Nostalgia and Fairytales
We’ve just spent a weekend in the Efteling theme park and it was fantastic. I forgot just how beautiful the park really is, especially the Sprookjesbos (fairytale forest) and the Anton Pieck square. Anton Pieck was one of the founders of The Efteling theme park and a well-known artist. He is especially known for his fairy-tale like and nostalgic images. We could spend a day in his diorama, that he built for the Efteling’s twentieth birthday. It’s tucked away in the same building as the steam carousel, where we spent a looooot of time as well. Our daughter just loved those rides. Also, it was raining the first day so this was a perfect place to stay warm and dry.
Crazy rides
The Efteling is divided into different areas: daredevils will probably head straight tot Ruigrijk (the rough kingdom), where you’ll find kilometers of super scary roller coasters. The python is iconic, but the Baron – also known as Dive Coaster – will treat you to a free fall. Yep. You might wanna consider what you eat before you step into that one.
A trip down Efteling memory lane
Apart from the crazy rides there are lots of beautiful scenic indoor rides and boat trips, suitable for kids as well. For us it really was a trip down memory lane: like the Indian Water Lilies in the fairy tale forest. I still remembered the tune from the video 8 movie my father made from a trip over 32 years ago. And now it’s in my head forever. Or the Fata Morgana, not that old, but I remember how cool and new it was when I visited the park in 1986. It’s still beautiful. Just not that new.
Children of all ages
Well, I could go on and on and on. Make sure to reserve a table at Polle’s Kitchen, the park’s pancake restaurant that’s an attraction in itself (and serves delicious seasonal pancakes). And make time for the Efteling museum, located near the Anton Pieck square. It’s small, but shows amazing concept sketches of the first rides, antique dolls and masks for the earliest attractions. And, last but not least: the little steam train is fun and relaxing as well. Well, go see for yourself. Whether you’re 3 or 80, it really is a fun day trip for children of all ages.