Lange Voorhout

Lange Voorhout is a charming and historic avenue right in the heart of The Hague, Netherlands. This beautiful boulevard, lined with 17th-century mansions and stunning lime trees, offers a delightful walk for anyone wanting to soak in the grandeur of The Hague’s past. It’s a perfect blend of beauty and tranquility, making it a must-see spot when you’re in the city.

History

The name “”Lange Voorhout”” means “”Long Forewood,”” which hints at its original use as a hunting area for the Court of Holland back in the Middle Ages. Over time, it evolved into a residential area where wealthy families built their homes. Many nobles and diplomats chose this location because it was close to Binnenhof, the political heart of The Netherlands. In the 15th century, Emperor Charles V ordered the planting of four rows of lime trees, turning the area into the beautiful tree-lined avenue we see today.

How to Get There

Getting to Lange Voorhout is pretty straightforward. You can drive or use public transport. If you’re driving, enter via Utrechtsebaan and follow the signs for ‘centrum.’ The best places to park are the Interparking Museumkwartier car park on the Korte Voorhout or under the Malieveld at Q-Park Malieveld. If you’re coming by train, it’s just a 10-minute walk from The Hague Central Station, or you can take tram 1 or 9 from either The Hague Central Station or The Hague HS Station.

Attractions

1. Lime Trees and Shell Sand Path: The avenue is lined with impressive lime trees and features a shell sand path originally laid to prevent horse-drawn carriages from getting stuck in mud puddles.
2. Cultural Institutions: Lange Voorhout is home to several cultural spots, including Theatre Diligentia, Pulchri Studio (one of Holland’s oldest art societies), and Escher in the Palace (a museum showcasing M.C. Escher’s work).
3. Statues and Sculptures: The avenue features various statues and sculptures, including a beautiful sculpture of Louis Couperus, a renowned Dutch author.
4. Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, the center aisle hosts various events and festivals, such as antiques and book markets, Christmas markets, and summer festivals.

Ticket Information

You don’t need a ticket to stroll down Lange Voorhout. However, if you want to visit any of the cultural institutions, you might need to buy tickets. For example:

• Escher in the Palace: Tickets can be purchased on their official website.
• Theatre Diligentia: Tickets can be booked through their website or at the box office.

Tips for Visiting

1. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Lange Voorhout. In spring, the avenue is adorned with thousands of flowering crocuses, and in autumn, the golden leaves create a magical atmosphere.
2. Walking Path: The shell sand path can be a bit slippery, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
3. Events and Festivals: Check local event calendars to see if any festivals or events are happening during your visit.
4. Shopping and Dining: The city center near Lange Voorhout offers a variety of shopping and dining options, including international restaurants like Little V for Vietnamese cuisine.
5. Accessibility: The avenue is wheelchair accessible, but some of the cultural institutions might have limited accessibility. It’s a good idea to check ahead of time.