Do you want to live a magical experience and an exciting adventure? If yes, Efteling is the perfect place to visit. Step inside its fairytale world and forget everything else for a while!

Efteling is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and the oldest one in the world. The park is fantasy-oriented - its attractions are based on elements from ancient myths, fairy tales and folklore. Efteling caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic and nostalgic themes and its variety of amusement rides.

The history

Efteling was officially opened on the 31st of May 1952, when the Fairy Tale Forest (het Sprookjesbos in Dutch), designed by the famous Dutch illustrator Anton Pieck. The original park included several sport pitches, a playground and the Fairy Tale forest with 10 fairytale characters. Since 1978, the park has been expanded to become one of the most popular theme parks in the world.

The park

Efteling is located in the town of Kaatsheuvel, in the municipality of Loon op Zand (Europalaan 1, Kaatsheuvel). Almost the entire Efteling park was built in a rather rural area, with lots of pine trees, giving it a "nature park" feeling. The park is divided into four themed areas: the North part of the park is the Travel Realm, the West part is the Fairy Realm, where the historical Fairy Tale Forest is located, the East part is the Rough Realm and the South is called Other Realm.

The park includes more than 30 attractions. One of the most popular is the Aquanura, the largest water show in Europe that pays homage for one of the oldest fairytales in the Fairy Tale Forest, The Frog Prince. Other attractions are the Mysterious ship "De Vliegende Hollandse", based on the story of the Flying Dutchman about Willem van der Decken, captain of the Den Hollander, one of the ships that belonged to the VOC or the Dream Flight "Droomvlucht", where you are taken on a dream flight starting at a height of 13 metres, and left to descend past imaginary dream-like creatures in a wonderful fairytale land. For more information on the attractions, you can click here.

The Efteling has a great deal to offer besides the attractions in the park. Every day of the week, visitors can watch a variety of exciting acts, enchanting shows and artists, live in the park. You are bound to bump into them wherever you go: inhabitants of the Fairytale Forest, amazing acrobats and merry musicians. Also, the Efteling has restaurants for every time of the day and for every taste, so that you can relax and refill your energy after your adventurous walks and rides in the park!

There's more!

Efteling Village Bosrijk

Efteling Village Bosrijk, is situated right next door to Efteling Park, in beautiful woodland. The new holiday park contains characterful cottages, bungalows or holiday homes and apartments. Efteling Village Bosrijk's cottages and apartments are situated in natural woodlands surroundings and offer an oasis of peace and space.

Efteling Hotel

If you want to feel like a real prince or princess book a room at Efteling Hotel. It is the ideal hotel for a short stay and all arrangements include unlimited access to the theme park. In Efteling hotel there is always something new to discover: A characterful bar, beautiful rooms and suites for all occasions and a charming restaurant.

Practical information

If you are already excited and you can't wait, you can book your tickets online or you can find more information on the attractions and the extra facilities of the Efteling park, by visiting the official website.

Photos by: bertknot