A royal secret at Hollands Spoor
- Hidden gems
- May 23, 2026
- 4 min read
Sometimes you walk past something without knowing what is happening right next to you. At Hollands Spoor station, that is exactly the case. While travelers rush to catch their train, a special piece of history lies hidden: the Royal Waiting Room.
A hidden surprise next to the platform
For many people, it is an unexpected discovery. Also for Joost Welle, a casual passerby: 'No, I didn't know. It's not really that strange that The Hague has a Royal Waiting Room. That royal aspect is part of the city.' That is precisely what makes it so special: a place you may have walked past dozens of times, yet you have no idea what history lies hidden right next to you.
The Royal Waiting Room does not stand alone. Scattered throughout the city, you frequently come across traces of the royal family. "That royal aspect is definitely part of the city and makes it different from, for example, Rotterdam or Gouda," says Joost. "Here, for instance, you have Noordeinde Palace and Huis ten Bosch. I like that." He would consider it a loss if the royal were no longer connected to The Hague.
The Hague's pride
The Royal Waiting Room can only be visited once every six months. If the opportunity arises, he would certainly take a look. 'I think it's pretty cool that it exists and that it's there. Next time, I'm definitely going to point it out to people. You really have to see this.'
It is places like this that contribute to the sense of pride. 'I am proud of my city. It is certainly a city with allure, and an international appeal.' According to him, that appeal even makes people abroad view The Hague as something almost intangible, as if it revolves solely around politics and royalty. He noticed this in a news item on American television: 'People found out that people also just eat ice cream in The Hague. Then I think: Yes, my city!'
Hidden in the hustle and bustle
The Royal Waiting Room dates back to the time of Queen Emma and Princess Wilhelmina. And the Royal Waiting Room is still in use today. Not as often as in the past, but every now and then the Royal Family takes the train. The entrance to the Royal Waiting Room is located on the station square, to the left of the main entrance of Hollands Spoor. A fairytale-like space lies hidden behind the large wooden doors. A marble staircase leads to a large central salon and two side salons: one for the King and Queen and one for the princesses. There is also a room for guests and the court. The rooms are richly decorated with ornaments and gilded details, making you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Throughout the Royal Waiting Room hang "royal mirrors." These are paintings depicting the qualities of a good monarch, such as wisdom. In this way, the King is reminded of the values that are important as a monarch.
It is precisely that contrast that makes the Royal Waiting Room so interesting. In the midst of the station's hustle and bustle lies a quiet place full of stories that you could easily miss. A hidden gem of The Hague that shows how much history there is still to discover. 'A lovely piece of The Hague. It makes the world a little more beautiful than just the functional buildings. A little gem, really, a hidden gem.'
Guided tours
Interested in a tour of the Royal Waiting Room? Check the times here: Opening of the Royal Waiting Room.