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Visiting the Efteling in the Netherlands
Last Updated on July 29, 2024 by Themepark Freak
Welcome to the Efteling, the enchanting theme park where fairy tales and adventure meet. Located in the south of the Netherlands, Efteling had been a magical destination for families, thrill-seekers and fairytale lovers since 1952.
Join us in the ultimate Efteling guide that will help you plan your visit by giving you a one stop shop about ride information, dining details and on site accommodations.
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Efteling Attractions and Rides
The heart and soul of this park lies in its diverse rides and attractions. Guests of all ages will be able to find something to either thrill or charm them. Keep reading to learn more about what kind of attractions the theme park offers visitors.
Thrilling Rides
For the thrill-seekers, the Efteling offers several options that will get the heart racing and the blood pumping. Below you can see the different thrill rides and the level of thrill they offer.
- High thrill: intense rides, such as roller coasters with inversions (loops)
- Medium thrill: gentler roller coasters or maybe a river rapid ride
- Low thrill: a swinging ship, or perhaps a bob sled type attraction
Name | Ride Type | Thrill Level |
Baron 1898 | Dive Roller Coaster | High |
De Vliegende Hollander | Water Coaster | Medium |
Halve Maen | Swinging Ship | Mild |
Joris en de Draak | Wooden Coaster | Medium |
Max & Moritz | Steel Coaster | Medium |
Pirana | River Rapid | Medium |
Python | Steel Coaster | High |
Sirocco | Teacups | Mild |
Villa Volta | Mad House | Mild |
Vogel Rok | Indoor Coaster | High |
Family Friendly Rides and Attractions
Family friendly rides and attractions are generally slow without a lot of force or bumps. It could be a dark ride, something that spins like Disney’s Dumbo, or even a walk through attraction.
Name | Attraction Type |
Anton Pieckplein | Carousel |
Archpel | Playground |
Carnaval Festival | Dark Ride |
De Oude Tufferbaan | Car Ride |
Diorama | Diorama |
Droomvlucht | Dark Ride |
Efteling Museum | Museum |
Fabula | 4D Film |
Fairytale Forest | Walkthrough |
Fata Morganna | Dark Ride |
Fondoletta | Boat Ride |
Game Gallery | Midway Games |
Kinderspoor | Peddle Train |
Kindervreugd | Playground |
Kleuterhof | Playground |
Monorail | Monorail |
Nest! | Playground |
Pagode | Watch Tower |
Stoomcarrousel | Carousel |
Stoomtrein | Train |
Symbolica | Dark Ride |
Volk van Laaf | Walkthrough |
![Carnaval Festigval at Efteling](https://themeparkfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-11.png)
Park Shows and Entertainment
The Efteling offers plenty of entertainment during the day, while you take a break from one thrilling ride or the other. There’s everything from knights on horseback to the closing water show at night.
Please note that the shows that have speaking actors, are only in the Dutch language. However, they are entertaining and even those who don’t speak the language will be able to get the gist of what’s going on!
Show Name | Area of Park |
Anton Pieckplein | Puppet Theater |
Aquanura | Lake |
CARO | Efteling Theater |
Fairytale Collector | Near the Stoomcarrousel |
Raveleijn | Raveleijn Arena |
Sprookjesboob | Open Air Theater |
Virginie and Otto Charlatan | Near Danse Macabre |
Please note that the show CARO is a paid addition to your day at the park. It will run 70 minutes, with no intermission and set you back € 26.50 p.p. However, guest staying overnight are able to nab tickets for only € 12.50.
Dining Options
If you’re looking to either sit down at a proper restaurant to eat, or have a quick bite on the way to the next attraction, the Efteling sports 16 different eateries through the park.
Sit Down Restaurants
Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine | Can Reserve Seating |
Het Wapen van Raveleijn | Classic Warm Dishes | Required |
Pinokkio’s Pizza and Pasta | Pizza & Pasta | Yes |
Polles Keuken | Pancakes | Yes |
Note that Het Wapen van Raveleijn is part of a 3 hour program. It includes the Raveleijn show, young heroes get to learn fighting and horsemanship, and finally dinner. There’s also a test for the young heroes to show off their skills!
Reservations are required in order to take part in this special Efteling experience.
