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.
Covid Safety Measures at Efteling Theme Park
- Masks must be worn at all indoor locations, covered queues, and boarding areas.
- Maintaining a social distance of 1.5 meters with other visitors is recommended within park premises.
- In the queues, visitors must stay within the white zones and leave the red zone for social distancing.
- Seats are pre-allocated in rides to ensure the safety of the visitors.
- Contactless payment is preferred over cash.
- A specific number of people are allowed within shops at a time.
- Shopping baskets are mandatory during shopping.
- To limit direct contact visitors are requested to not touch the products they don’t intend to purchase.
Why Visit Efteling Theme Park?
- Efteling Theme Park is known for its thematic presentation of attractions. Most of its rides and experiences take inspiration from mythology, fairy tales, fables, legends, and myths, bringing the fantasy-themed park to life.
- Efteling Theme Park is home to the largest fountain in Europe known as the Aquanura, capable of transforming the pool into a water ballet.
- The theme park has multiple children’s play areas that would allow the adults to kick back after a day of exploring the park.
- Visitors can visit one of the many restaurants present on-site to satisfy their hunger during their visit to Efteling Theme Park.
- One of the best things about Efteling Theme Park is the live acts that take place at various locations in the park premises.
- Efteling Theme Park houses an ice skating rink within the winter wonderland during the winter months in The Netherlands.
Your Efteling Tickets Explained
Priority Admission Tickets
- With these tickets, you can enjoy skip-the-line access to this fairytale theme park.
- With these tickets, you gain unlimited access to all rides and attractions at Efteling Theme Park.
- For a hassle-free experience, visitors will also have the option to add parking tickets along with their entry vouchers online.
Discounted Tickets: Children aged 0-3 enter for free but still need a timeslot reservation.
Validity: The tickets can only be used once per ticket holder, on one day between January 4, 2021, and January 9, 2022.
Cancelation Policy: These tickets cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
Best Way To Buy Efteling Tickets? Buy Online
In light of the current COVID-19 situation, the best way to purchase your tickets to Efteling Theme Park is to book them online. This way you can reserve your slot for the date of your choice and also acquire the latest offers found across various websites. To visit Efteling you need a valid entrance ticket as well as a time slot reservation.
What To Do At 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 color used to signify Travel Realm on the Efteling map. Some of the most popular attractions in this zone include Carnival Festival 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 color 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 color 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.
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, Joris and the Dragon, Pagoda, and Fairytale Forest.
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.
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.
Plan Your Visit to Efteling Theme Park
Efteling Theme Park is open daily from:
- Mon to Fri: 10 AM - 6 PM
- Sat & Sun: 10 AM - 7 PM
Duration: Spend 5-6 hours at the theme park so you can get the most out of your visit.
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
Getting There:
- Train + Bus: Take the train to ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Bus lines 300, 301, 136 and 800 will take you to the Efteling bus stop. It is a 1-minute walk 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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 its 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 mementos at Efteling.
- De Gulden Gaarde: This outlet is connected to an eatery and Droomvlucht. It offers goodies like elves and dresses.
- 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 is the place to go. Toko Pagode is known for its noodles and fried rice among other Eastern favorites.
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.
Visitor Tips
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.
All Your Questions About Efteling Tickets Answered
A. Efteling Theme Park tickets start at € 41. You can purchase Efteling tickets here.
A. In light of COVID-19, it is recommended for guests to book tickets online before arriving at Efteling Theme Park.
A. The best way to purchase tickets is to book them online. This way you get vouchers for great offers and can also reserve slots well in-advance, granting access to the Efteling Theme Park for the date and time of your choice.
A. Yes, you can reserve your Efteling Theme Park tickets in-advance now before visiting the venue.
A. 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. The prices remain the same for all age groups above 4 years.
A. Children 3 year old and below can enter for free to Efteling Theme Park.
A. Efteling tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled.
A. Yes, guests will get to select the date and time slot of their choice online before placing the reservation. Make sure you arrive at the entrance within the time frame reserved or else, you may be denied entry.
A. You can only reserve a timeslot for up to 8 people from the same household.
A. No, Efteling charges different prices depending on the day you want to visit.
A. Yes, annual passes are available where guests can gain 12-month access to Efteling Theme Park along with other exclusive benefits.