Why go
A walk through Haagse Bos brings you to a royal residence with a different setting from the city-centre Noordeinde Palace. Huis ten Bosch was commissioned by Amalia von Solms in the 17th century and later dedicated to her husband, Frederick Henry. Its long facade makes that history visible among the trees.
What to look for
- The palace facade comes into view along the public approach through Haagse Bos.
- Look for the dome rising above the palace's wooded setting.
The full story
Construction of Huis ten Bosch began in 1645, with designs by Pieter Post and Jacob van Campen. Amalia von Solms had commissioned it during the life of her husband, Frederick Henry. After his death she turned the palace into a tribute to him. The Oranjezaal, or Orange Hall, was filled with paintings in his honour, although that room is beyond the view of a visitor walking in Haagse Bos. The building later served different members of the Dutch royal family and, briefly, Louis Bonaparte when he was king of Holland. It was badly damaged during the Second World War and restored in the 1950s. From the forest approach, the central dome and long wings hint at these successive chapters of a working royal residence.
Useful to know
- See the palace from the public forest approach; plan no interior visit.
- Work the exterior view into a walk or cycle ride through Haagse Bos, preferably in daylight.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 30–45 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.