in the castle that forms the basis of the present day Binnenhof. Koekamp derives its name from the cows that grazed there and has retained its original function as an animal pasture. It is a forest park with large water features and a deer park where red deer and fallow deer roam. A number of storks also come to breed each year at Koekamp.
Huis ten Bosch Palace
In the Hague Forest, between Bezuidenhoutseweg and Benoordenhoutseweg, lies Huis ten Bosch palace. In 1644, Huis ten Bosch was built as a summer residence for Frederik Hendrik and his wife. Since 1815, the palace has been owned by the Dutch state and made available to the king(s). Princess Beatrix lived there from 1980 until early 2014. Now King Willem-Alexander lives there with his family. The palace is among the top 100 listed buildings by the Dutch National Heritage Agency. Although Huis ten Bosch is not open to the public, you can see the palace if you take a walk or bike ride through the Haagse Bos.
Accessibility
Haagse Bos is easy to reach by car and public transport. There are three car parks nearby: along Bezuidenhoutseweg, under Malieveld and at the beginning of Leidsestraatweg near Huis ten Bosch. From The Hague Central Station, you can also easily walk to Haagse Bos.
