Alright, I must admit, I am biased. Born and raised in the Netherlands, the Efteling is a special place for me. In fact, I believe that it is for all Dutch. It is part of our childhood, a place where dreams really come true. The Efteling is a part of Dutch culture, like wooden shoes and windmills. In this post, I will explain why the Efteling in the Netherlands is the best theme park in Europe!
Forget Disney: Efteling is Europe’s best theme park for kids – The telegraph
The Efteling in the Netherlands is the best theme park in Europe
After his visit to the Efteling, an American amusement park expert praised the attraction park as the world’s best. Parenting and lifestyle magazine FatherMaghas placed the Dutch theme park Efteling in the top three for family-friendly destinations in Europe, beating out other theme parks, aquariums, national parks, and zoos across the continent.
“The Efteling in the Netherlands is one of the most fun theme parks in Europe,” FatherMag writes of the fantasy and fairy tale-themed amusement park. Promising visitors a “world of wonders,” the park has been praised for having something for all ages, such as carousels for the little ones and rollercoasters for the daredevils.
The readers of American Theme Park Insider voted the Efteling Best Theme Park in 2018 and continue to praise the park each year. American readers can also check The Theme Park Tourist on what to expect in Efteling.
Why we love the Efteling
Here are some of the things that we love in the Efteling. Further, in this article, I will explain to you more about the Efteling and how to plan your visit.
- The style and vibe are unique in the world
- The park is very well maintained and clean
- The Efteling personnel is always friendly and helpful
- Everyone wears a smile
- There is a magical atmosphere all over the park
- Many food options from all over the world
- Its abundant green space and its large ponds and gardens
- Many areas for free play, picnic, or a rest
- There are rides for young and old
- The app and website are ideal to plan your visit
Efteling versus Disneyland Paris
Many parents wonder which park is better, Efteling or Disneyland Paris? Although Disneyland Paris is without a doubt easier to reach within Europe, the winner is Efteling. Here is what the visitors on Mumsnet.com say about the Efteling:
Land of the laffs is great fun with loads of houses to run in and out of, rope bridges… Rides…. Stepping stones and pond.
Dream flight (droomvlucht) is gorgeous. Similar in style to Peter pan but better… Longer and with more going on. The food is much nicer and more variety. The accommodation is so much nicer.
The Efteling, which is a lot cheaper than Disneyland and is also closer. The Efteling has also been nicknamed Disneyland of the Netherlands.
They also go for a magical feeling here. As soon as you enter, you are immersed in a world full of magic, enchantment, and fairy tales.
The park, with its blissful garbage cans, helps everyone clean up.
Mumsnet.com
Here are a few more things to consider regarding Efteling and Disneyland Paris;
- The Efteling is cheaper than Disneyland Paris
- Language in the Efteling is Dutch and English, so children can understand everything
- Efteling is based on the rich European history of fairy tales and storytelling
What is the Efteling?
The Efteling is a fairy tale theme park and amusement park in Kaatsheuvel, in the south of Holland. The Efteling is the best-known theme park in Holland. It is also the largest theme park in the country and one of the oldest theme parks in the world.
It is twice as large as the original Disneyland Park in California and predates it by three years. Annually, the park has more than 5 million visitors. In 2020, it was the most visited theme park in Europe, before Disneyland Park (Paris).
Since the opening of the Fairytale Forest in 1952, the Efteling in the Netherlands has grown to become one of the largest theme parks in Europe.
Efteling features a Theme Park Resort with various overnight accommodation options, a golf course, a theatre, and a wide range of facilities for business events. Efteling even has its own TV series, children’s radio station, and YouTube channel.
Visiting the Efteling with kids
I have been visiting the Efteling throughout my childhood and young adult life. I recently visited the park again with my kids (10 and 13 years old) and grandparents.
Our visit was in August 2020, on an unusually hot weekday and during the Dutch school summer vacation. We came by car and had pre-purchased both our tickets and our parking ticket.
We spent one entire day and managed to visit all of our favorite attractions. We started at the opening hour and left when the park closed. We skipped the areas for the youngest kids. In total, we spent 11 hours in the Efteling that day!
The history of the Efteling
When I was about 5 years old, my parents took me for the first time to the Sprookjesbos, the Fairy Tale Forest of the Efteling.
Later on, when I was a teenager, I visited the park with my friends. By that time, the park had expanded and offered one of the first roller coasters in the Netherlands.
Times have changed and there are now 6 classic roller coasters in the park located in a dedicated daredevils section with many other adrenaline-rushing rides.
The history of the Efteling goes back to 1933 when a local pastor and a chaplain wanted to create a sports park to promote and stimulate exercise for the local youth.
A playground soon followed, and step by step the park found its shape. To attract more tourists, the famous artist and illustrator Anton Pieck was commissioned to design the nostalgic Fairytale Forest (opened in 1952).
In the years that followed, the park expanded with a café-restaurant, a swimming pool, a rowing, and canoe pond, and a few new Fairytale Forest inhabitants such as the sleeping cook.
