De Ooievaart

Who they are

De Ooievaart is a non-profit foundation in The Hague, the Stichting De Ooievaart, based on the Bierkade, on the edge of the centre. Its name recalls the stork, the symbol of the city. It was born with the idea of preserving and bringing to life The Hague's historic canals, a ring of water that many visitors do not know exists and which the foundation itself places in the 14th century. It works with about a hundred volunteers, mostly guides and skippers, who tell the story of the city as the seat of the court, the government, a royal city and a city of peace and justice.

Boats and routes

It has nine boats and, since 2023, seven of them are electric; its plan is for the whole fleet of open boats to be so within a few years. The open boats do the centre route, under the low bridges of the canals; the tour lasts about 90 minutes. There is also a covered trekschuit, the traditional towed barge, which does not fit under those bridges and sails outside the centre. In season a boat also goes to Delft.

The open boats sail from April to October; the covered boat, all year, and outside the season there are departures on request and a winter programme. For groups they have departures in their own boat and themed routes, and they hire out a boat of 1905 for meetings. The foundation also runs a harbour for visiting boats, bike hire with routes around the city and the climb up a tower with views.

Departure point and practicalities

Everything leaves from the café De Haagse Hop, at Bierkade 19, about ten minutes' walk from Den Haag Centraal. You need to be there a quarter of an hour early. The open boats have no toilet, so it is best to use the one at the harbour office; the covered boat has an emergency one.

They sail in bad weather too, and only cancel for a storm or very strong wind. If it rains you are given a poncho: umbrellas are not allowed, because the bridges are low and they block the skipper's view. One of the boats has a wheelchair lift; you need to ask for it when you book. For children they lend life jackets at the harbour office, and the foundation reminds you that they are the responsibility of their parents. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs.

Booking and cancellation

Tickets are bought on their website, with a time slot. They can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure and you get a refund minus €1.50 in fees; if the departure is cancelled because of the weather, you can change the date or ask for a refund. Groups can add a €25 good-weather guarantee per boat that lets them decide up to three hours before. Holders of the Ooievaarspas, the city's social pass, pay half. The website is in Dutch, English and German, and the commentary on board is given by the volunteer guide on duty.