Quick Service Meals and Snacks
Quick or Snack Service Name | Type of Food |
Bäckerei Krümel | – Bread Pizzas – Flatbread – Pasteries |
De Kleyne Klaroen | – Coffee – Treats |
Eigenheymer | – potato spirals |
Fabula Restaurant | – Burgers – Meal Boxes – Salads |
Frau Boltes Küche | – Chicken – French Fries – Onion Rings – Snacks |
Het Witte Paard | – Bread Rolls – Hot Meals – Pasteries – Salads |
In de Gelaarsde Kat | – Bread Rolls – Fresh Juice – Toasties |
In den Swarte Kat | – Salads – Sandwiches |
Kashba | – Hot Meals – Salads – Sandwiches |
Station De Oost | – Bread Rolls – Fruit – Halal Food – Salads – Treats |
‘t Melkhuysje | – Churros – Milkshakes |
‘t Poffertje | – Poffertjes (mini pancakes) |
‘t Verwende Nest! | – Chimney Cakes |
Toko Pagode | – Oriental Foods |
Each of the quick service or snack locations also offer a variety of drinks. Everything from poured soda to those in the bottles. There’s also hot drinks such as coffee, tea or hot cocoa and of course different juices and milks.
Special Dietary Options at the Park
Unlike other theme parks, which are incredibly accessible on all levels including diet, the Efteling doesn’t advertise dietary options. Gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and halal options do exist in the park.
According to the Efteling website under their Frequently Asked Questions, the “Where can I eat gluten-free in the park?” question is anwered:
You may go to the Eigenheymer locations, Fabula, Frau Boltes Küche, Het Wapen van Raveleijn, Het Witte Paard, Pinokkio’s Pizza and Pasta, Polles Keuken, Station de Oost, and Toko Pagode.
The Efteling does not guarantee kitchens are 100% free of allergens or cross-contamination. You are free to ask staff what their preparation process is so you can make the best choice possible for your dietary sitation.
Shopping and Merchandise at the Efteling
Of course no theme park experience would be complete without the gift shops and specialty merchandise locations. In these locations you can pick up dolls, stuffies, figurines, t-shirts and other souvenirs to mark your time at the Efteling!
Gift Shop | Merchandise | Location |
De Bazaar | Middle Eastern themed merch | Forbidden city |
De Gulden Gaarde | Droomvlucht themed merch | By Droomvlucht |
Efteldingen | General theme park merch | Near main entrance |
Fabula | Fabula themed stuffies, costumes, tableware | Fabula building |
Jokies Wereld | Jokie and Jet merch | |
In den Ouden Marskramer | Fairytale items | |
Spiegeltje, Spiegeltje | Costumes and acessories | Anton Pieckplein |
Symbolica | Symbolica merch | Symbolica Ride |
Souvenir Delivery Express Service
Do you really want that t-shirt or fairy figurine for your fairy collection? But you don’t want to carry around the merchandise all day? Efteling has thought about this problem and solved it with their Souvenir Delivery Express!
When you go to one of the above shop locations and make a purchase, ask the staff member to send it to the front gate for later pickup! If you’re staying overnight at one of the hotels or holiday parks, you can pick up your goodies at your accommodation’s reception.
The best part is, it’s FREE! This is a pretty rare occurrence where you often even have to pay to use the toilet while out and about!
Park Visitor Information
In this section we’re going to talk about the really important Efteling visitor information. The park opening times, ticket prices and general accessibility information. If you’re looking for the accessibility information about individual rides, please consult the Themepark Freak Efteling Ride Guides.
![Efteling crowd calendar](https://themeparkfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-12-300x250.png)
Park Hours and Schedule
The Efteling is open year around and themes the park based on the season. In the winter time, the park will have snow covered mushrooms and other wonderful winter wonderland theming for the Winter Efteling.
Of course, during bad weather (and this is a country where it rains almost 11 months a year), outdoor rides such as the roller coasters will shut down if it gets too bad. But, for a little neerslag, motregen, or a few druppels the rides won’t shut down. If it’s storming, and especially if there’s lightening, they will close down.
Check the Efteling park calendar for the opening times!
Tickets, Packages and Park Passes
Tickets can be purchased online (or in the Efteling app). Everyone who is aged 4 and up must purchase a ticket, regardless of how many attractions they can participate in.
For the 2024 season, the variable ticket price will be from € 38 to € 51 euro per person. The busier the park is projected to be, the more expensive the ticket.
