The Netherlands’ largest theme park offers a magical day out for families with children of all ages. Originally opened in 1952, (three years before Disneyland), Efteling is based on classic fairy-tales, myths and legends and is therefore the perfect location for kids to unlock their imaginations. While retaining much of the park’s original design, modern additions are frequently made when expanding the park to include multimedia entertainment and interactive new attractions.
Strolling through the park’s central feature, the Fairy-tale Forest, kids will be able to spot 29 of their favourite fairy-tale characters including Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Pinocchio. Beyond the forest, there are 4 water rides and 6 rollercoasters for a variety of heights and ages. Additionally, visitors can enjoy boat rides, performances, a water show and numerous live acts. One of the parks latest attraction has become an award-winning must-see for all visitors to Efteling. Symbolica, opened in 2017, is a trackless dark ride that takes participants on a magical journey.
The park is open all year round from 11am-6pm in the summer and 10am-6pm in the winter. Visitors are recommended to put aside 2 days to really be able to enjoy all the magic of Efteling and are able to stay at the Efteling accommodation. Paying for one night’s stay includes tickets for two days in the park. The theme park hotel is situated nearby and has many themed suites for guests to stay in. alternatively, visitors can book a charming woodland cottage in the guest village which is positioned right next to a stunning national park.
Although situated between national parks, Efteling is still easy to reach. It is less than an hour by car from Rotterdam and less than 2 hours by car from Amsterdam. Visitors can book transport from Amsterdam via an inexpensive Flixbus or save time with a taxi. Alternatively, you can take public transport via a train to s-Hertogenbosch or Tilburg and then catching a bus for the remainder of the journey.
For entry into Efteling visitors need a valid pre-booked entrance ticket as well as a time slot reservation. Both can be obtained on the Efteling website
Staying at Efteling accommodation can work out to be a great deal as booking one overnight stay in a hotel or holiday park will include entry to Efteling on both the arrival day and departure day. A hotel room for a family of four and including 2 days entry to Efteling can cost as little as €319.00
Efteling Birthday Discount
If you sign up for the Efteling newsletter, you will receive a €12 discount that can be used when visiting near your birthday.
Efteling Early Booking
By booking your stay 4 months in advance on the Efteling website, ticket prices will be 15% discounted.
Deal sites
All the big ticketsites like GetYourGuide, Klook and Tiqets sell Efteling tickets. But they all ask the same price at the door. In the rare event that any of these sites has an active dicount code you might save up to 10% on tickets.
Information seen here is true at point of publishing. Efteling charges different prices depending on both the day and season which readers should be aware of. Also deals come and go. To make sure you don't miss out on deals like the Groupon Germany deal (which gives 25% discount) first check our Efteling page. It contains a list of all active deals. Cheapest on top to make sure you pick the best deal.