This summer, there’s plenty to discover both indoors and outdoors. The paintings around the grand staircase in the palace make it feel as though you’re on a journey. And the extraordinary works of art, both inside and out, sometimes seem as though they’re from another world. Are you coming along on an adventure?
Art and stories are perfect for experiencing adventures close to home. Delve into history, imagine you’re an animal, or lose yourself in a good book. All the summer activities are linked to the history of the palace and the garden.
The stables square
On either side of the stables square are stables with space for 88 horses. In between are the coach houses and the harnessing area, where the horses were harnessed to the carriages and sleighs. Prince Hendrik’s garage was originally used for cars; it is now a restaurant.
Pit stop
On long journeys, the horses pulling a carriage were sometimes changed. After such a pit stop, the journey could continue at full speed. In this game, there’s no time to refuel – just get there and back as quickly as possible. The winner gets to stand on the top step of the podium for the victory photo.
Vroom Vroom
Some of Paleis Het Loo's residents love fast cars. However, when the stables are built at the beginning of the twentieth century, horses and carriages are amore important. That’s why Prince Hendrik’s garage, now restaurant prins Hendrik garage, is much smaller than the stables. Current king Willem-Alexander’s father has built his son a toy race car. Seen in the left photo. The car is part of the permanent presentation The House of Orange.
Horse riding parcours
Back when there were no cars, you needed a horse for every journey. On the course between the stables square and the palace, you get to be the horse yourself. HopHop at a gallop! And you’ll see, you’ll be there in no time.
Insect Palace
Some people go on safari to see the Big Five. Can you spot the Tiny Ten? Ten insects are hidden in the play palace leading to the restaurant. Play, search and count them all. Tip: make a viewing tube in the workshop. Perfect for an insect safari!
The King’s Playground
Welcome to the King’s playground: the Lower Garden! On this grassy area next to the Junior Palace, the King used to play sporting games with his friends. For example, skittles – a kind of golf – or croquet. Discover the games you can play here.
Balance beam
Trees were felled in the woods behind the palace. By planting the trees close together, they grow nice and straight. Trees help each other; they keep each other in balance. What about your balance? Can you make it to the other side of the field without touching the grass?
Spot on
Paleis Het Loo is a summer palace. King Willem and Queen Mary chose this location because of the water for the fountains and the wooded surroundings, which were ideal for hunting. Important matters were discussed whilst hunting. In this painting, you can see the king on his white horse. If you look closely, you can see Paleis Het Loo in the background.
Workshop
Make your own cardboard viewer and take it on an adventure around the palace and the garden. The items in the palace are old and fragile, so you’re only allowed to look at them. It’s perfect, then, if you can see them clearly with your cardboard viewer. You can also take it outside to look at sculptures or go on an insect hunt. Have a go!
Relax and unwind
The gardens at Paleis Het Loo are meant to be enjoyed. Marvel at the beauty of the flowers and plants. Listen to the birds and the sound of running water, breathe in the fresh Veluwe air and relax.
Twister Beds
The garden at Paleis Het Loo is divided into sections, known as parterres, which are mirrored on the left and right. This effect is called symmetry. The palace itself is also symmetrical, so the garden and the palace form a single whole. You’re not allowed to walk on the parterres, but you can in these twister beds. Well, walk… Would you like to get a good view of the garden? Then climb the stairs to the palace roof!
Dance Party
A royal dance party is called a ball. In a ball booklet, you can write down with whom you want to dance at the party. The guests wear beautiful clothes, and at a masquerade ball, they wear a mask. At midnight, everyone removes their mask, and you finally see your dance partner.
Do you want to know which songs they dance to?
