Madurodam Miniature Park, Hague (must see)

Madurodam, situated in the Scheveningen district of The Hague, is a popular tourist destination known for its miniature park. This park features meticulously crafted 1:25 scale models of renowned Dutch castles, public edifices, and significant industrial projects scattered throughout the country. It was inaugurated in 1952 and has attracted millions of visitors over the years.

The park derives its name from George Maduro, a Jewish law student hailing from Curaçao. Maduro valiantly opposed the Nazi occupation forces during World War II as a member of the Dutch resistance but tragically perished in the Dachau concentration camp in 1945.

On July 2, 1952, Princess Beatrix, who was a teenager at the time, was appointed as the honorary mayor of Madurodam. As part of her duties, she received a tour of the miniature town. However, when Beatrix ascended to the throne as the queen of the Netherlands, she relinquished this position. Presently, the mayor of Madurodam is elected by a youth municipal council composed of 25 students from schools in the region.

Madurodam offers interactive experiences for all ages, including loading containers onto a mini cargo ship, assisting a plane takeoff, and operating the storm surge barrier. Visitors receive a personal smartphone for a media-rich experience explaining each object's story. The park has three themed areas: Dutch innovations (VindingRijk ), Water's role (WaterRijk), and Old Town centers (StedenRijk). There's also a globe-like section called World Viewer (Wereldkijker) showcasing Dutch accomplishments, and a themed playground named 'Wadden Sea' for children.

Apart from the enjoyable attractions available at Madurodam, visitors have the option to dine at the park's two restaurants: Taste of Holland and Panorama Café. Additionally, there are two on-site shops where visitors can buy souvenirs.