Efteling
Efteling is not only the largest theme park in The Netherlands, but it is also one of the world's oldest theme parks. The park, located in Kaatsheuvel town, has received over 100 million visitors throughout its existence. When Efteling first opened to the public in 1952, it had modest beginnings. Originally the park was just a small-nature preserve with a playground and a unique Fairy Tale Forest. Today, it takes pride is being one of the biggest theme parks in the Netherlands that boast a wide range of interactive rides and experiences catering to both adults and children.
Explore Efteling
Head down to the land of fairytale and magic to encounter an out-of-the-world experience at Efteling Theme Park. Spread across 180-acres of land, the theme park brings five unique realms guaranteeing a thrilling yet fascinating experience for all age groups.
Travel Realm (Reizenrijk)
Located at the northeast section of Efteling Theme Park, Travel Realm known as Reizenrijk derived its name from the major theme rides present in the zone. Yellow is the colour used to signify Travel Realm on the Efteling map. Some of the most popular attractions in this zone include Carnival Festival, Monsieur Cannibale, and Pagoda.
Fairy Realm (Marerijk)
Previously known as the Westerpark, the Fairy Realm is now one of the favourites among young visitors and is highlighted in green colour on the park maps. The most popular rides at Marerijk include Fairytale Forest, Diorama, Dream Flight, Efteling Museum, and Villa Volta.
Adventure Realm (Ruigrijk)
The Adventure realm is located in the southeastern part of Efteling and was known as the Oosterpark until 1999. In maps and signposts, the colour red is used to identify this zone. Some of the must-visit rides and attractions at this zone include Half Moon, Old Tuffer, Python, Joris and the Dragon, and The Flying Dutchman.
Fantasy Realm (Fantasierijk)
The newest zone at Efteling came into existence in 2017. The zone is now attached to the main entrance of the park and was once called the Entree. The Fantasy Realm has some of the most popular attractions in the park including, Symbolica and Aquanura. The signature pancake restaurant, Polles Keuken is also in this zone.
Other Realm (Anderrijk)
The southwestern part of the park adjacent to the fantasy realm is where the Other Realm is situated. It was once known as the Zuiderpark. Maps annotate this zone in blue colour. Some of the most beloved attractions in this zone include Haunted Castle, Mirage, Fabula, and Piraña.
Things To Do Efteling
Efteling Theme Park is divided into different zones that consist of various rides and attractions. Apart from the fantasy-themed activities, the park also houses delicious eateries, shopping outlets, and entertainment shows - offering something for everyone.
Rides & Attractions
Rides and attractions at Efteling are known to provide the visitors with an otherworldly experience owing to its theme. The rides range from kid-friendly activities to jaw-dropping experiences. Some of the must-experience rides and attractions at Efteling are Diorama, Symbolica, Monsieur Cannibale, Joris and the Dragon, Pagoda, and Fairytale Forest.
Efteling Kids
Efteling Kids brings the thrill and joy of the theme park right to your home. Fun colouring pages, on-ride videos, and apps are available to keep the kids engaged with the park. Efteling Kids Radio is the park's radio station. The station plays children's music alternating with fairy tales and can be accessed on its app and website.
Four Enchanting Seasons
During the four seasons of the year, Efteling can be seen in four enchanting lights. In Spring, take a ride on the gondoletta as the tulips bloom around you. Summer comes with attractive water attractions. Enjoy the bewitching beauty of the fairytale forest in Autumn. Heartwarming bonfires and winter wonderland adorn the park in the Winter.
Shows & Entertainment
The shows and entertainment options at Efteling are quite diverse. Raveleijn is a show that lets you experience medieval storytelling. Aquanura water show uses four frogs to narrate fairytales. Sprookjesboom brings you classic folk tales with friendly characters. CARO is another Efteling show full of stories and acrobatic action that can be enjoyed with the entire family.
Shopping
Efteling has numerous souvenir shops that sell items you would want to take home as a memento of your trip. The largest shop inside the park is Efteldingen. Spiegeltje, Spiegeltje and De Gulden Gaarde are the best places to shop for costumes. In den Ouden Marskramer and Jokies Wereld sell fantasy souvenirs. Symbolica, Fabula, and De Bazaar are also great places to find unique souvenirs for you to cherish.
