Efteling is a theme park in the south of the Netherlands that opened in the 1950s and is based on traditional fairy tales. It attracts millions of visitors per year and is firmly ingrained in Dutch cultural identity.
Although the Efteling park has continued to modernise over the years, it certainly retains a unique charm and friendliness and makes for a great day out for the whole family.
Efteling overview |
The enchanting Fairytale Forest (Sprookjesbos) part of the Efteling remains a very popular attraction for those with small children. The iconic Long Neck (Langnek) has been greeting visitors since the park first opened on 31 May 1952.
There are around 30 attractions in the Fairytale Forest including Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Tom Thumb, the talking Fairytale tree and the Indian Waterlillies.
“Papier hier” – the amusing Holle Bolle Gijs family of talking bins ask passers-by for some paper to eat.
Next to the Fairytale Forest is Anton Pieck Plein, a traditional Dutch town square which has historic carousel fairground rides and a playground. There is also a snail-themed monorail ride suitable for small children.
The Villa Volta indoor attraction is a rotating madhouse:
At the Reizenrijk section, the Gondoletta is a beautiful and relaxing 20 minute boat ride around the main lake of the park.
A spectacular panoramic view can be had on the Pagode, a rotating Thai-temple which rises to a height of 45m.
For rail enthusiasts, an old steam train makes a loop of the entire park with stations at Marerijk and Ruigrijk.
The Ruigrijk section of the park contains more exciting rides for older children and adults alike. This includes:
- Python – a corkscrew roller-coaster
- Joris en Draak – a classical wooden roller-coaster
- De Vliegende Hollander – a water-coaster
- Baron 1898 – a dive coaster
- Max & Moritz – a dual track family roller-coaster
- Piraña – a 600m long river rapids water ride
- Hooghmoed – a new dive coaster for children over 90cm (opens 1 May 2026)
Fata Morgana is a dark indoor ride based on an Eastern Palace theme.
Come evening the park is lit up with beautiful illuminations. Aquanura is a water fountain light show played to musical melodies.
You can pick up a paper map of the Efteling park at the entrance.
Otherwise you can download the Efteling app which has an interactive map showing the current waiting times on rides around the park and gives the times of shows. It also has live subtitles available for those hard of hearing.
There are multiple restaurants around the park. On our previous visit the park was very busy and there were long queues in some of the restaurants and at the toilets.
There is also the option to stay in the Efteling Bosrijk holiday village which is about 10 minutes walk from the theme park or the Efteling Wonder hotel (5 minutes walk) and Efteling Grand hotel.
In summary, for anyone into theme parks the Efteling is really well worth a visit. There are a wide variety of rides and attractions that suit all ages. We would advise staying the whole day until closing time to make the most of your entry ticket.
It is possible to make a day trip from Amsterdam though total travel time by public transport will be about 2 hours each way.
Other great days out in Holland are Keukenhof Gardens (spring only) and Madurodam.
Efteling Essential Visitor Info
Opening Times & DatesOpening times vary depending on the time of year. Generally opens at 10:00 (11:00 on some winter days); closes 18:00 or 19:00, 20:00-22:00 in summer. |
Efteling Tickets – Admission Fees€47-€56 for a standard entrance ticket (age 4+) – depending on season. FREE entry to children 0-3. |
Location/TransportThe Efteling is located in the town of Kaatsheuvel, just north of Tilburg. Tilburg can be reached by train from Amsterdam in just under 90 minutes with a change at ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Arriva BravoDirect bus 301 serves Efteling from Tilburg. You can buy a combo train + bus ticket from Amsterdam to Efteling or combine entry+transport here Driving is also a good option and the trip from Amsterdam should take around 75-90 minutes – using the A2 motorway and then the A59 and N261. There are ample car parking spaces at Efteling organised by park marshals. Car parking costs €15.00 per day. You could consider renting a car from Amsterdam if required. |
AddressEfteling, Europalaan 1, 5171 KW, Kaatsheuvel |
This article was first published in 2023. Last checked and updated 27 February 2026.
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