Efteling Theme Park, located in the picturesque town of Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, is a place where fairy tales come to life and wonder awaits around every corner. With its captivating attractions, beautiful natural landscapes, and charming atmosphere, Efteling is a must-visit destination for travelers of all ages. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Efteling, sharing essential information, tips, and insights to help you plan your visit.

Best Time to Visit:

Efteling operates year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. The park tends to be less crowded during weekdays and off-peak seasons like fall and winter. For warmer weather and longer hours, visit during the spring and summer months. Be aware that Efteling experiences peak crowds during school holidays and weekends.

Ticket Prices:

Efteling offers various ticket options for different needs and budgets:

Single-Day Ticket: Prices for single-day tickets range from €45-€50 for adults and €40-€45 for children, depending on the season and whether you purchase online or at the gate.

Hotel Packages: If you’re looking for a full Efteling experience, hotel packages with park admission, hotel stay, and breakfast are available. Prices range from €100-€200 per person per night.

Annual Passes: For multiple or year-round visits, annual passes start at €185.

VIP Package: An extra-special experience can be arranged through Efteling’s VIP package, which offers exclusive access, a guided tour, reserved parking, and a gourmet meal. Contact Efteling for pricing details.

Accommodation Choices:

Efteling offers a variety of accommodations for different tastes and budgets:

Efteling Hotel: For luxury seekers, the Efteling Hotel is an excellent choice, located right at the park entrance. Prices start at €200 per night.

Efteling Loonsche Land: For a nature-inspired experience, Efteling Loonsche Land offers themed rooms and cozy cabins. Prices begin at €120 per night.

Efteling Bosrijk: For spacious village-style accommodations, Efteling Bosrijk is a great option. Prices start at €170 per night.

Holiday Villages: Efteling also offers holiday homes and apartments for larger groups.

Getting There:

Efteling is located in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, and is accessible from major airports and transportation hubs:

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: Efteling is approximately 90 kilometers from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Take a train to ‘s-Hertogenbosch and then transfer to a bus bound for the park.

Eindhoven Airport: Efteling is approximately 40 kilometers from Eindhoven Airport. Direct bus services are available from the airport to Efteling.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport: Rotterdam The Hague Airport is about 110 kilometers from Efteling. Take a train to ‘s-Hertogenbosch and then transfer to a bus headed for the park.

Parking:

Efteling provides parking facilities for a fee of €12 per day. Guests staying in Efteling accommodations may have complimentary parking.

Before You Go:

Before your Efteling adventure, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the weather and pack accordingly.
• Have cash and cards on hand.
• Utilize the Efteling app for wait times and show schedules.
• Be aware of height restrictions on rides.
• Benefit from multilingual signs and announcements in English and Dutch.
• Follow photography guidelines and be respectful of others.
• Arrive early, use single rider lines, and plan your route to avoid crowds.
• Top Attractions:

Dining at Efteling:

Efteling offers a wide variety of dining options to cater to all tastes and preferences. Here are some of the top choices for a delightful dining experience at the park:

Restaurant De Kippevel: This cozy, family-friendly restaurant specializes in chicken dishes, served with a range of delicious sauces and side dishes. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal.

Polles Keuken: Located inside the Fairytale Forest, Polles Keuken is a unique, rotating restaurant with a whimsical atmosphere. The menu features an international buffet with various dishes, making it an excellent option for families with diverse tastes.

De Vliegende Hollander: After enjoying the water coaster ride, visitors can dine at this themed restaurant, serving a mix of Dutch and international dishes. The nautical decor adds to the overall experience, making it a fun and memorable dining option.

Het Wapen van Raveleijn: Found near the Raveleijn arena, this restaurant offers a range of dishes, including grilled specialties, pasta, and salads. The medieval-inspired setting is particularly appealing to fans of the Raveleijn show.

De Gulden Gaard: This fine dining establishment is situated in the Efteling Hotel and offers an upscale, elegant dining experience. The menu features a selection of international dishes, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

‘t Loonsche Land: This restaurant, located within the Efteling Loonsche Land hotel, offers a range of traditional Dutch dishes, including regional specialties such as asparagus and herring. The cozy, rustic atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family meal.

De Roeiend Raaf: This snack bar, located in the Aquanura arena, offers a range of quick bites and refreshments, making it the perfect spot for a quick snack or drink while enjoying the water show.

De Panorama Terras: Situated near the Efteling Theater, this terrace offers stunning views of the park while serving a range of drinks and light bites. It’s the perfect spot for a break during a busy day at the park.

De Halve Maen: Located near the entrance of the park, this pancake house serves a wide variety of sweet and savory pancakes, making it a popular choice for a casual, filling meal.

