Nearly 70 works in the Clingenbosch Sculpture Garden, a shell grotto dating from around 1775 and a bunker complex accessible only on a guided tour: Wassenaar offers different ways to discover art, history and landscape. Experiences range from contemporary exhibitions to historic country estates and a farm that invites visitors to share in its everyday life.
Art, Architecture and History
Museum Voorlinden presents solo exhibitions, temporary displays from its collections and highlights on permanent display. Around the museum, forests, dunes, meadows, waterways and landscaped gardens shape the surroundings. The garden was designed by Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf. The Clingenbosch Sculpture Garden contains nearly 70 works by national and international artists. A guided walk past nearly 70 sculptures takes more than two hours; tours run seasonally.
The museum is accessible by car, public transport or bicycle, and parking is free. Check your route before setting off. The Bunkercomplex Rijksdorp offers a very different insight: the complex includes a command post, an ammunition depot, a field hospital, a kitchen bunker, a bathing bunker and two toilet bunkers. Visits are possible only as part of a guided tour, not independently. Find out in advance whether a tour is available.
In the centre of Wassenaar stands the historic Korenmolen Windlust. Its base dates from 1668, and the upper section was built around 1700. The mill is generally open to the public on Saturdays; tours for small groups are possible. As opening arrangements may vary, it is advisable to check before visiting. The private Rijtuigmuseum Bellesteyn is housed in one of Bellesteyn’s stable buildings. Its collection includes 42 19th-century carriages and three sleighs. Small groups of visitors are sometimes given tours; ask in advance about the possibility of a visit.
Huize De Paauw also tells the story of a change in use: Prince Frederik bought the building in 1838 as a country residence; since 1925 it has served as Wassenaar’s town hall. It is freely accessible during office hours, but only some parts can be visited. Parking at Huize De Paauw is limited. Most of Backershagen Park is open to the public, while the immediate surroundings of the main building and residential buildings are private. Notable structures at Backershagen include an octagonal 18th-century tea pavilion and a shell grotto built around 1775.
Country Estates, Dunes and Trails
De Horsten comprises the country estates of Raaphorst, Eikenhorst and Ter Horst. Most of the area is open to the public and has several designated walking routes; temporary conditions on the estate may affect access. The Jachthuis now serves as a tea house. Three walking routes have also been created for exploring Prince Frederik’s former country residences.
There are two adventure trails for children: one runs through Backershagen and De Paauw parks, the other through De Horsten. Numbered stops provide information and ask questions about the locations along the way. The trails encourage visitors to notice details along the route rather than simply going from one destination to the next.
The entrances at Wassenaarse Slag provide access to the northern part of Meijendel. From the entrance, you can also reach Ganzenhoek Forest. De Tapuit is the starting point for visits to Meijendel. The interactive visitor centre covers Meijendel’s wildlife and water extraction; it also has walking and cycling routes and an aquarium. Further afield, Hollands Duin stretches from Wassenaar to the northern part of Zuid-Holland. Walking, cycling and mountain biking are all possible there.
Two cycling tours also offer different ways to explore the area: one 26.5-kilometre tour starts at De Tapuit visitor centre. Another route is 40 kilometres long in total, with a 14-kilometre section that can be ridden from Wassenaar. Wassenaar’s coastline and beach are important for recreation and tourism. People from the region also enjoy the nature and beach there.
Agriculture and Special Experiences
A visit to Boerderij Nellesteijn also offers a glimpse into food production. The farm shop sells homemade farm cheese and dairy products and invites visitors to sample them. You can explore the grounds during opening hours. While the farm shop is open, you can walk around the farm independently on the Klompenpad and learn about the animals, farm operations and cheese-making. This self-guided walk differs from activities that include a guided tour.
Draf- & Renbaan Duindigt hosts harness and flat races featuring Thoroughbreds and Arabian horses. Free guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look and include areas such as the stables; check the programme for the date of your visit. Special events regularly feature additional activities for children, such as horseshoe decorating, bouncy castles and pony rides. Duinrell offers an amusement park and the Tikibad, and promotes family entertainment all year round. Individual facilities may change.
Whether you are interested in art, historic buildings, landscapes or agriculture, the variety of experiences offers plenty of ways to plan your trip. When choosing accommodation in Wassenaar, you can consider which of these discoveries appeals to you most.
Discover more destinations: Wassenaar, Wassenaar, Alblasserdam, Ridderkerk, Nieuw-Lekkerland, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Giessenlanden, Pijnacker-Nootdorp.
For the main travel overview: South Holland.
