Dan Haag (The Hague) is the location of the seat of government in the Netherlands, although Amsterdam is the official capital. It is located on the western coast of the country in South Holland Province, and has a population of about 500,000. Both chambers of the legislature are located there, as are all embassies. Queen Beatrix both works and makes her home there.

 

 

History

Originally the area occupied by Den Haag was a private hunting grounds for the Counts of Holland. In 1248 William of Holland built a castle and Dutch court life began to focus there. After the rebellion against Spanish rule in the 16th century Den Haag emerged as the capital city. The French controlled it from 1795 to 1813. Peace Conferences held there in 1899 and 1907 increased its prominence as a world center of justice and diplomacy. The Hague Tribunal is located there.

 

Art & Museums

In and near Den Haag are thirty museums to delight art lovers. Art museums include the Gemeentemuseum with collections of the applied arts, fashion, music and modern art; and the Mauritshuis which houses works of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Potter. Other significant collections are in the Historical Museum, the miniature city of Madurodam, museums of popular science, literature, and communications. One can learn about Dutch rural life, see a huge cylindrical painting, follow the history of transportation, and view a collection of Escher prints.

 

Nightlife

There is not a large student population in Den Haag, so nightlife is more subdued than in some cities. There is a concert hall and dance theater carrying programs throughout the year. There are a number of bars, restaurants and cafes, many located just off The Plein, the large square by the lower parliament house. Only a few places stay open late and have dancing.

 

How to get there

The closest airport is at Rotterdam, however public transport from there to Den Haag is awkward, making the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport the more frequently used hub for air travel. For automobile traffic there are toll-free highways to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht. Traffic jams at rush hours are frequent. The new Dutch high-speed train will run to Breda, Antwerp and Brussels, and should be operational in 2009. The city is served by regional light rail, trams and buses. The stops and ticket system are somewhat confusing to newcomers, but most places can be reached with two or fewer transfers. The city is compact and foot travel is sensible.