The Efteling isn’t just another theme park. It delivers a unique experience that even make Disney veterans take notice.
The most important question is, Is it worth traveling to the Efteling Themepark?
To do that I can easily say Yes!
What makes it special? It’s the Netherlands’ oldest theme park, dating back to 1952, and it still outshines most modern parks.
Picture this:
A theme park where European fairytales come alive, and not a single Mouse in sight. That’s what makes Efteling unique.
It has its own style and charm, but also kept growing bringing it on par with world-leading parks. It’s quite popular outside of the Netherland with the Germans, Belgiums, French and the Brits. But Americans have yet to discover it.
Think the park is just for kids?
Think again.
The park is divided into distinct areas. Let me help you find your way around.
First up, is Sprookjes bos, this is for the smallest among us.
But I have to honestly admit I love this area too.
It’s my childhood and the area where all fairytales come alive. It’s also wonderfully shaded, which is fantastic on a hot day.
The second part is around Anton Pieck Plein, in the heart of the park.
Here you’ll the parks most classic attractions and a small museum dedicated to the man that made this park so iconic: the talented artist Anton Pieck.
In this area’s you will find Python, Droomvlucht, Pagode, and more of the classic attractions.
The newer areas further in the back are just heaven for thrill-seekers.
This is the area to go to if you’re looking for thrill rides like Joris the Draak, The Flying Dutchman, and Baron 1898.
One thing I love, and most fellow Dutchman with me, are the “Holle Bolle Gijs” trash cans.
You can easily recognize them by the chubby boys face calling “Papier Hier“.
Give it some trash and he will thank you for it. It’s just so much fun. It never grows old.
You’ll find them across the park, but the best place is around Anton Pieck Plein (a great place for a coffee break).
World-Class Attractions Not To Miss
- Baron 1898: A heart-stopping dive coaster with a 37.5-meter free fall plummeting into a mine shaft
- Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy; An interactive dark ride through a magical palace
- The Flying Dutchman: Unique water coaster that combines dark ride elements with thrills
- Joris en de Draak: Racing wooden coaster with serious airtime
- Python: Recently renovated double-loop coaster that’s nearly a cult icon, a true classic. Outdated maybe, but still so much fun
- Danse Macabre: The latest addition and it proves itself extremely popular it’s the Eftelings version of a haunted mansion.
Classic Must-Attractions:
- Droomvlucht: Expect a dark ride through an enchanted world with elves and trolls – don’t miss this one
- Fata Morgana: A boat journey through Arabian Nights scenes
- Villa Volta: The world’s first madhouse attraction, knowing what’s up or down, is something you’ll lose track off.
- Stoomcarrousel – Stream Carousel: A beautifully preserved piece of history from 1895, amazing for the little ones.
- Vogel Rok: Indoor coaster in complete darkness
- Pagoda: Floating temple, for spectacular views over the area
Getting tired?
Then you want to do this: step aboard a Gondoletta boat.
Usually, you’ll get your own private boat. It’s slow travel at its best. For the next 20 minutes you can sit down, stretch your legs and easy the pretty landscape around you.
People often have a picnic in the boat, make sure to bring a snack.
An alternative ride to get some rest is to ride the the Steam Train around the park, but nothing beats getting on a gondola boat in my book.
Diorama near the Stream Carousel is a hidden little gem. It’s a miniature world with train tracks where day and night switches often, I love miniature trains. If you do too, it’s worth finding it.
These are just some highlights. There is a lot more to discover.
Restaurants
Also, don’t skip the themed restaurants. The food courts are great places to enjoy Dutch favorites. From Dutch pastries, to snacks to pancakes.
I love the Pollepel pancake restaurant. It’s right next to Symbolica. The interior is just by itself worth it. And nothing more Dutch then ordering a hearty pancake for lunch.
Wait Times
One note from me as a local, on wait times, I read reviews online from foreign bloggers claiming the park never feels busy and wait times are 15-20 minutes, maybe 35…
That is just not true.
They might have been just lucky but I visit regularly and my experience is different.
If you stick to kids rides sure, and you can get lucky on weekdays in off season, but during peak-season wait times can easily be 60-120 minutes for the most popular rides that I mentioned above.
Make sure to these popular attractions early in the day, and try to avoid the busiest days like weekends and school holidays.
Efteling CARO Show
If you can stay at night (you have your own transport arranged, or you stay overnight, then booking tickets (extra charge) for the CARO show is well worth it.
