Discover The Hague with a dark city walk

What a city full of stories The Hague is. Some you know. Others are well hidden, in alleys, behind facades and under your feet. Last year we got to do something very special: walk along with the very first guided edition of The Little Walk of Horrors in The Hague. And believe us … this is one you won’t soon forget.

The Little Walk of Horrors: from DIY to live guide

Maybe you already know The Little Walk of Horrors. This is the concept of owner Sonja (and secretly still one of our regular bloggers), who develops dark city walks that focus on the dark sides of a city. No standard history lesson, but stories about murder, mysteries, intrigue and bizarre events that really happened.

Normally you buy such a walk as a do-it-yourself package. You receive a letterbox package with the route, the stories, photos and some nice extras. There are now walks in The Hague, Amsterdam, Delft, Utrecht, Groningen, Leiden, Haarlem, Nijmegen and even Edinburgh.

But Sonja was increasingly getting the same question, “Wouldn’t you just like to take us through this yourself?” And so the idea for a guided walk was born. Late last year, she developed the first live tour in The Hague. And we got to join the very first group.

Start at the Hofvijver, with a goodie bag and a touch of excitement

On Sunday morning at 11 a.m. we gathered at the Hofvijver. Even before the first stories began, we were surprised with a nice goodie bag. Including a bingo card, which would play another important role during the walk.

That game element turned out to be a golden find. You pay closer attention, everyone participates fanatically and in the meantime you listen to stories that are sometimes so bizarre that you almost forget they ever really happened.

Gruesome, fascinating and sometimes uncomfortably close

Sonja narrates with visible pleasure and a tremendous amount of knowledge. The stories are exciting, sometimes downright violent, but always engagingly delivered. With just enough humor to keep it light-hearted without losing its impact.

We walked along narrow streets, hidden places and locations that you would normally pass by thoughtlessly. For example, did you know that near the Mauritshuis there is a child buried under the sidewalk? Or why “the green mess” is called the green mess? And how the Germans were cleverly fooled in Hotel Des Indes during World War II?

Even people who think they know The Hague inside out were surprised. From a side entrance to the Palace Garden where you can just ring the bell to alleys with a dark past. You are guaranteed to look at this city with different eyes.

Pleasant pace and fine structure

What is also very pleasant: the route is well constructed. The distance feels just right, you walk nicely and the locations are close together. No endless stretches, but always a new story within short walking distance.

After about two hours, we arrived back at the Hofvijver. With a head full of stories, a few bingo’s in our pockets and above all the feeling that we had gotten to know The Hague anew.

What did the group think?

Participants’ reactions were unanimously enthusiastic.

• Elsa and Jeroen said that after four years of studying in The Hague, they thought they knew the city well, but now saw a totally different side. Surprising places, well-told stories and a route that felt just right. “A fresh look at the city. Definitely recommended.”
• Pauline called it “a wonderful walk” during which time flew by. She was especially enthusiastic about the preparation, the bag of water and goodies and, of course, the bingo. “I will never see The Hague the same again.”
• Annette described the walk as intriguing and surprising, with stories perfectly combining historical facts, anecdotes and exciting details. She also thought the bingo was a nice addition that made it just a little more playful.
• And Annemarie summed it up nicely, “A fine morning enjoying the most beautiful city in the Netherlands.” Although sometimes the stories were anything but beautiful.

Why you’ll want to do this walk

Whether you’re a native of The Hague, have visited The Hague many times or are discovering the city for the first time, this dark walk will let you see places and hear stories you would never otherwise experience. It’s exciting, educational, surprising and, above all, incredibly fun to do.

Do you like history with an edge, mysterious stories and experiencing cities in a different way? Then definitely put this one on your list.

Learn more about The Little Walk of Horrors at: thelittlewalkofhorrors.com

And believe us: you’ll never look at The Hague quite the same after that.

Credit’s photos: OpstapmetLisa and The Little Walk of Horrors