Zuiderpark

Tucked away in the south of The Hague lies Zuiderpark, a green refuge that has welcomed visitors since 1923. Spanning 166 hectares, it offers tranquility, nature, and recreation in the heart of the city.

The park features wide lawns, winding paths, and peaceful ponds. From the ‘Villierskopje’, a small viewing hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding greenery. One of the ponds is named the Elephant Pond, referencing a remarkable event from 1937. After a performance in Scheveningen, Circus Sarrasani prepared to leave by train, but Jenny, its oldest elephant, collapsed and died. Her body was purchased by the Museum of Education, and to naturally clean the skeleton, it was submerged in a pond in Zuiderpark, where algae did the work. The pond has carried the name ever since.

The park also houses a historic duck decoy, likely in use since 1550. This traditional setup for capturing ducks was bought by the city in 1927. It remains a unique piece of heritage, where nature and history come together in a tranquil setting.