The Hague Airfares

The Hague, the seat of government in The Netherlands, is often bypassed by visitors heading for Amsterdam. Although The Hague is very different from its better-known sister city – it has only a handful of canals, for a start – these differences make it a wonderful city to visit.

The contrast is particularly stark when enjoying a walk through the dunes at the edge of the city. The Hague lies on the North Sea coast and Scheveningen, once a separate seaside resort, is now regarded as a suburb of The Hague. Upon entering the dunes from Scheveningen, just a few kilometers from the center of town, visitors immediately experience a sense of solitude that is rarely possible in the capital. Birdlife is plentiful and there are several access points to uncrowded beaches. At the heart of the dune area lies a pancake house where you can rest up while feasting on the Dutch specialty. Return via the Pompstationsweg exit and you will find yourself opposite the prison where Slobodan Milosevic resided until his death in March, 2006.

Back in town, don’t miss the unusual Panorama Mesdag, a cylindrical painting measuring 14 meters high and 120 meters ins circumference. Housed in a purpose-built dome, the painting depicts the Scheveningen beach and fishing village as it was in the 1880s. The illusion of standing at the beach yourself is bewitching.

The Peace Palace also runs fascinating tours, while the historic centre, with its narrow alleys and expensive shops, makes for a delightful stroll. An impressive collection of Dutch masters, including the famous Girl With A Pearl Earring, can be seen at the Mauritshuis gallery. And lose yourself in the huge Haagse Bos (Hague Wood), at the far end of which you will find the Queen’s official residence.