Dining
Food and catering outlets are present in all five zones of Efteling. From counter takeaway to indoor seating, everything is available within the park. Polles Keuken is a pancake restaurant that is a favourite among many visitors. Other popular eateries include Bodega, Carousel Bar, Lurk and Lime Huys, Eethuys, Fore! Seasons, The White Whale, and The Roasted Bean.
Hotels
Lodging options within Efteling are not only convenient but also quite delightful. The four-star Efteling Hotel is a visitor-favourite. Holiday Village Efteling Loonsche Land, Efteling Loonsche Land Hotel, and Holiday Village Efteling Bosrijk are some other options. For large groups, Efteling theme park offers lavish and stylish holiday homes that can accommodate 8, 12 or 24 persons.
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Know Before You Visit
If you are planning to visit Efteling Theme Park, it is good to be well prepared. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind.
Efteling Theme Park is open daily from:
- Mon to Fri: 10 AM - 6 PM
- Sat & Sun: 10 AM - 7 PM
Best time to visit:
- Efteling gets a lot of visitors throughout the year. If you want to visit when the park is relatively free of the crowd, your best bet is the offseason during February, March, September, and October. However, if you want to see the park at its best, visit during the holidays in December when Efteling becomes a winter wonderland complete with its very own ice skating rink.
Address: Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Parking: Efteling has plenty of parking spaces for cars and touring vehicles. A regular parking spot costs €12,50. Efteling Hotel and Holiday Villages Efteling Bosrijk and Efteling Loonsche Land guests can park for free in the respective central car parks.
Getting There:
- Train + Bus: From Amsterdam take the train to ‘s-Hertogenbosch, bus lines that go from there to Efteling are lines 300, 301, 136 and 800. Get off at the Efteling bus stop. It is a 1-minute walk from the bus stop to the theme park.
- Car: Continue to travel in the direction of Utrecht (A2). To get to 's-Hertogenbosch, take E25. Take the Waalwijk (A59) exit, then the Waalwijk/Kaatsheuvel exit (N261). Follow the 'Efteling' signposts.
- Multiple first aid posts are available inside the park. Doctors and ambulances are also available on call in case of a medical emergency.
- The Efteling has the Leedhuys lactation room for infants. A baby changing room is also available separately inside the park.
- Kennell facility at the park entrance is available for the visitors who bring their pets to the park.
- WiFi facility has been provided with certain attractions to improve the virtual experience of the visitors.
- Large baggage lockers have been made available for guests who may have a lot of luggage with them.
- Smoking zones are available within the park premises with signposts to aid the visitors.
- Drinking fountains can be found in most of the restrooms and are available at various points across the park.
- Wheelchair rental is possible at Efteling Theme Park.
- Restrooms at Efteling Theme Park are wheelchair accessible.
- Restaurants and shops at Efteling Theme Park have also been made accessible by wheelchair.
- Guide and therapy animals are allowed within park premises.
- Care room and relaxation rooms are present within Efteling Theme Park premises.
- Most rides at Efteling Theme Park can be accessed by wheelchair through the main entrance. The other rides like Carnival Festival and Fata Morgana have separate entrances for differently-abled individuals.
- Valid entry tickets are required to gain entry to Efteling.
- Possession of weapons or using loose items such as phones and selfie sticks in a dangerous manner is prohibited.
- Being under the influence of alcohol is prohibited within park premises.
- Animals other than the ones required for assistance are not allowed beyond the kennel.
- Only assistive vehicles are allowed beyond entry.
- You can be refused entry to the park if you dress indecently or disguise yourself as a park employee.
- Smoking is permitted only in designated areas of the park.
- Recording, researching, advertising, and collection of information on Efteling premises are allowed.
The following tips will come in handy if you are thinking of visiting Efteling Theme Park:
- Download the free Efteling app if you want to receive the latest updates about the rides and attractions including, the current wait times.
- Read the park map carefully to know about accessibility-related information about the various attractions.
- Consider hiring carts so your kids can take a break from walking.
- Use the steam train to travel from one zone to another since the park is spread across a fairly large area.
- Carry your own food and drinks. You can use the picnic areas of the park to relax with your family and friends.
- If you are staying at one of the Efteling Group Accommodations, you will have unrestricted access to all areas of the park.
- Bring adequate wether protection with yourself since most of the attractions at Efteling are outdoors.
There are a total of 16 eateries within Efteling. Here is all you need to know about the eateries.