This show has it’s own theatre right next to the entrance (you do not need park tickets to book a show here).
Expect a Cirque du Soleil type of show.
For international guests it’s good to know there is not much speaking.
It’s music, visual, and mime. When you stay at a park hotel, tickets for the show are discounted.
Ready to visit?
Here’s what you need to know about getting there.
The park is located in Kaatsheuvel in The Netherlands. Right between Den Bosch and Tilburg.
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Train to Efteling
From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Tilburg (1.5 hours), then catch bus 300 (20 minutes) to the park.
You can buy your train and bus combo ticket here (cheaper then individual tickets, and a lot more convenient – advanced purchase only).
Driving to the Efteling
That works too. It’s about 75 minutes from Amsterdam, but expect traffic.
Parking is well-organized.
It’s a simple drive once you’re out of Amsterdam. Just go south along the A2 Motorway, then A27, and finally the A59. You can’t miss the signs.
If you’re looking for rental cars I recommend booking your Rental Car in the Netherlands here.
Tip: once at the park buy your parking ticket immediately in the morning from the parking ticket machines near the entrance. The ticket is valid all day. Nobody does this but if you wait until the end of the day there will be long lines. It’s a great time-saving hack.
If you prefer a private driver I recommend booking this car service who offers a great deal to the Efteling park from Amsterdam. You pay only half of what a metered taxi costs. If you book select 1 ticket = 1 car. You do need to buy separately entrance tickets to the park, but you will be prompted to buy those as well when you check out for the car service.
One more thing: The park stays open late in summer, and the evening atmosphere is magical. If you’re here that time of year, make sure you can stay later.
Pre-book Your Tickets
Make sure to book your Efteling entrance tickets in advance. It saves you (a long) wait at the entrance.
When you buy in advance you can bring your phone, or print your tickets, both is okay. You can skip the tickets booth and walk straight in.
Thinking of staying overnight?
I recommend staying overnight. It’s a long trip from Amsterdam, and the park has enough to offer, to spread it our over two days. The Efteling offers four themed hotels and holiday home parks. Which suits you best depends on your budget and travel preference.
- For the best location choose: The Grand Hotel – This is the most expensive hotel but you step right from the hotel into the park.
- The Original: The Wonder Hotel – this was the original Efteling Hotel. It sits right next to the park (walking distance), and is more affordable.
- For Adventurous families: Loonsche Land – These holiday homes are perfect for families with kids who also want down time (walking distance).
- For Those who prefer quiet: Bosrijk – holiday homes in the a foresty area near the park (need a car).
If you’re not sure, you can compare these locations here.
Booking Efteling accommodation comes with a lot of benefits too:
- Park Entrance Tickets are included in every booking
- Free parking
- As is early entrance, fantastic for popular attractions like Danse Macabre or Symbolica
- Discounted tickets for CARO, a cirque du soleil type of show
Is one day enough for Efteling?
If you have the time, I recommend two days and stay overnight at one of the parks themed hotels. The park is large, and you’ll want time to enjoy the details and atmosphere without rushing. But if you only have a day you can still have an amazing day out. Just accept you won’t be able to ride every ride.
How does Efteling compare to Disneyland Paris?
Efteling is on par, but with its own distinct style and atmosphere, but Disneyland is also special. You really should do both. Many rides are comparable in quality, but the atmosphere is distinctly Dutch. The one thing missing is a parade.
What’s the best time to visit Efteling?
Mid-week during school terms is ideal. Avoid Dutch school holidays and weekends if possible. The park is magical in winter but dress warmly. In Summer you’ll have to endure large crowds, but you’ll also get great summer evenings, and since the Netherlands is quite up north, you’ll get long evenings which are great.
Can I visit Efteling as a day trip from Amsterdam?
Yes, you can travel on your own by train and bus, rent a car, or a private driver/taxi (book in advance to save money) if you want full freedom. I do not recommend the coach from Amsterdam/Entrance deals since departure times are fixed and it doesn’t allow you to stay until closing time, so you miss the great show at the end. Get the train/bus combo, a car, or a private driver. Staying overnight has many benefits too. So make sure to compare your options.
Is Efteling worth it for adults without children?
Absolutely. The thrill rides are world-class, and the detailed theming appeals to all ages. Many couples and adult groups visit without children. That includes Herman and me.
