Den Haag De Bibliotheek/skyline

High-rise in the heart of Den Haag

Den Haag has a skyline that surprises many people. Not as pronounced as Rotterdam, but that is exactly what makes it interesting. Around the Bibliotheek on the Spui and its immediate surroundings you find a mix of 1970s concrete, modern towers and the unmistakable Strijkijzer. That last building, formally known as the Hoftoren, is one of the most recognisable shapes in the city. The sharp point, the glass facade, the way the building recedes as you walk around it. There is always an angle that works.

The blue hour does the heavy lifting

The best results here come during the blue hour, just after sunset. The windows and facades light up, the sky still has colour, and the contrasts are softer than during the day. Arrive a quarter of an hour before sunset so you can choose your position at a relaxed pace. The angle near the Spui looking towards the Strijkijzer gives a clean, symmetrical composition. But also walk through to the Turfmarkt or the Kalvermarkt, because from those streets you see the building set against the rest of the skyline.

Focal lengths and compositions

With a 24-35mm lens you capture the width of the skyline and its surroundings. If you want to compress the Strijkijzer and separate it from the background, 85-135mm is more effective. Pay attention to leading lines: the pavements, facade bands and rows of windows naturally draw the eye upward. A low camera position close to the facades strengthens that effect.

Practical

You can park in the car park beneath the Spuiplein or in the immediate area. By tram or train this location is easy to reach: Station Hollands Spoor and Centraal are both within walking distance. The public space around the Bibliotheek and the Strijkijzer is freely accessible and you do not need a permit to photograph on the street. It does get busy here during the day, so the blue hour has a practical advantage too: fewer people, a calmer image.

Sources and further reading

• Gemeente Den Haag
• De Bibliotheek Den Haag
• Wikipedia: Hoftoren (Het Strijkijzer)