Highlights of The Hague

Westland

Where is more than €12 billion worth of flowers and plants traded every year? Exactly! Westland. Westland was created in 2004 by the merger of De Lier, 's-Gravenzande (including Heenweg), Monster (with the cores of Poeldijk and Ter Heijde), Naaldwijk (with the cores of Honselersdijk and Maasdijk) and Wateringen (including Kwintsheul). The two other Westland municipalities, Maasland and Schipluiden, were then merged into the municipality of Midden-Delfland. Let's dive deeper into this knit and see what there is to do.

An auction at Royal FloraHolland.

Royal FloraHolland

A cooperative of growers and for more than 100 years, the auction has brought growers and buyers together. It is now the largest marketplace in the world for floriculture and one of the Netherlands' most important export sectors. The auction is definitely worth a visit. You will be amazed! Step into the world of a multi-billion dollar company.

Westlands Museum

In the permanent exhibition, the museum takes you back to Roman times, the Middle Ages, the 18th century and today. How did Westland come about and how did it grow into the largest greenhouse horticulture area in the world?

Historic garden
In the historic garden behind the museum you can enjoy a lovely walk among the flowers, vegetables and fruit trees. You can see how horticulture developed from 1700 to the present.

Holy Ghost Courtyard

A real gem hidden in Naaldwijk is the Holy Ghost Courtyard. Frederik Hendrik van Oranje, one of the governors, had this courtyard built around 1627 for 15 poor old men and women. The chapel is now popular for weddings.

Staelduinse Bos

The Germans once lived in these dunes on the edge of an immense swamp. Centuries later, monks left here to clear the land. Afterwards, this forest became an estate and the private domain of nobility and harbor barons. It played an important role during the Second World War. In May 1940 it was a battlefield and then a headquarters of the German troops. And now? Now everyone can enjoy this while walking. The forest is part of the Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen.

One of the many bunkers in the Staelduinse Bos.

Bunkers from the Second World War
Walk among the men's quarters of the German bunker village, but don't go inside. Way too dangerous! Moreover, you disturb the current inhabitants: bats. There are bat excursion with the ranger!

Self-picking at Frambij

At Plukkerij Frambij there are 20 types of fruit and vegetables to pick! You choose a colorful basket to carry the picking box and a pair of scissors and you go out. Each type of fruit has a sign with explanation! You pay at the Tearoom and you look for a nice spot to have a drink and eat.

Sail

Did you know that you can paddle from Scheveningen to Naaldwijk in a canoe? Or enjoy a relaxed sup. Of course you have to be a bit fit for that 14km.

Are you more relaxed of mind and less energy-burning? The Westland is a beautiful area for sailing. This is possible with a whisper boat or a real 'Westlander', which used to be used to transport horticultural products. You can combine your cruise with a tasty snack and drink. This is possible with De Hollandse Vloot and you can enjoy beautiful views and beautiful glimpses of the only beautiful 'Glass City' in the Netherlands!

Lekker fietsen in de duinen

Cycling

You can certainly cycle in the Westland. There is a route of around 30 km from Hoek van Holland to Kijkduin. You pass through the Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen. With little wind this is a beautiful trip! You pass the beach entrances 's-Gravenzande, Monster and Ter Heijde. Always good for a snack and a drink. Eventually you enter The Hague via Madestein. And of course the route can also be reversed.