Step into a world where fairytales come to life and enchantment awaits around every corner. Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, Efteling Amusement Park has captivated visitors for over 70 years. From thrilling roller coasters to whimsical attractions inspired by beloved stories, Efteling offers an experience unlike any other. With its meticulously crafted theming, lush landscapes, and attention to detail, this Dutch wonderland transports guests of all ages into a realm where imagination knows no bounds. Join us as we explore the wonders of Efteling, where fantasy and reality intertwine to create unforgettable memories.
About Efteling Amusement Park
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Efteling is an amusement park based on fairy tales and fables. It is found in Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands. Originally, it was a nature park which was opened on May 31, 1952, and it was equipped with a playground and the Fairytale Forest; nowadays, it is a full-sized theme park. The Efteling Amusement Park offers its visitors and guests a wide range of attractions related to myths, legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore, which makes it both a children’s and adult attraction, with a cultural, romantic, and nostalgic focus.
Efteling Amusement Park is equipped with numerous amusement rides; there are 6 roller coasters and 4 dark rides. It is the biggest theme park in the Netherlands, among the oldest theme parks in the world, and it was opened three years before Disneyland. In 2020, it was the most attended theme park worldwide, with 5.05 million visitors, and ranked third in 2019 and 2022.
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History Of Efteling Amusement Park
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Efteling, the oldest amusement park in the world, opened in 1935 as the R. K. Sport en Wandelpark. Efteling Nature Park Foundation was founded in 1950 by the mayor of Loon op Zand R.J van der Heijden, filmmaker Peter Reijnders and designer Anton Pieck. The park was opened on May 31, 1952, with the Fairy Tale Forest, which was designed by Pieck and was realized mechanically by Reijnders with the help of light and sound effects.
After that, Efteling developed into one of the greatest theme parks in the world and further developed its offerings over time. Some of them include the construction of the Haunted Castle in 1978, the implementation of the Winter Efteling theme in 2010, and the launch of the Symbolica trackless dark ride in 2017. It also owns and manages hotels, theatres, golf courses, and holiday villages and, therefore, is a one-stop centre for entertainment.
Architecture Of Efteling Amusement Park
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The park was designed by Dutch illustrator Anton Pieck, and his style can be seen throughout the park in the form of paintings and sculptures. Among the most famous ones, one can mention the House of the Five Senses, the main entrance building with a 52-meter high wooden construction and the largest reed roof in the world, referring to the Indonesian Rumah Gadang type.
The park is divided into five sections and each of them has its own architectural design and rides. One of the major attractions is the Fairy Tale Forest, which comprises life-size dioramas and animatronics depicting fairy tales. The architecture of Efteling is not only beautiful but also very well thought out and designed to make a perfect experience for its guests.
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Divisions At The Efteling Amusement Park
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Efteling Theme Park Resort is a complex that comprises several branches or divisions. The main attraction is the theme park, which was founded in 1952, and it consists of different zones and attractions. The Efteling Hotel is a four-star hotel which was established in 1992 to provide comfortable accommodations for guests. In 1995, an 18-hole golf course was developed to offer leisure to the guests as one of the complementary facilities. In 2002, the Efteling Theatre, one of the largest in the Netherlands, was added to the park and hosted major productions and events that are not included in the park tickets.
New forms of lodging became available with the addition of Efteling Bosrijk in 2009, which includes holiday homes and apartments, and Het Loonsche Land in 2017, which offers a range of accommodation types. The hotel was operated by Golden Tulip, but it became an independent hotel operated by Efteling in 2004. All divisions are now making money and are operating under commercial companies; the nonprofit Efteling Nature Park Foundation owns the shares.
Theme Park At The Efteling Amusement Park
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Efteling Amusement Park occupies 72 hectares of land, and its size has not changed over the years. The complex also comprises Efteling Hotel, Efteling Hotel Loonsche Land, a theatre, a golf course, Villa Pardoes and two holiday villages, namely Efteling Bosrijk as well as Efteling Loonsche Land, and it occupies a total area of 276 hectares. 1 hectares (682 acres). The foundation on which the park is based currently owns 400 ha in total, including young forest, nature reserve, grasslands, fields and roads.
The park is divided into five themed areas or ‘realms’: Five Dutch fairytale theme parks are Reizenrijk (Travel Realm), Marerijk (Fairy Realm), Ruigrijk (Adventure Realm), Anderrijk (Other Realm), and Fantasierijk (Fantasy Realm). Each area has its unique attractions, such as the Fairy Tale Forest in Marerijk, the double-loop roller coaster Python in Ruigrijk, and the dark ride Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy in the Netherlands, in the town called Fantasierijk. Efteling is surrounded by pine woods, ponds, and gardens, which makes it stand out from other leading theme parks and makes it look like a ‘nature park’.
