Description
One of the largest amusement parks in Europe is located in the south of the Netherlands: Efteling. What once began as a fairytale forest now attracts around 5 million visitors every year with more than 30 attractions and exciting park shows.
Country of roller coasters
At Efteling, six thrilling roller coasters await you. On the Dive Coaster Baron 1898, you'll experience a 37.5-meter free fall, while the wooden coaster Joris en de Draak pits two racing trains against each other. The water coaster De Vliegende Hollander promises plenty of excitement—and the chance to get wet. The wacky family coaster Max & Moritz delivers fun for all ages with its wild twists and turns. Python will send you speeding through double loops and corkscrews, and on the indoor coaster Vogel Rok, you'll race through the darkness at 65 km/h. You can hit a similar speed on the bobsled ride.
Land of fairy tales
The heart of the amusement park is still the fairytale forest Sprookjesbos. With 31 fairy tales to explore, including Hansel and Gretel, The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats, Sleeping Beauty, and The Princess and the Pea, there's magic waiting around every corner. A new royal pavilion at the edge of the forest now brings you the famous tale by Hans Christian Andersen—yet another highlight in Efteling’s enchanting world.
The park’s popular themed rides also transport you to fantastic realms: Carnaval Festival takes you on a cheerful journey around the globe, Fata Morgana invites you to explore an oriental palace, and in Droomvlucht, you’ll soar through dreamlike worlds of fairies and trolls. At the Symbolica palace, you can dive into interactive adventures across three different routes. Amid all these magical experiences, the park’s serene nature offers the perfect backdrop for peaceful strolls and quiet breaks—ideal for soaking in the park’s enchanting atmosphere.
For the whole family
An adventure for all ages awaits on the Piraña whitewater ride, which winds its way past waterfalls and rapids through the ancient realm of the Inca. Don’t miss the Halve Maen, the largest swing ship in the world. For a more relaxed ride, the Monorail Snail Train guides you through the charming village of the Volk van Laaf, while the floating temple Pagode offers a breathtaking view of Efteling from 45 meters above.
How about a ride on the 100-year-old steam carousel? One of the newest attractions is Danse Macabre, located in the brand-new themed area Huyverwoud. This attraction transports you to a mysterious abbey, where you'll spin on choir benches atop a giant turntable, all while moving to the haunting sounds of Camille Saint-Saëns.
Park shows like the legendary Raveleijn or the spectacular Aquanura water show are must-sees. During Aquanura, more than 200 fountains and 900 lights transform the pond in front of the Fata Morgana palace into a dazzling water ballet. The grand Beacons of Light amaze with stunning lighting effects, while Efteling Symphonica takes you on a musical journey—an unforgettable way to conclude your visit to Efteling.
Spend the Night in Magical Hotels
Starting summer 2025, Efteling will enchant its guests with the brand-new Efteling Grand Hotel. Located right in the heart of the park, it’s the largest hotel in Efteling’s history, featuring 140 rooms and suites with a total of 644 beds. Guests can enjoy direct views of the Fairytale Forest or the Pardoes Promenade. The hotel seamlessly blends Efteling’s rich history with modern design and offers two restaurants, a coffee bar, a souvenir shop, and a spa area complete with a swimming pool. Another highlight awaits in April 2025 with the reopening of the Efteling Wonder Hotel (formerly the Efteling Hotel) after an extensive renovation. Here, you’ll sleep in a “cloud castle” featuring dreamy rooms and fairy-tale suites that continue the magical stories of Efteling.
Efteling is open year-round, but be aware that some attractions may close during snow and frost.
A Sustainable Journey Through the World of Fairy Tales
Efteling combines its magical atmosphere with a deep commitment to protecting nature. The theme park has set ambitious goals: by 2030, Efteling aims to be climate-neutral, and by 2032, even climate-positive. Enchanting initiatives help balance nostalgia with innovation, such as converting the Stoomtrein to electric operation while preserving its charming steam locomotive appeal. The Aquanura Symphonica water show dazzles with eco-friendly lighting effects and completely avoids the use of fire-based effects, ensuring magic and sustainability go hand in hand.
Historical Information
Efteling has undergone tremendous transformation since its beginnings in 1935. What started as a small sports and recreational park with football fields blossomed into one of Europe’s most renowned theme parks with the opening of the Fairytale Forest in 1952. The magical worlds of Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Mother Hulda were brought to life by the creative minds of Anton Pieck and Peter Reijnders, who laid the foundation for Efteling’s signature atmosphere that continues to captivate millions of visitors. In 1959, the famous talking waste bin Holle Bolle Gijs made his debut and quickly became one of the park’s most beloved icons.
Over time, Efteling expanded beyond its fairytale beginnings. The 1980s saw the addition of thrilling attractions like the looping roller coaster Python and the immersive dark ride Fata Morgana. The Efteling Hotel and the holiday parks Bosrijk and Loonsche Land further enhanced its appeal, transforming Efteling into a sought-after destination for short getaways. Modern highlights like the Aquanura water show and the interactive dark ride Symbolica continue to enrich the visitor experience today. With the planned expansion project World of Efteling 2030, the park remains committed to its mission: offering a magical world where imagination, adventure, and relaxation come together in perfect harmony.
How to get there
The Efteling amusement park is located about 45 km northwest of Eindhoven. From Cologne you need about two hours by car. Take the A57 towards Düsseldorf and change there to the A52 as far as Mönchengladbach. Then take the A61 towards Venlo (NL) and continue on the A67 towards Eindhoven. From Eindhoven you take the A58 to Tilburg and then the N261 to Kaatsheuvel.
The park is easily accessible by public transport from anywhere in Germany. The nearby Den Bosch train station is regularly served by trains, and there are convenient bus connections and taxis available to take you directly to the park.
At the amusement park there are parking spaces with costs (15€/day).
