Shopping & districts
Haagse Bos
What It Is
Haagse Bos is an urban forest extending from the old town of The Hague to the edge of Wassenaar. As one of the oldest surviving forests in the Netherlands, it serves as a green corridor for walking, running, and cycling on paved and unpaved trails.
Getting There
The southern edge borders the city centre. From Den Haag Centraal railway station or the adjacent central area, you can reach the entrance on foot in roughly 5 to 10 minutes. Local trams and buses also run along the perimeter.
Time to Allow
Set aside 1 to 2 hours for a standard walk or bike ride. Exploring the full length toward Wassenaar takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.
When to Go
Visit during daylight hours. Spring and autumn provide good conditions for walking under the tree canopy and viewing changing foliage. The paths see heavier foot and bicycle traffic on weekend afternoons and during weekday commute times, so mornings tend to be quieter.
Nearby Attractions
Several central sights sit within short walking distance:
- Malieveld (0.6km): A large open lawn adjacent to the forest grounds.
- Kinderboekenmuseum (0.7km): A museum dedicated to youth literature located near the main station.
- Huis van het boek (0.9km): A museum focused on book design, printing, and typography.
- Hoftoren (0.9km): A prominent office skyscraper in the central district.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors