Clingendael Pet Cemetery The Hague
Charming!
Clingendael Landhold has many hidden gems, and one I recently 'discovered' is its not-quite-ancient but still really old pet cemetery (or, if you're keen to practice your Dutch, 'hondenbegraafplaats'). Only a few steps from the mansion-like (and private) Clingendael Institute, this little scrap of land is so small that it doesn't show up on Google Maps, due to the massive tree branches hanging over it. But on the land are about a dozen headstones set in the ground that mark the lives and deaths of what must have been some awfully pampered pooches from the turn of the 20th century.
Yes, there is a 'Lassie', and you'll even find some tearjerker memorials, but the curiosities continue as you notice that all of the inscriptions are in English rather than Dutch (which I find confusing indeed). Perhaps indicative of the longevity of the Dutch fondness for the English language? My researchers are still getting back to me.
In the meantime, I enjoy connecting with the humanity of people long since deceased who would take the time to put down for posterity such words for their furry friends:
'Here lies Togo (1921-1935)
Heard nothing
Saw nothing
Knew everything'
About this spot
Clingendael 7
€
free
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our The Hague guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in The Hague
Koningsplein – A beautiful square
All around Koningsplein are houses built in the neo-renaissance style typical for the area, beautifully maintained with their front doors in bright colors.
By
Karoline
Welton
Petit – A vegan, gluten- and dairy-free café!
For breakfast, Petit offers croissants or granola with fruit, for lunch there are two tosti options (the Dutch version of a grilled sandwich).
By
Karoline
Welton
World Peace Flame – Keeping the flame burning
Apart from its obvious significance, it's an interesting place to visit because each of the 197 countries contributed a special stone to the monument.
By
Karoline
Welton
Tigershark – Best flat white in Scheveningen
Whether you enjoy your cappuccino with cow’s milk or oat milk—Tigershark’s baristas perform their magic and make it taste absolutely delicious.
By
Karoline
Welton
Papan – Surfer vibes
Papan serves outstanding coffee, grilled cheese toasties and breakfast burgers. It's spacious and relaxed, there's wifi and you can work on your laptop.
By
Karoline
Welton
Louwman Museum – Automobile museum
The "Louwman Museum" in The Hague houses the world's largest pre-1910 automobiles, and more than a few specialty cars from the period after!
By
Adam
Frick
Bar Bowie – From breakfast to a night cap
Its a restaurant and wine bar in the modern French-Mediterranean style. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or even just drinks.
By
Karoline
Welton
De Vulkaan – A rewarding view
De Vulkaan is the highest peak of the picturesque Westduin Park, located to the west of the city and one of my favorite lookout spots in The Hague.
By
Karoline
Welton
Loft – Café Loft Den Haag
Try the “Loft breakfast” between 10:00 and 11:30 for a delicious, nourishing start to the day. If you’re swinging by later, make sure to try out the “Loftini” cocktail.
By
Karoline
Welton
Emma's Hof – A little slice of (green) heaven
Emma’s Hof has a free library, a playground for kids, lots of benches and sunchairs, an abundance of flowers and herbs, and more and more birds...
By
Karoline
Welton
Pompernikkel – From breakfast to bakery
Pompernikkel is where you walk past in the mornings, spontaneously grab a coffee, devour an artisanal pastry, and bump into your neighbours.
By
Karoline
Welton
Egelopvang – A hospital for hedgehogs
Opvang can be translated as shelter, so we’re talking about a shelter for hedgehogs between the woodlands and dunes of the western boroughs of The Hague.
By