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Palace gardens

Palace Garden in springtime

The palace gardens take us 335 years back in time. They are exactly as commissioned by the first residents of Paleis Het Loo (Willem III and Queen Mary), who had impressive gardens laid out behind their ‘austere’ palace to surprise their visitors. And to enjoy themselves, of course.

The globe fountain is spraying water
Globe fountain
A golden dragon spouting water into the fountain
Hercules fountain

Wander through the palace gardens

Wander through the gardens like Willem and Mary and discover the unique plants, trees, the gushing fountains and the statues. Every feature has its own story.

The gardens of Paleis Het Loo have a perfect location.

Program

During the Princes’ and Princesses’ Days in summer, visitors of all ages stroll through the Upper Garden, with the ‘Königssprung’, the colonnades, shrubs, flowers and trees in the background

Wander through the palace gardens

The 17th-century Baroque palace garden is largely symmetrical. Yet there are differences between the east and west. The most significant differences are to be found in the King’s Garden and the Queen’s Garden. Whilst William III used the King’s Garden more as a playground, Mary regarded the Queen’s Garden as a place to relax and cool off.

A group of visitors is given a tour of the garden of Paleis Het Loo

Take the guided tour

Do you have any questions about the history, symbolism and natural features of the palace gardens? Join a guided tour during the spring and summer months.

The Paleis Het Loo app in use in the palace during an audio tour

Download the Paleis Het Loo app

Is there no guided tour at that time? Don’t worry – download the Paleis Het Loo app and explore for yourself. Don’t fancy any screen time just yet? Pick up a leaflet at the west entrance before you head into the gardens.

Symmetrical Gardens of Paleis Het Loo

Read about symbolism in the gardens

Would you like to do some preliminary research to find out more about the palace gardens? If so, read on to find out more about the Queen's Garden and the gardens or Willem and Mary.

Queen's Garden statue of Paris and Aphrodite

Go on a treasure hunt

Children can do a treasure hunt in the gardens. They’ll be hunting for statues! Pick up the treasure hunt sheet at the information desk and set off on your hunt!

The Tea Pavilion in summer with people looking over the balustrade on the Orange Walk route

Take the Orange Trail

Are you a keen walker and still haven’t had your fill after exploring the palace gardens? Continue your journey through the history of the House of Orange with the Orange Trail.

Visitors are sitting on the terrace beneath the colonnades; in the background, you can see the Königsbrunnen, the palace and the palace gardens

Visit the most beautiful terrace in the Netherlands

And don’t forget the most beautiful terrace in the Netherlands. Enjoy the view at the far end of the palace gardens, beneath the Colonnades.

Paleis Het Loo - baroque gardens
The gardens of Willem and Mary

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