Den Haag, Wassenaar, Scheveningen

The Hague, the centre of Dutch government, never officially received city rights and is technically still a village. Yet it was granted the privileges of a city, and even after city rights were abolished in 1798, Napoleon awarded The Hague the honorary title of city in 1810.

The oldest archaeological finds in The Hague were discovered near the Binnenhof and date back to around 3000 BC. Here you’ll find the Dutch government, parliament, ministries and embassies. The route also takes you past Noordeinde Palace, where the king works, and other places linked to the royal family.

You’ll cycle past Scheveningen, where King Willem I came ashore on 30 November 1813 before being inaugurated as sovereign prince. In Wassenaar, you’ll pass estate De Paauw, once owned by Prince Frederik of Orange-Nassau (1797–1881).

The route also leads through the polder village of Stompwijk, known for its many drawbridges and swing bridges. It dates back to the 13th century, when it was called Stompwijc and was founded during the draining of the Wilde Veenen. Enjoy the typical Dutch look of this village as you ride past fields, farms and windmills.