The Efteling, an amazing attraction park located in the Netherlands. A place where fairy tales truly come to life. As an annual passholder I can tell you everything about this magical park. So let’s get started with discovering the Efteling!
Introduction to the Efteling
Efteling is a theme park located in the Netherlands, Kaatsheuvel to be precise. The park opened its doors for the first time on May 31, 1952. The very first attraction was the still famous ‘Sprookjesbos’ (Fairytale Forest). Designd with the ideas of Anton Pieck, who is still very famous for designing scenes for the theme park.
Nowadays the Efteling just keeps on growing, even being the largest theme park in the Netherlands. The park has a wide arrangement of attractions, like dark rides and rollercoasters. Efteling is the perfect place for all ages!
The park is divided into different realms. Each having its own theme and focus. Take your time to discover all that the park has to offer.
The Ultimate Guide to Efteling Rides
The Efteling has many different rides. If you like fast going roller coasters or beautiful rides like one of its newest additions Symbolica. Personally I love both, but these are my favorites and must tries:
- Baron 1898: The Baron is a rollarcoaster located in the ‘Ruigrijk’ (realm). This one is definitely for those who love some adrenaline added to their attractions. The baron 1898 is a real dive coaster, so you should definitely consider sitting in the front row.
- Symbolica: One of the newest attractions is one you don’t want to miss. In symbolica you are taking around the world of Pardoes, the face of the Efteling. Glide through multiple beautiful decorated rooms. This attraction is just so pretty to see that it is a must on your day!
- De Vliegende Hollander: You can’t go to a dutch theme park without going in to a dutch inspired attraction. The Vliegende Hollander is another roller coaster with a water element. Although you should already try this one for it’s interesting story and amazing decor.
- Carnaval Festival: This one is a must when you are with kids or just want to explore the world! In gondolas you are taking a trip around the world with fun characters as Jokie and Jet. Be warned though! As it has a melody you will keep in your head all day.
- Pagode: The Pagode is an attraction that gives you a complete view over the whole park. So although not as thrilling as the Baron or beautiful as Symbolica, the Pagode will still give you some amazing views.
This is just a short list of all the attractions the Efteling has to offer. The best option is just to try to do all the attractions of course! Like Fabula – a 4D movie, Joris en de draak – a roller coaster where you are battling against each other and the mesmerizing Droomvlucht where you will see some elves and trolls.
The Efteling also offers multiple park shows such as Ravelijn, Jokie en Jet and ending the day with a true water ballet Aquanura. All the shows are amazing and my personal favorite is for sure Ravelijn.
Enchanting Sprookjesbos
One of the main attractions of the Efteling is as said before the Fairytale forest. Something that makes the Efteling stand out from other parks is the overall aesthetic. Everything is beautiful and fitting in the picture.
The Sprookjesbos is a big forest in the park filled with around 29 stories scattered around. Think of some famous stories like Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood. The Sprookjesbos is the perfect place for children as it has many interactive elements, but even for all ages it is fantastic to explore.
Best Places to Eat at the Efteling
No time to be hungry in the Efteling! Luckily the park has many different food options, offering something to everyone also including vega and vegan options. My personal favorites?
- Het Witte Paard: The White Horse is a restaurant located near ….rijk. Offering different meals and sandwiches being the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner.
- In De Gelaarsde Kat: My favorite place to get some lunch? The Tosti Place beside ‘Het Witte Paard’. Offering the best ham and cheese sandwiches for a small price, making it the perfect lunch spot!
- Donut Shop: Near symbolica is a shop that offers some delicious donuts and in this case even small fresh donuts, sometimes still being warm! Enjoy them with some cinnamon sugar and you are good to go.
Tips for Booking Your Perfect Efteling Getaway
Wanting to explore the Efteling for more days? No problem! As the park also offers multiple hotel options. As I live around 15 minutes from the park I personally have never stayed at one of the options but I know they all are great to complete your Efteling visit.
The Efteling currently has two options to stay, The Efteling Hotel with it’s themed hotel rooms or Bosrijk, a beautiful place to stay with different room options in nature. Booking a trip in the far future? The park is currently building a new hotel right in the park so stay tuned for that!
Wanting to explore more than just the Efteling? Consider booking a hotel in Den Bosch or Tilburg for exploring surrounding cities.
Essential Information
Tickets: You can easily buy your tickets online via the website of the theme park or in front of the park. While buying the tickets you can also see the expected visitors for a specific day and any attractions that are closed.
Parking: The park offers plenty parking space. Parking tickets cost €12,50 and can be bought online or at the entrance of the park.
Disability pass: The Efteling park is disability friendly. You can request a statement via the website that you can use during your visit. This will give you the option to use separate entrances to attractions. The park also has mobility scooters available for rentals.
Efteling is one of my all-time places to visit, with friends, family or just by myself. There is always something to explore and the attractions actually never get old. I hope you will have just an amazing time as I always have while visiting the enchanting theme park the Efteling! Reading this blog and thinking, I want to see this already? Check out my YouTube channel to see one of my latest video’s where we are exploring the theme park.
