Paleis Noordeinde | The Hague

Information

Landmark: Paleis Noordeinde
City: The Hague
Country: Netherlands
Continent: Europe

Paleis Noordeinde, The Hague, Netherlands, Europe

Noordeinde Palace (Paleis Noordeinde) is the official place of work for King Willem-Alexander, located at Noordeinde 68 in the center of The Hague.

Visual Characteristics

The palace is a Dutch Classicist building featuring a symmetrical white facade with a central pediment. It is situated directly on a public street, separated only by a decorative wrought-iron fence. Unlike many royal residences, it is integrated into the urban fabric, surrounded by art galleries and boutiques. The rear of the palace overlooks the extensive, walled Palace Garden.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Noordeinde 68, 2514 GL Den Haag.

Public Transport: Reachable via Trams 1, 15, 16, and 17 (Buitenhof or Kneuterdijk stops). It is a 15-minute walk from Den Haag Centraal station.

Access: The palace interior is not open to the public, as it is an active royal office. However, the Palace Garden (Paleistuin) is a public park accessible via the Prinsessewal.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originally a medieval farmhouse converted into a "Great Mansion" in the 16th century, it was acquired by the States-General for the widow of William of Orange in 1591. The building underwent significant expansion in 1814 after the Netherlands became a kingdom. It has served as the "working palace" since 1984.

Key Highlights & Activities

Flag Protocol: When the King is in the country, the royal standard (flag) is flown from the palace roof.

Ceremony of the Credentials: On Wednesdays, newly appointed ambassadors typically arrive at the palace in a horse-drawn carriage to present their credentials to the King, accompanied by military music and a guard of honor.

Palace Garden: Offers a quiet retreat with historical landscaping, sculptures, and a large pond. It is a popular spot for picnics and photography of the palace's rear facade.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The surrounding Noordeinde street is one of the most upscale shopping and art districts in the Netherlands. Public restrooms are not available in the palace but can be found in the Palace Garden (during opening hours) or nearby cafes. 5G signal strength is high.

Best Time to Visit

Photography: The facade is best photographed in the morning light.

Palace Garden Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 18:00 (winter) or 21:00 (summer).

Wednesday Mornings: Ideal for witnessing the arrival of foreign ambassadors and military ceremonies.

Facts & Legends

A verified technical detail is that the palace features a secret underground tunnel connecting it to the nearby royal stables. Legend says the palace was almost destroyed by a fire in 1948 that started in the ballroom, leading to a decade-long restoration that modernization the internal facilities while preserving the classical appearance.