The first steam train with locomotive Aagje runs through the park from 1969. In 1971, visitors are introduced to the Diorama, a three-dimensional “Pieckerian” miniature world.
In the following years, more attractions are added, and the park becomes more than a Fairytale Forest. The Python steel roller coaster was introduced in 1981, followed by more rides for adrenaline-lovers.
Hotels, bungalow parks, golf courses, theaters, water shows, museums, trains, 3 and 4D experiences, and more are added to create what the Efteling in the Netherlands is today.
The largest theme park in Holland
The Efteling in the Netherlands is the largest theme park in the country, with over 72 hectares (180 acres). It is twice as large as the original Disneyland Park in California. Annually, the park has more than 5 million visitors.
In 2020, it was the most visited theme park in Europe, before Disneyland Park (Paris). If you want to do everything in the park and enjoy every ride and show, at least 2 days are required.
Efteling is the theme park that parents say is better than Disney, and it’s getting a new ride this year – The Sun
Discover the park
The park is divided into different sections according to age groups and activities. Besides an entire area dedicated to the youngest visitors, there is also plenty to do for the entire family.
These are the areas in the park:
- Reizenrijk (Travel Realm)
- Marerijk (Fairy Realm)
- Ruigrijk (Adventure Realm
- Anderrijk (Other Realm)
- Fantasierijk (Fantasy Realm)
With these sections in mind, it is easier to navigate with your family around the park. Perhaps the area most suited to its name is Ruigrijk or Adventure Realm, where most fast rides are located. This was our favorite and great for teens.
Marerijk is the home to the Fairy Tale Forest and the Fairies of the Droomvlucht. A must-visit for everyone going to Efteling for the first time.
Anderrijk has some rides that are inspired by non-Western cultures, such as the Fata Morgana and Piraña (Mexico), while Reizenrijk has the Carnaval Festival ride, which travels through several different ‘countries’.
The Fantasierijk got its name from the darkride Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy.
Map of the park
Click here for a map of the park
Study the map before you go, so you can plan your route according to the ages of your kids and the type of rides that you are looking for.
It also helps to check all the attractions on the website before your visit. The map is very detailed and gives you lots of information on each ride. For example: do you get wet? Or, what age is it for? etc.
Attractions and rides in Efteling
It will be impossible to describe all the rides in this blog post. Instead, I will describe our experiences in some of our favorite attractions.
Click here for a list of all the attractions and rides in Efteling.
Experience the Fairy Tale Forest
The fairy tales are the heart and soul of Efteling. The Fairytale Forest is the center of Efteling counting over 30 stories. And besides all the new attractions in Efteling, the enchanting core always remains the starting point.
Further, fairy tales, sagas, legends, and stories continue to form the basis for the other attractions.
Many of the fairy tales in Efteling were written by the famous writers Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, and Charles Perrault.
Walking through the green Fairy Tale Forest is an inspiring route of giants and trolls, dwarfs, little goats, frogs, talking trees, huge fire-spitting dragon swans, dancing shoes, and a flying fakir.
Some scenes include specific events from fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood at the door of her grandmother’s house, and scenes from sleeping servants in Cinderella’s castle. While other scenes are more general, such as The Gnome Village.
Young kids will love Dwarf Village with its large toadstools and with miniature adornments, such as little chairs and dwarf laundry hanging from a wire at the dwarf houses.
In the Fairy Tale Forest, you will find three types of fairy tale scenes: The first are indoor scenes with a commentary telling the tale (such as The Indian Water Lilies).
There are also structures too small to enter, but which can be viewed by visitors through the windows (Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother’s house).
And there are open-air attractions, such as the fountain for The Frog King.
Some scenes are made with simple installations of lifelike dolls. Others are animatronics with 3D effects, projections, and holograms.
Kids will love to find the talking trees amongst the real ones!
The Herald Square is the beautiful central square of the Fairy Tale Forest. It has a nostalgic gate, a magic clock, and a fountain.
We loved watching Snow White in her magical sleep. It seems that everything is possible in the Fairy Tale Forest and everyone will love it.
There are also interactive elements in the Fairy Tale Forest. For instance, at the candy house: when one moves the front gate, a crow on the roof caws, smoke comes out of the chimney, and a black cat comes out.
For each scene, the fairy tale can be read from book plaques provided nearby (usually in Dutch, English, German and French). In some cases, the tale is also presented via electronic voice-over.
Once upon a time
If your children are young, you can read some fairy tales with them before your visit. Tech-savvy kids may like the Once upon a time app for some great Efteling fairy tales (tablet only download from App Store)
I would also recommend you explore the map of the Fairytale Forest that can be found on the Efteling website.
The consistency and style of the music, lighting, decorations, and animatronics of many fairy tales can be found in other rides in Efteling. Like the haunted house, Fata Morgana and Droomvlucht.