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Rides At The Efteling Amusement Park
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Efteling Amusement Park in the Netherlands is a magical destination with a rich history of enchanting rides and attractions. Here are some of the popular rides you can enjoy:
- Fairytale Forest: A whimsical forest filled with fairy tales brought to life.
- Children’s Railway (Kinderspoor): Pedal trains designed by Anton Pieck and Peter Reijnders.
- Anton Pieck Square (Anton Pieckplein): A nostalgic square with charming rides.
- Stoomcarrousel: A classic carousel purchased from L. Janvier.
- Stoomtrein: A narrow-gauge heritage railway.
- Diorama: A model railway and diorama created by Anton Pieck.
- Python: A double-loop corkscrew roller coaster by Vekoma.
- Gondoletta: A relaxing tow boat ride.
- Half Moon (Halve Maen): A thrilling ship swing.
- Piraña: An exciting river rafting ride.
- Carnival Festival: A delightful dark ride.
- Tin Lizzies (De Oude Tuffer): A fun car ride.
How To Get Around?
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Getting around Efteling Amusement Park is straightforward and enjoyable. The park spans about 65 hectares. Once inside, everything is accessible on foot, with clearly marked paths leading to the park’s attractions and different realms. Here are the ways to explore the park:
Walking Around
The park is very large but not so large that one cannot walk around it on foot. Being a tourist attraction, the park has an excellent layout, and one can get around all the attractions by following the trails. There are wheelchairs for hire, and they are free of charge, hence enabling disabled guests to move within the park with ease. If you are coming with the children, it will cost you €3 to hire the carts, which are very comfortable, especially when you have young children to take round the park.
Steam Train
Efteling features a real steam train that provides a leisurely and scenic tour around the park. The train services two stations: one in the Fairy Realm (Marerijk) and another in the Rough Realm (Ruigrijk), offering a convenient way to travel between these areas while enjoying the sights.
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Entrance Fees and Timings
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Efteling Amusement Park is a magical park; the entrance fees and the operation time may differ from one season to another. Normally, the park is open from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening during winter and spring, while in summer, it closes between 8 in the evening and 10 in the evening. Adults and those who are 4 years old and above are charged between €38 and €51, while children under 3 years have free entry. However, for the frequent visitors, there is provision for the annual passes and group rates.
How To Reach?
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Efteling Amusement Park is easily accessible through various modes of transportation. Here are the detailed ways to reach the park:
By Car
Efteling Amusement Park offers ample parking space for visitors, with a daily parking fee of around €10. The park is well-signposted from nearby highways, making it easy to reach the park by car.
By Train
Special buses depart from Hertogenbosch and Tilburg railway stations at least hourly in the mornings, providing a convenient way to reach Efteling. There are special tickets available for up to three people travelling together, making it an economical option for small groups.
By Bike
For those who enjoy cycling, Efteling provides guarded bicycle parking for €1 per day. The surroundings offer nice green routes, making a bike ride to Efteling a recommended option if you’re staying in the neighbourhood.
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From thrilling rides to enchanting attractions, Efteling Amusement Park offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. The park’s attention to detail, rich storytelling, and commitment to preserving fairytale traditions make it a truly unique destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, family fun, or a chance to relive childhood dreams, Efteling delivers in spades. Take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in this extraordinary realm. Plan your t trip to the Netherlands today and make Efteling a highlight of your itinerary. Your fairytale adventure awaits!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Efteling Amusement Park
Is Efteling bigger than Disneyland?
Yes, Efteling is larger than the original Disneyland Park in California. Efteling spans approximately 72 hectares, while Disneyland covers around 34 hectares, making Efteling more spacious and offering a different theme park experience.
How old is Efteling theme park?
Efteling opened its doors on May 31, 1952, making it over 70 years old. As one of Europe's oldest theme parks, it has a rich history and continues to enchant visitors with its fairy-tale themes.
Who invented Efteling?
Efteling was founded in 1952 by the mayor of Loon op Zand, R.J. van der Heijden, along with filmmaker Peter Reijnders and artist Anton Pieck. Their combined vision brought the magical world of Efteling to life.
What is the oldest ride at Efteling?
The oldest ride at Efteling is the Fairy Tale Forest (Sprookjesbos), which has been enchanting visitors since the park's opening in 1952. This attraction features classic fairy tales brought to life through beautifully crafted scenes.
Was Disney inspired by the Efteling?
There is a legend that Walt Disney visited Efteling and was inspired by it, but this has yet to be confirmed. While Disney's inspirations came from various sources, Efteling remains a unique and original park with its distinct charm.
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