Efteling is the place where fairytales and stories come to life amid beautiful landscaping and magical attractions, with the immersive Fairy Tale Forest designed by Anton Pieck being the jewel in the crown.
Efteling is the place where fairytales and stories come to life amid beautiful landscaping and magical attractions, with the immersive Fairy Tale Forest designed by Anton Pieck being the jewel in the crown.
| Opened | 1952 |
|---|---|
| Season | All Year |
| Owner | Efteling Nature Park Foundation |
| Attendance | 5,560,000 (TEA 2023) |
| Website | www.efteling.com |
| Nearby | Toverland (44 miles) Amsterdam Dungeon (50 miles) Plopsa Indoor Hasselt (51 miles) Winterland Hasselt (51 miles) Walibi Belgium (69 miles) |
The House of the Five Senses: Efteling's imposing main entrance
Speak to almost anyone from the Netherlands and they will have heard of Efteling. In fact, most of them will have been. The average Dutchman visits the park 5.2 times during his life, which is an astounding statistic. It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and, along with Disneyland Paris and Europa Park, is among the most visited parks in Europe.
Efteling's essence is found in fairytales and storytelling, and these are what the park excels at. At the centre of Efteling is Sprookjesbos - the Fairytale Forest - a 15 acre area devoted to retelling famous fairy stories. These are depicted using a variety of animated models, buildings and other technologies. Some are extremely technically advanced, all are ingeneous. In fact, it is easy to spend half a day becoming fully immersed, exploring inside the various houses inhabited by the likes of Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Cinderella and many others.
Baron 1898 as seen from the Gondoletta boat ride
Outside the Fairytale Forest, Efteling's storytelling heritage continues throughout its collection of superbly designed world class theme park rides and attractions. Each ride comes with a theme and a rich story, which throws visitors into the heart of a new adventure with each attraction they experience.
Highlights include De Vliegende Hollander, a water ride/rollercoaster that tells of the legendary Flying Dutchman; Joris en de Draak, one of the world's best racing wooden coasters that pits fire against water as George fights the Dragon; Droomvlucht (Dreamflight), a dark ride set in a dream land populated by fairies and trolls; and Raveleijn, a spectacular big budget live show featuring warriors, an evil tyrant, crows, horses and a giant mechanical fire-breathing monster.
Efteling is one of the most incredible theme parks in the world. With a darker, more traditional European take on fairytales and storytelling, it lacks the sugar-coated tweeness of Disney, though its popularity proves that Dutch children at least can handle a less happily-ever-after approach to their fairy stories. The park's richly themed rides are outstanding, as is its approach to general park operations, which can rarely be faulted. Where theme parks are concerned, very few can beat Efteling.
Part dark ride, part water ride, part rollercoaster retelling the myth of The Flying Dutchman
Expansive fairytale forest area featuring many well-known stories cleverly brought to life
Dive down into the depths of a mine shaft haunted by the legendary White Women onboard this B&M Dive Coaster
Dreamflight, one of the most imaginative and beautifully themed dark rides in Europe, takes riders on a trip through their dreams into a world of fairies
Boat ride through a lost city, based on the story of 1001 Arabian Nights
Indoor rollercoaster telling the story of Bird Rock
Very comfortable version of a Vekoma Corkscrew rollercoaster
Crazy indoor dark ride past scenes from around the world, all presented by a clown called Jokie
Experience the famous Danse Macabre come to life inside Efteling's haunted castle
Journey down a wild swirling stream on this river rapids ride
Dare you board the Half Moon for a swinging sailing ship ride on the high seas?
Cook up a feast with Monsieur Cannibale as you spin around in his giant oversized pots and pans
Explore the houses of the People of Laaf, either on foot or by overhead monorail
Fly high up into the sky for a bird's eye view of Efteling on the flying island
Long sedate boat trip along Efteling's quiet and peaceful lake
Steam trains take visitors around the park
The best of Efteling's several carousels
Drive your own old Ford car
Children's railway
Detailed indoor model village exhibit
Spectacular live show telling the story of Ravelin
Huge water show featuring fountains which dance to some of Efteling's most famous music
ECC Dutch Winter Warmer 2012 Day 2: Winter Efteling