Den Haag Binnenhof

Power and mirror water

The Binnenhof is one of the most photographed spots in the Netherlands, and for good reason. The combination of the Gothic Ridderzaal, the towers of the parliament building, and the Hofvijver in front of it gives you a composition that almost works by itself. Almost, because you do need to choose the right moment.

The best light comes at sunset, when the sun is low and warms the facades. The entire complex then reflects in the Hofvijver and you get above and below in a single frame. A calm water surface is essential for this. Wind is your enemy here. If the water is rippled, you lose that symmetry, and then it is simply a photo of an old building.

Composition and viewpoints

The best-known viewpoint is from the Hofvijver side, with the Binnenhof in the background and its reflection in the water. This works best with a slightly longer focal length, somewhere around 50mm to 85mm, so you compress the complex a little and capture the reflection well. With a wide angle you quickly get too close and the perspective starts to distort.

Less well known but well worth it is the inside of the Binnenhof itself. You can walk onto the inner courtyard through the Stadhouderpoort or past the Gevangenpoort. It is quieter there, more intimate, and the architectural details are easy to photograph at close range. Early in the morning it is almost empty.

Season and crowds

Spring and autumn are the strongest seasons. In spring there is sometimes early morning mist over the Hofvijver, which adds an extra layer. In autumn the trees along the water change colour and the golden hour brings a little extra warmth. Summer is busier, the terraces are open, and there are always people in the frame. That does not have to be a problem if you are deliberately shooting street photography, but for a quiet architectural shot it is more difficult.

Parking is easiest in one of the car parks in the centre, such as the one near the Malieveld side. By train you are just a few minutes' walk from Den Haag Centraal or Den Haag HS.

Practical

Photographing on and around the Binnenhof is free for personal use. The complex is partly under renovation, so check in advance which sections are accessible. The Ridderzaal is regularly closed for events or official gatherings. Different rules apply for commercial shoots; in that case contact the Rijksgebouwendienst.

Sources and further reading

• Binnenhof – Rijksgebouwendienst (RVB)
• Gevangenpoort Museum Den Haag
• Wikipedia – Binnenhof