De Smulpaep: This quaint, traditional Dutch snack bar serves a range of traditional Dutch snacks, such as kroketten, bitterballen, and frikandellen, along with a selection of drinks and desserts.

Mascots and Characters:

Efteling’s lovable mascots and characters are an essential part of the park’s charm. Here are some of the most popular characters you’ll find at Efteling:

Pardoes: The official mascot of Efteling, Pardoes is a jester who embodies the park’s magical spirit. He can often be found wandering the park, interacting with guests, and performing in shows.

Holle Bolle Gijs: These friendly, trash-eating birds are a staple of the park, providing entertainment and a useful function by eating litter thrown into their open beaks.

Polle Pluis: This mischievous, rain-making bird can often be found near the Polles Keuken restaurant, entertaining guests and occasionally causing a little rainfall.

De Witte Wieven: These mystical, white-clad women can be found near the Baron 1898 attraction, adding an eerie, supernatural touch to the area.

Pinocchio and Gepetto: These iconic characters from the classic fairytale can be found near the Pinocchio-inspired attraction, Pinokkio.

Kleine Boodschap: This friendly, helpful fairy can often be found near the entrance of the park, providing assistance and guidance to guests.

De Fabeltjeskrant: A popular Dutch children’s television series, De Fabeltjeskrant has its own attraction and characters at Efteling, including Joris Goedbloed, the wise old badger, and other lovable animal characters.

Droomvlucht: The enchanting Droomvlucht attraction features a variety of fairy-like characters, such as fairies, elves, and unicorns, that guests will encounter during their gentle, floating journey through a dreamlike world.

Movie Appearances and Inspirations:

Efteling’s magical atmosphere and captivating scenery have inspired filmmakers and animators alike. Here are some notable connections between Efteling and the world of cinema:

The Little Mermaid: The iconic Little Mermaid statue at Efteling served as the inspiration for Disney’s own version of the character in the animated classic The Little Mermaid.

The Flying Dutchman: The De Vliegende Hollander attraction at Efteling is based on the legend of the Flying Dutchman, a ghost ship doomed to sail the seas for eternity. The attraction inspired the 2016 movie The Flying Dutchman, which features Efteling’s version of the legend prominently.

Pinocchio: The Pinokkio attraction at Efteling is based on the classic tale of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. The attraction and its characters have inspired various adaptations in film, television, and theater.

The Secret Garden: The Efteling attraction De Nieuwe Kleren van de Keizer, based on the classic fairytale The Emperor’s New Clothes, was adapted into an animated movie called The Secret Garden in 1994.

The Tale of Schele Guur: This Dutch children’s book, written by Tonke Dragt and featuring the character Schele Guur, inspired the Efteling attraction Villa Volta.

The Haunted Castle: The iconic Efteling attraction Het Spookslot, also known as the Haunted Castle, is rumored to have inspired the Disneyland Paris attraction Phantom Manor.

History of Efteling:

Efteling was founded in 1952 by a group of visionaries, including Anton Pieck, a renowned artist and illustrator, and Peter Reijnders, a filmmaker and entrepreneur. The park began as a modest Fairytale Forest, featuring various fairytale-inspired scenes and characters. Over the years, Efteling has expanded to include more attractions, shows, and accommodations, becoming one of Europe‘s most beloved theme parks.

Tips for a Stress-Free Visit:

To make the most of your visit to Efteling, keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Purchase tickets in advance: Save time and hassle by buying your tickets online before your visit.

Avoid peak hours: Visit the park during weekdays or off-peak hours to avoid long lines and crowded attractions.

Use the Efteling app: The official Efteling app provides real-time updates on attraction wait times, show schedules, and more, making it a valuable tool for planning your day.

Utilize the Fast Lane system: For an additional fee, you can use the Fast Lane system to skip the lines at popular attractions.

Bring a reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit by bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at the park’s water fountains.

Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes and consider packing layers for fluctuating weather conditions.

Rent a locker: Store your belongings in a locker, available at various locations throughout the park, to keep your hands free while enjoying the attractions.

Use the park’s transportation system: Take advantage of the park’s trains, boats, and other transportation options to move between attractions efficiently.

Try the park’s unique offerings: Be sure to check out Efteling’s one-of-a-kind attractions, such as the Fairytale Forest, Villa Volta, and the Dream Flight.

Stay on-site: Consider staying in one of Efteling’s accommodations for a full immersion in the park’s magical atmosphere.

Conclusion:

Efteling Theme Park is a truly magical destination, offering a wide range of attractions, shows, and experiences that cater to visitors of all ages. With its enchanting atmosphere, inspired by classic fairytales and legends, Efteling is a must-visit destination for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a unique and memorable adventure. By following the tips and guidelines provided