Visiting the Efteling

De Efteling redefines the meaning of the phrase, Theme Park. It really requires its own unique terminology because there is nothing quite like it! Based on the theme of fantasy and fairy stories, there is something for each member of the family, no matter your age or your taste.

Created in 1952 by a film maker, an illustrator, and the mayor of the Loon op Zand district where the park is located, the Efteling Theme Park could only be a winner. If you combine the visions of a mayor with an eye to growth, and two artists, you can’t go wrong. And they didn’t!

Planning your Efteling visit

The following details about Efteling may help you plan your visit:

The park is located in Kaatsheuvel, and is open 365 days a year. Times do change with the seasons, but are always posted on the website, which points out special events and expected busy periods.
Public transportation is available. The website provides a number of possible routes. Driving by car to De Efteling from Amsterdam takes one hour and 15 minutes.
Comfortable accommodation is available in the park if you wish to visit longer. It is virtually impossible to cover everything in one day!
There is no shortage of eateries in Efteling, and you will find that the restaurants do a fine job of displaying their own fantasy themes. When you finish your snack or meal, you can throw your leftover papers into the
talking rubbish man.

The attractions of the Efteling Theme Park

The following are single samples of each of the following categories of attractions: Dark Rides, Rollercoasters, and Fairytales.

Symbolica

Symbolica takes you on a dark ride through one of three palace tour options. Whatever you see in the palace is not what it seems! Just leave everything to Magic Jester Pardoes, relax, and try to forget that it’s all fantasy. Note that this is one of the attractions that offers a single rider queue.

Baron 1898

In 1898, a real baron discovered gold in a cave. You may wonder what this has to do with a roller coaster ride with the name, Baron 1898. Just take the ride and you’ll find out. To give you a little hint—it’s not for the faint of heart! Be prepared for a drop of 37.5 meters at a speed of 90/km per hour, into a mineshaft!

Fairytale Forest

For ages three to 93, the Fairytale Forest is so authentic, it depicts exactly that which is already embedded in your imagination. You’ll recognise it at once. Once inside, you’ll find Hansel and Gretel, Pinocchio, Tom Thumb, and more.

When you visit the Efteling Theme Park, you feel something magical in the air. It’s hard to let go of that feeling when you leave, so you’ll need to come back again!