It's Efteling's birthday!
Hip hip hooray, It's Efteling's birthday! On May 31, 1952, it opened Fairytale forest for the first time its gates. Meanwhile, the park has grown from a fairytale walking route into a complete resort with roller coasters, darkrides, hotels and holiday parks.
In this blog, we briefly look back at the history of Efteling: from Anton Pieck and the Fairytale Forest to Danse Macabre and the plans for the future.
1952-1960: The opening of the Fairytale Forest
Efteling began as a Fairytale Park. Under the direction of designer Anton Pieck, famous fairytales were given a place in the Fairytale Forest. Visitors walked past iconic scenes such as Little Red Riding Hood, Snow white, The Frog King en The Chinese Nightingale.
Thanks to its recognizable style, fairytale atmosphere, and special details, the Fairytale Forest quickly grew into a beloved destination for families.
1960-1980: From fairytale park to amusement park
Following the success of the Fairytale Forest, Efteling continued to develop. During this period, more and more attractions and experiences were added. As a result, the park became more than just a place to view fairy tales.
A well-known example from this period is the Indian Water Lilies, in the 1966 was opened. This enchanting performance clearly showed what Efteling excelled at: storytelling with music, movement, and a magical atmosphere.
1980-2000: Major attractions put Efteling on the map
In 80s and 90s Efteling continued to grow into a true amusement park. Through the addition of larger attractions, the park gained an increasingly strong reputation in the theme park world.
In 1981 opened the Python, the first major roller coaster at Efteling. Two years later followed the Red-bellied piranha en in 1986 opened Morgana the Fairy. These attractions ensured that Efteling was known not only for fairy tales, but also for thrills, adventure, and grandly designed themed areas.
During this period, the mix that still makes Efteling recognizable today increasingly emerged: fairy tales, stories, suspense, and attractions for various ages.
2000-2020: The Efteling grows into a resort
Na 2000 Efteling continued to innovate. The park increasingly focused on large, narrative attractions and also significantly expanded overnight accommodation options.
In 2007 opened The Flying Dutchman, followed by Joris en de Draak in 2010 en Baron 1898 in 2015These attractions combine suspense with extensive theming and a clear story.
The Efteling continued to grow outside the park gates as well. With the opening of Efteling Bosrijk in 2009 en Efteling Loonsche Land in 2017 It became increasingly easy to turn a day at Efteling into a multi-day stay.
In 2017 opened Symbolica, one of the largest and most expensive attractions in the park's history. With this, Efteling once again gained a major dark ride where fantasy, technology, and storytelling come together.
2020-present: Renewal, sustainability and new attractions
The Efteling has not stood still in recent years either. In 2020 opened Max & Moritz, a double family roller coaster on the site of the former Bob. In 2024 follow the Danse Macabre, a major new attraction in the Huyverwoud themed area.
In addition, Efteling continues to invest in new catering establishments, accommodation, and improvements within the park. 2022 the Efteling celebrated its 70th anniversary including the temporary attraction Efteling Wonderland on the Speelweide.
Sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role. For example, solar panels have been installed on the roof of Symbolica and the park is working on reducing residual waste. For 2030 has the Efteling's goal to climate neutral to be.
Efteling keeps moving
In 74 years, Efteling has transformed from a fairytale forest in Kaatsheuvel into a complete resort with attractions, hotels, holiday parks, and millions of visitors every year. Yet the core has always remained the same: taking visitors to a world full of stories, wonder, and fantasy.
And that is precisely what makes the Efteling still so special after all these years. Congratulations, Efteling!
More practical tips:
5 missing attractions from Efteling
These Efteling attractions open earlier for overnight guests.