If you’re brining your own vehicle, you will be charged € 12.50 for day parking.
Park Ticket and Accommodation Packages
If you’re staying at the Efteling in either the hotel or their holiday park, then tickets are included in the price of accommodation.
You will not only receive tickets for each day of your stay (including the arrival day), but you’ll gain early entrance to the parks as well! For more information on booking accommodation, click here.
Annual Passes to the Park
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And if you live in the Netherlands, or plan on making a trip to the park several times a year, an annual pass might be a great option!
Efteling provides 2 payment options for their annual passes. Either in a lump sum (with a discount) or in monthly payments. Pass holders can also purchase a subscription for parking as well.
It’s best to note that passes purchased with monthly payments will continue until cancelled. Meanwhile, passes bought in a single payment will cancel automatically after 12 months and need to be purchased again.
For those considering an annual pass, here are a few of the perks:
- 25% off on overnight stays
- free or discounted entry to other parks (including German and Belgian parks)
- discount on Efteling events
- discount on food and drinks
Park Accessibility Information
The Efteling is quite accommodating to visitors with disabilities. The park sports facilities such as adapted toilets and space for visitors to move around in restaurants and shops.
Attractions and shows sport symbols to let visitors know about ride suitability due to injuries or conditions, if there are frightening effects or if assistance dogs are allowed. You can look for these symbols on the visiting with a disability page on the website, on the signs of the attractions themselves or within the app.
Getting to the Park
You can get to the park by your own vehicle or public transport. If you’re coming by car, the address you want to plug in to your navigation is:
Europalaan 1
5171 KW Kaatsheuvel
Netherlands
If you plan on coming by public transportation, you can use the website or app 9292OV to plan your trip and even pay for the public transport tickets.
Commonly Asked Questions About Efteling
Below you can find a collection of the most common questions asked about the Efteling. We have curated these questions from all sorts of places across the internet. If a question you’re looking for isn’t there, please feel free to leave a comment and we’ll be happy to research it and add it!
Do I Need to Speak Dutch?
No, you don't need to speak Dutch to visit the Efteling. The park receives visitors from all over the world and employees through the park understand English.
Important signs have English included and English menus are available.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Efteling?
Since the Efteling is open all year around, the best time is really down to personal preference.
If you want to see all of the magical winter theming for the Winter Efteling, then the winter months might to be to your liking (and it's a bit cheaper). If you like good weather, consider the summer months.
If you don't have kids and want to visit when it's less crowded, then try visiting during non-public holidays or school vacations.
Our personal preference is the fall or early spring on a dry day!
Are There Any Height Restrictions for the Rides?
Yes, many of the rides have height restrictions on them. Please visit our Efteling Ride Guides to see what the minimum height is for the attractions you want to go on!
Can I Bring My Own Food Into the Park?
Yes! You can bring your own food and drink into the park. The only thing that you can't do is eat your food in the different restaurants or catering locations.
Are Pets Allowed in the Park?
No, pets aren't allowed in the Efteling. This, of course, does not extend to service animals. However, those that use service animals will need to leave their dog with a party member if they go on an attraction that the dog can't ride.
Can I Use Cash at the Efteling?
Yes, you're able to pay with cash at all locations through the Efteling. If you're short on cash, there is a cash machine opposite Polle's Keuken.
Of course, dutch pin cards, Maestro, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are all accepted in the park as well.
Is there Free WIFI in the Park?
There are a number of WiFi hotspots located over the park. The current locations are:
- Entrance
- Dwarrel Plein
- Baron 1898
- Fabula
- Het Witte Paard
- Polles Keuken
- Kashba
- 't Poffertja
- Het Wapen van Raveleijn
- Raveleijn park show
- Station de Oost
- De Meermin
- De Kombuys
- Efteling Theater
- Efteling Hotel
- Efteling Village Bosrijk
- Efteling Village Loonsche Land
Are There Single Rider Lines at Efteling Attractions?
Yes, some of the attractions do have single rider lines.
If you're interested in utilizing the single rider queue, look for the sign on these attractions:
- Baron 1898
- Python
- Symbolica
- De Vleigende Hollander
- Max & Mortiz
- Joris en de Draak
Can I Buy a Fast Pass?
No, Efteling doesn't use a bypass the line type scheme.