Put on your walking shoes and join us on an adventure! There is always something to discover in The Hague’s natural areas. From colourful autumn leaves and fascinating mushrooms to birds, rabbits and perhaps even a fox: if you take the time to look and listen, you will keep discovering something new.
In October and November, The Hague’s park rangers are organising several free guided walks in Clingendael Estate and Westduinpark. During these excursions, the rangers will tell you more about the plants and animals that live here, the changes taking place in nature and the special places you will encounter along the way.
The walks are suitable for nature lovers of all ages. So whether you have been enjoying walks in nature for years or simply want to see your own city from a different perspective: come along and be surprised by the nature right on your doorstep.
“When you slow down, you see more”
Ranger Marie-Louise knows better than anyone that sometimes you simply need to slow down to discover nature.
“When you slow down, you see more. I teach people to look more closely.”
According to Marie-Louise, you do not have to travel far outside the city to encounter remarkable plants and animals. “If you are quiet, nature comes to you. You might see a fox on the path, birds among the blackberries and rose hips, or rabbits. Sometimes you can even spot ospreys and sea eagles!”
That is precisely what makes The Hague’s natural environment so special. In and around the city, you will find extensive parks, woodland and dune landscapes that provide plenty of space for plants and animals.
“Having so much nature so close to the city is unique,” says Marie-Louise.
Family excursion: Autumn walk in Clingendael
Friday 23 October – 10.00 am
Autumn is perhaps one of the most beautiful seasons to explore Clingendael Estate. The leaves turn yellow, orange and red, mushrooms emerge from the ground and signs of wildlife can be found everywhere.
During this special family excursion, you will set off with the ranger and discover how nature changes as the days become shorter. Keep your eyes open, because you might spot a special mushroom, a bird or another small natural wonder along the way.
A fun and educational walk for the whole family.
Starting point: Entrance to Clingendael Estate on Wassenaarseweg, The Hague
Time: 10.00 am
Climate Week: Discover Westduinpark
Thursday 5, Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November – 10.00 am
During The Hague’s Climate Week, you can join the rangers for a walk through Westduinpark. This remarkable dune landscape is close to the city, yet in some places it feels as though you are far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Along the way, the ranger will tell you about the natural environment and the plants and animals that have made this area their home. How do plants survive in the dunes? Which animals live here? And what makes this area so important for nature?
You will discover it all during this guided walk.
Starting point: Kijkduin Shopping Centre, entrance at Plus/Koffiecar Lou
Time: 10.00 am
Autumn walk in Westduinpark
Wednesday 18 November – 10.00 am
There is still plenty to discover in Westduinpark in November. During this autumn walk, you will explore the changes that become visible in nature at this time of year together with the ranger.
Nature is gradually preparing for winter. Plants change, leaves change colour and animals adapt to the colder and shorter days. The ranger will tell you more about the plants and animals you encounter and point out special natural phenomena that you might otherwise simply walk past.
Starting point: Kijkduin Shopping Centre, entrance at Plus/Koffiecar Lou
Time: 10.00 am
Autumn in Clingendael with the ranger
Wednesday 25 November – 10.00 am
What is there to discover in Clingendael when autumn is at its most beautiful? Join the ranger and find out for yourself.
During this walk, the focus is on autumn colours, mushrooms and other special natural phenomena. The ranger will show you how the estate changes throughout the season and which plants and animals are particularly easy to spot at this time of year.
Take your time to look around carefully as you walk. You may discover something you would normally simply walk past.
Starting point: Entrance to Clingendael Estate on Wassenaarseweg, The Hague
Time: 10.00 am
Silent walk in Westduinpark
Wednesday 2 December – 10.00 am
For a while, there is nothing else to do. No hustle and bustle, no rushing and as few distractions as possible. During the silent walk in Westduinpark, the focus is on consciously observing, listening and enjoying nature.
The ranger will help you experience the dunes in a different way. By walking in silence from time to time, you become more aware of sounds and small details. The rustling of the wind, the sound of birds or the movement of grass and bushes: suddenly, you notice so much more.
Along the way, you will visit beautiful and special places where tranquillity takes centre stage. A walk that gives you space not only to connect with nature, but also to take a moment for yourself.
Starting point: Kijkduin Shopping Centre, entrance at Plus/Koffiecar Lou
Time: 10.00 am
Will you join us?
The walks are free of charge. Choose the walk that suits you, put on a sturdy pair of walking shoes and join the ranger.
Because The Hague’s natural environment has more to offer than you might think. Sometimes all you need to do is slow down, look carefully and stop for a moment.
Sign up and discover everything that lives, grows and blooms in The Hague’s parks, woodlands and dunes.
Registration
Only walks that still have places available are shown on the registration page.
Can’t make it after all? Please cancel your registration using the link in your registration confirmation.
Cost: Free
Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Group size: Maximum 15 participants
What to bring: Sturdy walking shoes
Register | Out and about with the ranger
Participation is at your own risk. The Municipality of The Hague is not liable for:
- damage to or loss of participants’ personal belongings;
- the behaviour or actions of participants;
- injuries, accidents or other physical harm occurring before, during or after the excursion, or any consequences thereof.
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