When we think of Holland, we think of tulips…
My partner and I are fortunate to have friends who live in The Hague (or Den Haag to the local folk) – so what better excuse than to hop aboard an Easyjet flight and head to Holland for the weekend?
Rude not to really.
Once we touched down at Schiphol Airport, it was really easy to get to our friends house in Scheveningen – just an hour on the train and for only a handful of Euros. Of course, we could have hollered a taxi, but where’s the adventure in that?
Scheveningen
Scheveningen is a sub-district and one of the eight districts of The Hague – and it’s one of Holland’s most popular seaside resorts. There’s an esplanade, a lighthouse and a pier for added value. In fact, the latter is the town’s most iconic structure and a place where adrenaline junkies can bungee jump from or zip line across.
Like any pier worth its salt, there is a 42 meter Ferris wheel to ride; it may not be as thrilling as bungee jumping, but you are guaranteed a great view of the North Sea coastline!
It’s fair to say that a stroll along the beach is probably best left until the summer months, as opposed to the adverse winter weather that we faced. Nonetheless, it’s a pretty sight. A number of ‘pop up’ cafes and restaurants adorn the beachfront, many with wonderful blazing fire pits – no better way to get yourself warm from the freezing cold weather….and enjoy a hot drink in the process. And if like me, you appreciate a bit of street art, you’ll find plenty here!
If the beach isn’t happening one day, why not turn your hand to a spot of ten pin bowling! Yes, the Dutch love a bit of this – and turns out I did too!
Scheveningen has excellent tram links into The Hague. In just a mere 30 minutes, you’ll go from seaside to city.
The Hague
The Hague is a bustling city known for housing the government of the Netherlands and the United Nations International Court of Justice. As such, it is full of business folk and us tourists.
Although not half as lively as its hardcore little brother – Amsterdam – The Hague has more than its fair share of canals, bicycles and traditional tall, leaning townhouses. So if you’re wanting a taste of Holland minus the tack and whiff of coffee shops at each turn, then Den Haag is definitely the Dutch city for you.
Despite it being possibly the wettest weekend of the year, it was great to see a whole new part of the Netherlands that I’d never been to before. The problem, of course, was that much of my trip was spent in bars, singing karaoke – badly. I blame the bad weather, it really wasn’t conducive to sightseeing….
There’s only one thing for it – a return trip is on the cards!
Sun, See and Suitcase 