- Frau Boltes Küche: This eatery provides quick fixes to your hunger pangs like french fries, fried chicken, and other snacks.
- Fabula Restaurant: Here, you can enjoy a variety of dishes from all over the world while looking for park souvenirs to bring home.
- Polles Keuken: You simply cannot miss out on this premium pancake house within the Royal Kitchen of Symbolica.
- Pinokkio’s Pizza & Pasta Restaurant: This Italian eatery transports you to a central Italian setting as you gorge on signature pizzas and pasta.
- De Gulden Gaarde: This is a self-service restaurant that offers the most refreshing and healthy smoothies, salads, and drinks.
- Toko Pagode: If it is oriental food that you are craving, this the place to go. Toko Pagode is known for its noodles and fried rice among other Eastern favourites.
If you want to experience Efteling like an insider, availing of one of the accommodations on offer is your best bet.
- Hotels & Holiday Villages at Efteling Theme Park: You can have an unforgettable experience at the Netherlands’s largest theme park with its Hotels and Holiday Villages. Stay at the Efteling Hotel, the Efteling Loonsche Land Hotel, the Holiday Village Efteling Bosrijk, or the Holiday Village Efteling Loonsche Land, all of which are within walking distance of the park.
- Group Accommodation: Spend the night at Efteling in group accommodation and create memories together. You will have unrestricted access to the theme park during your stay. Efteling offers comfortable or trendy holiday homes for groups of 8, 12, or 24 people. You can reserve a stay for up to 12 people online. Woodland Houses, Village Houses, and Farmhouses are a few to be named.
Efteling Theme Park has many shopping outlets that are filled with unique souvenirs. Here are the top places for you to shop at the park.
- Efteldingen: The largest souvenir shop in the park where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs.
- Spiegeltje, Spiegeltje: If you need some clothes to spruce up your wardrobe, this is the place to be.
- In den Ouden Marskramer: This outlet has numerous fairy tale items include some very interesting Sprookjesboom tokens.
- Jokies Wereld: Jokie and Jet merchandise call this shop it's home. If you loved the attraction, you would want to visit this place.
- Symbolica: This shop that is connected to the attraction of the same name, has some of the most enchanting goodies.
- Fabula: From keyrings to fancy tableware, Fabula has it all.
- De Bazaar: This shop offers the middle-eastern themed mementoes at Efteling.
- De Gulden Gaarde: This outlet is connected to an eatery and Droomvlucht. It offers goodies like elves and dresses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Efteling
Efteling Theme Park is The Netherlands’ largest amusement park and among the world’s oldest. The park has numerous attractions that are inspired by fairy tales and fantasy themes.
A.Efteling is located at Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands.
Efteling Theme Park is open daily from:
Efteling Theme Park gets a lot of visitors throughout the year. If you want to visit when the park is relatively free of the crowd, your best bet is the offseason during February, March, September, and October. However, if you want to see the park at its best, visit during the holidays in December when Efteling becomes a winter wonderland complete with its very own ice skating rink.
Efteling is spread across a land area of 180 acres, which is bigger than 180 football fields put together.
Efteling theme park is quite large and has numerous attractions. It could take up to 6 hours to cover the entire park.
Efteling Theme Park is one of a kind due to its themed zones that consist of rides and attractions appealing to kids and adults alike. The park also has a few convenient facilities like kennels and picnic areas.
Efteling Theme Park does not have a prescribed dress code. However, you can be refused entry to the park if you dress indecently or disguise yourself as a park employee.
Yes, Efteling Theme Park allows food and drinks from the outside.
If you bring your own food, you can eat at one of the many picnic areas in the park. Efteling Theme Park also has several restaurants and eateries to choose from.
Efteling Theme Park has dine-in restaurants as well as takeaway counters offering fast food, beverages, and multicuisine palate.
Wheelchair rental is available inside Efteling Theme Park. Strollers, however, cannot be rented.
Yes, lockers are available inside Efteling Theme Park.
Yes, baby lactation rooms and changing stations are available at Efteling Theme Park.
Yes, paid parking is available at Efteling Theme Park.
No, children have to be accompanied by adults at Efteling Theme park.
Yes, first aid is available at Efteling Theme Park.
You can reach Efteling Theme Park by calling +31 416 - 537 777 or by sending an email to info@efteling.com.