Is the Peace Palace open to the public?

The Peace Palace itself is generally not open for walk-ins as it is an active court. However, you can visit the Visitor Center for free, and guided tours of the interior are occasionally available on specific weekends if booked well in advance.

What is the best walking tour The Hague offers for history lovers?

For those interested in modern history and law, the Peace & Justice route through the International Zone is the best choice. It covers 20th and 21st-century milestones like the founding of the ICJ and the ICC.

Can I see the International Criminal Court?

You can view the impressive exterior architecture of the ICC from the public road. There is also a public gallery inside where you can sometimes observe court proceedings, though strict security protocols and scheduling apply.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, especially the Museon stop, which is highly interactive and designed for families. The walk itself is through safe, green neighborhoods, though the legal themes may be more suited for older children and adults.

Where can I find the World Peace Flame?

The World Peace Flame is located in a small monument right next to the entrance gates of the Peace Palace on Carnegieplein. It is accessible 24/7.

What is the best time of day for this self-guided walk?

Morning is ideal, starting around 10:00 AM. This allows you to visit the Peace Palace Visitor Center early and reach the Museon or the ICC area by lunchtime.

Is the International Zone area of The Hague safe?

Yes, it is one of the safest areas in the city due to the high concentration of embassies and international organizations. You will notice a significant but unobtrusive security presence.

How do I get back to the city center from the ICC?

The easiest way is to take Bus 22 from the stop right outside the ICC, which goes directly to Den Haag Centraal (the main train station) in about 15-20 minutes.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the heart of global diplomacy with this self-guided walk through The Hague, the world's capital of peace and justice. This route explores the International Zone, a neighborhood where history is made and international law is upheld every day. You will witness the architectural grandeur of institutions that shape our global society, from the iconic Peace Palace to the ultra-modern International Criminal Court. This walking route offers a unique perspective on how a single city became the focal point for resolving international conflicts and promoting human rights. Along the way, you'll encounter monuments to peace, headquarters of Nobel Prize-winning organizations, and museums that bridge the gap between science and culture. Unlike a standard walking tour The Hague offers elsewhere, this journey focuses on the profound legal and historical evolution of the city. As you navigate the leafy boulevards and high-security districts, you'll gain insight into the complex machinery of international relations. This self-guided adventure allows you to absorb the gravity of these sites at your own pace, whether you are a history buff, a law student, or a curious traveler. Discover the stories of visionaries like Andrew Carnegie and the modern legal battles that define the 21st century. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a sightseeing trip; it is an exploration of the ideals that bind the world together.

Highlights

The iconic Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice

The World Peace Flame, featuring stones from every nation

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning OPCW headquarters

The modern architectural marvel of the International Criminal Court

The historic World Forum, host to global summits

Museon’s exhibitions on humanity and global challenges

Tour Stops (6)

Peace Palace

Standing before the Peace Palace, you are looking at what is perhaps the most photographed building in The Hague. Completed in 1913, this 'Temple of Peace' was made possible by a massive donation from American steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie. It was built to house the Permanent Court of Arbitration, but today it is most famous as the seat of the International Court of Justice—the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The architecture is a blend of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic styles, symbolizing the unity of different cultures under the rule of law. While the interior is often closed for high-level deliberations, the exterior remains a powerful symbol of the global quest for harmony and the prevention of war through legal mediation.

World Peace Flame

Just outside the gates of the Peace Palace sits a humble but significant monument: the World Peace Flame. This flame has been burning since 1999, when seven flames from five continents were flown to the Netherlands to be joined into one. Surrounding the pillar is a 'world peace path' consisting of 197 large and small stones representing nearly every country on Earth. Some stones are historically significant, such as a piece of the Berlin Wall and a stone from Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. It serves as a quiet place for reflection on the individual’s role in creating a more peaceful world, standing in the shadow of the massive legal institutions nearby.

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

The sleek, curved building before you is the headquarters of the OPCW. This organization gained worldwide recognition in 2013 when it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. Since its establishment in 1997, the OPCW has overseen the destruction of the vast majority of the world's declared chemical weapons stockpiles. The architecture of the building, with its transparent glass facade, is intended to reflect the organization's commitment to transparency and international cooperation. It is a vital part of the Hague's identity as a city that doesn't just talk about peace, but actively works to dismantle the tools of war.

World Forum

The World Forum is the premier convention center of The Hague and a key site for international diplomacy. Over the decades, it has hosted some of the most important global gatherings, including the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit, which brought together leaders from over 50 nations. The building's modernist design is a staple of the International Zone's skyline. Beyond politics, the World Forum is also a cultural hub, hosting major concerts and the famous North Sea Jazz Festival in its earlier years. It represents the city's dual role as a place for high-stakes negotiation and a vibrant center for international cultural exchange.

Museon

Museon is a museum of science and culture that plays a unique role in the Peace and Justice theme. Its permanent exhibition, 'One Planet,' is based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. It explores how we can share the Earth's resources fairly and live together peacefully. Through interactive displays, it connects the abstract concepts of international law found in the neighboring buildings to the everyday lives of people around the globe. It is a fantastic place to see how The Hague educates the next generation about global citizenship and environmental responsibility. The building itself is an example of functionalist architecture, designed by Wim Quist.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

Our final stop is the International Criminal Court, or ICC. Opened in 2015, this state-of-the-art complex is located on the edge of the dunes. The ICC is the world's first permanent international criminal court, established to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The building's design is deeply symbolic; the 'Court Tower' is the tallest element, while the surrounding 'Trench' provides security without the need for unsightly fences. The greenery integrated into the facade is meant to help the building blend into the natural landscape of the Dutch coast. It represents the modern frontier of international justice, where the world holds individuals accountable for the most serious crimes of international concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk takes approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace and how long you spend at Museon. The distance is about 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) from start to finish.