Binnenhof | The Hague

Information

Landmark: Binnenhof
City: The Hague
Country: Netherlands
Continent: Europe

Binnenhof, The Hague, Netherlands, Europe

The Binnenhof is a 13th-century Gothic architectural complex in The Hague that serves as the political heart of the Netherlands. It is the oldest parliamentary building in the world still in use.

Status Alert: 2021–2031 Renovation

The entire complex is currently closed for a massive structural renovation. Most of the inner courtyard is inaccessible to the public.

Duration: Work is projected to continue until summer 2031.

Government Relocation: The House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) and the Senate (Eerste Kamer) are currently meeting at temporary locations elsewhere in The Hague (Bezuidenhoutseweg 67).

Visual Characteristics

The Binnenhof is defined by a series of grey and red-brick buildings surrounding a central courtyard. The most iconic structure is the Ridderzaal (Knight's Hall), a large 13th-century hall with twin towers and a steep, pointed roof. Adjacent to it is the Hofvijver, a large artificial pond that reflects the complex's northern facade and the Torentje (Little Tower), which houses the Prime Minister’s office.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Binnenhof 1, 2513 AA The Hague.

Public Transport: Highly accessible via tram lines 1, 15, and 17 (Buitenhof or Kneuterdijk stops). It is a 15-minute walk from Den Haag Centraal station.

Renovation Access: A 28-meter-high yellow Observation Tower (Viewpoint Binnenhof) is currently located at Buitenhof to allow visitors to view the construction progress and the skyline for free.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originally built as a hunting lodge and castle for the Counts of Holland, the site evolved into the seat of the States-General in 1584. The architecture spans several centuries, transitioning from medieval Gothic to 17th-century Baroque and 19th-century Neo-Gothic. The complex was built on a sandy ridge surrounded by marshes, which necessitated the creation of the Hofvijver for drainage and defense.

Key Highlights & Activities

Ridderzaal: Traditionally the site of the King’s "Speech from the Throne" on Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day, the third Tuesday of September).

Binnenhof Renovation Information Centre: Located at Plaats 22, this center offers free exhibits on archaeological finds discovered during the renovation (including medieval staircases and skeletons) and a VR experience of the Binnenhof.

ProDemos Tours: While the buildings are closed, ProDemos offers specialized walking tours around the exterior and temporary parliamentary locations to explain Dutch democracy.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The immediate surroundings (Buitenhof and Plein) are densely packed with cafes, restaurants, and retail. 5G signal strength is excellent throughout the area. Public restrooms are available in the Information Centre and nearby museums like the Mauritshuis.

Best Time to Visit

Photography: The Lange Vijverberg (the street across the water) offers the classic panoramic view of the Binnenhof reflecting in the Hofvijver, especially at sunset.

Viewpoint Tower: Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00; it provides the best perspective on the "hidden" inner workings of the historic renovation.

Facts & Legends

The Ridderzaal's roof is supported by massive 13th-century oak beams. Legend says these beams were carved into the shape of "heads" to represent listeners, ensuring that anyone speaking in the hall told the truth. A technical oddity of the current renovation is the discovery that more than half of the old load-bearing beams were rotten, requiring a massive increase in the restoration budget (now exceeding €2.7 billion).