Lange Voorhout | The Hague

Lange Voorhout is a historic L-shaped boulevard in The Hague, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful streets in Europe.

Visual Characteristics

The street is characterized by its wide, gravel-covered central promenade lined with quadruple rows of linden trees. It is bordered by stately 18th-century townhouses and palaces featuring ornate facades, monumental doors, and classical proportions. The ambiance is defined by historic gas-style streetlamps and its proximity to the Hofvijver pond.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Lange Voorhout, 2514 EH Den Haag.

Public Transport: Reachable via Trams 1, 15, 16, and 17 (Kneuterdijk or Buitenhof stops).

Parking: Limited street parking; Parking Museumkwartier is located directly underneath the boulevard.

Accessibility: The central promenade is flat and gravel-surfaced; surrounding sidewalks are paved and wheelchair accessible.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originating in the 14th century as a path along the edge of the forest, it was transformed into a prestigious residential area in the 15th and 16th centuries. Emperor Charles V ordered the planting of the first four rows of lime trees in 1536. It has historically served as the residence for diplomats, high-ranking officials, and the nobility.

Key Highlights & Activities

Escher in Het Paleis: Located at Lange Voorhout 74, this museum occupies the former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma and houses the permanent collection of M.C. Escher's optical illusion artworks.

Hotel Des Indes: A luxury hotel at Lange Voorhout 54-56, known for its opulent interiors and high tea services. It was originally built as a city palace for Baron van Brienen.

Sculpture Exhibition: Every summer, the central promenade hosts a large-scale public art exhibition featuring contemporary sculptures.

West Den Haag: A contemporary art institution located in the former American Embassy (designed by Marcel Breuer).

Infrastructure & Amenities

The street is a designated historic conservation area. High-speed 5G coverage is excellent. Public seating is provided throughout the central promenade. Upscale dining and high-end specialty shops are located in the immediate vicinity.

Best Time to Visit

Photography: Spring (when the linden trees bloom) or autumn (for golden foliage). The street is highly photogenic during the winter "Royal Christmas Fair."

Events: June to September for the annual sculpture exhibition and mid-December for the Christmas market.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical fact is that the street's design influenced the layout of major boulevards in other European cities, including Unter den Linden in Berlin. Legend says that the "L-shape" of the street was dictated by the original boundaries of the Counts of Holland's hunting grounds.

Nearby Landmarks

Binnenhof – 0.2km South

Mauritshuis – 0.2km South

Noordeinde Palace – 0.3km West

Hofvijver – 0.1km South