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With an area of over 65 hectares and 32 attractions, this magical world is based on the traditions of European fairy tales, from Snow White and Hansel and Gretel to Pinocchio and Cinderella, all in an exciting three-dimensional version. You can also check out our private tours of the Netherlands here!
There are fairytale villages, such as Kolmar in the heart of the Upper Rhine Valley, and there are theme parks that look like something out of a book of elves and fairies. Such is the situation at Efteling Park in the south of the Netherlands. Perhaps you have never heard of it, or perhaps you have been lucky enough to visit it, but the most interesting thing is that it has been open for 70 years. More than 150 million visitors have passed through its attractions and been enchanted by the poetic stories of the “enchanted forest”.
Efteling is one of Europe’s oldest parks, and has always looked to the future, creating new attractions to meet the growing demand from visitors of all ages, while maintaining a dreamlike charm for young and old.
In addition to preserving Europe’s fairytale heritage, Efteling also offers picturesque green spaces, environmental education and sustainable development throughout the park organization.
SINCE 1952
Efteling was opened in 1952. From the very beginning, fairy tales and the forests that inspired them have always been on our minds. That is why you will find many references to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Andersen, as well as to all those fables that take place among the trees.
It is no coincidence that this magical atmosphere was created by Anton Peak (1895-1987), the famous Dutch painter, decorator and illustrator, known for his nostalgic and fairy-tale-like works, who was also known for his postcards and calendars, popular throughout Europe.
In the following decades, many new attractions appeared in Efteling, such as the famous Phyton, opened in 1981, the longest roller coaster on the European continent, with a 750-metre ride and a speed of 75 km per hour.
Its creativity and respect for the environment and nature earned it the coveted “Applause Award” for the best amusement park in the world in 1992, awarded by IAAPA. Since then, it has continued to combine the tradition of poetry and fairy tales with exciting entertainment.
AMUSEMENT PARK TODAY
What can you find in the park today and why is it worth a visit? Efteling is currently divided into 5 themed zones called kingdoms: Marerijk (Story Kingdom), Anderrijk (Different Kingdom), Reizenrijk (Journey Kingdom), Ruigrijk (Kingdom of Emotion) and Fantasierijk (Fantasy Kingdom).
The poetic attractions are neighbours to the thrilling roller coasters and the most diverse and exciting rides. A wide range of attractions for all tastes and ages is the basis for the success of the park, which in 2017 was already visited by more than 5 million people a year.
WHEN AND HOW TO VISIT
Efteling is open 365 days a year. To get here, just fly to Amsterdam, and from there you have two options: rent a car or use the train and bus. It is generally a two-hour journey.
That’s why they offer accommodation. The Efteling Hotel (with 492 beds), the Efteling Bosrijk (a holiday park with bungalows with 1694 beds) and the Loonsche Land holiday village (with 1000 beds). In addition to more than 3,000 rooms, the Grand Hotel Efteling will have 700 rooms and is scheduled to open in 2024. The Villa Pardoes, a recreation centre where children aged 4 to 12 with serious illnesses can relax free of charge with their siblings and relatives, and the Efteling Theatre, built for performances in the park and later used for large-scale theatre productions, complete the ever-expanding project.
The park changes according to the time of year. In spring it becomes a magical place full of beautiful flowers, and in summer you can enjoy long days out. In autumn you will be amazed by the colours of the Fairy Forest (Sprookjesbos), and at Christmas Efteling becomes a fantastic world full of lights, ice games and bonfires.
Adults, young people and children alike will find amazing attractions as they enter the gates of the park, such as the Symbolika: Palace of Fantasy, the winding Piranha water trail inspired by pre-Columbian culture, the incredible roller coaster with the Baron 1898 drop, the fabulous 4D cinema Fable or the dark ride Droomvlucht and many more.