Droomvlucht
The enchanting world of fairies, elves, and trolls continues in the dark ride of Droomvlucht. In this beautiful attraction, a cable car takes you around an unforeseeable magical world.
Although we prefer adventurous rides, Droomvlucht impressed us all because there was so much to see and the details were mind-blowing.
I have not been able to make good pictures on many of the (dark) rides because we were constantly moving. That is why I will also share several photos of the Efteling website.
Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy
We felt similar in the other dark ride called Symbolica Palace of Fantasy. Here, families go to the audience at the King of the park. Symbolica Palace of Fantasy reminded me a bit of the world of Harry Potter. It was a truly magical experience in a rotating vehicle inside dark corridors, hidden rooms, and magical mirrors.
Fata Morgana
Perhaps one of my favorite rides in the park. This dark (and often scary) boat ride goes through an underground forbidden city in the Far East.
Surrounded by crocodiles, the boat takes you through neighborhoods of poverty and wealth while a mythological giant protects the Sultan who surrounds himself with women and precious gems, jewelry, and gold coins. There was so much to see during this ride that we actually went twice!
Sirocco rotating merchants’ boats
More elements of the East can be found at the Archipel island. This is an exotic corner of the Efteling set up as a fishing village with a pool, climbing structures, and Sirocco.
Sirocco is the fasted rotating boats imaginable…! So we jumped on a boat and went on a merchant trip with Sindbad. Not recommended directly after your lunch!
Villa Volta
Another crazy ride that will certainly make you dizzy is the cursed house called Villa Volta. Visitors enter a waiting area where they are animated by installations and listen to the history of Hugo van den Loonsche Duynen, his greed, and his cursed home.
Be prepared: once you enter the house and take a seat on one of the sofas, the ride begins, and the house literally turns upside down!
Spookslot Haunted House
We experienced more scares at the Haunted House. Unfortunately, the historic Haunted House unfortunately will soon close after 44 years of scaring its visitors. The good news is that there will be a completely new themed area with a new attraction, in which the creepy theme will also be implemented in catering, retail, and entertainment. After the closure of the Haunted House, the preparatory work for the construction of the new area which is expected to open in 2024 will start.
Inclusive play at Play forest Nest!
I love the idea of inclusive play in Nest! The playground equipment is made of natural materials and designed in the theme of the various major attractions in Ruigrijk.
Nest is for young kids as well as children with and without a (visible) disability. The play forest is also the base for “The saviors of Ruigrijk”. An inclusive fairy tale in which children with disabilities play the leading role.
Fabula: 4D film adventure
When my kids asked to watch the 4 D Fabula movie, I wasn’t very excited. But I could not have been more wrong. Water, air, noises and so much more made this movie a complete experience. After the movie is finished, you enter an indoor labyrinth, experiencing the world of the movie in reality. Very nice for the entire family!
The Baron
Possibly the scariest ride in Efteling, the baron is for real daredevils. The Baron’s theme is a mine. To enter the mine, this ride plunges you down a 37.5 m free fall into the mineshaft at a speed of 90 km/h!
Joris and the Dragon
Besides the Baron, there are more roller coasters in Efteling. The latest addition is called Joris and the Dragon based on the fairy tale with the same name. This double-track wooden racer rollercoaster was the fastest of all!
The Python
I would describe Python as the most classic of all Eftelings’ roller coasters. The favorite attraction of my kids, this steel roller coaster twists and turns at great heights with a double loop and corkscrew.
If you like roller coasters as much as I do, you must definitely check out the Vogel Rok attraction. This is a high-speed indoor roller coaster in the dark.
Max and Moritz
The Max and Moritz roller coaster is perhaps the most creative and playful of them all. The theme of the ride represents the fantasy world of two naughty boys. The two rollercoasters are the least scary of all in the Efteling making them suitable for anyone looking for a thrill but too scared to join the Python or Joris and the Draak rollercoasters.
On the Max & Moritz double roller coaster, you experience an exciting and crazy ride full of tricks while you escape from the cuckoo clock workshop with Max and Moritz in one of their soapboxes.
The Vliegende Hollander
The Vliegende Hollander (Flying Dutchman) is my favorite roller coaster in Efteling and the ride that we did the most times. It was also the first attraction that we visited and that is why there were no lines when we arrived there just after the opening of the park.
The Vliegende Hollander is a dark water coaster ride with some amazing special effects that tells the story of Willem van der Decken, a captain of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). He is a wealthy trader in command of the fastest ship of the VOC, named the “Hollander” (Dutchman).
The house of Van der Decken is part of the queue line and there is a lot to see inside. After walking through this abandoned house, the queue continues down into so-called ‘smugglers’ tunnels’ that end in a dark harbor. Here you board a barge and the scary ride begins.
Lots of wind, speed, a holographic ghost ship, and other ghostly elements don’t prepare you really for what comes next. The barge is towed to a height of 22,5 meters, doors open, and you are shot onto a rollercoaster that ends with a steep fall and a big splash in the lake outside of the house.
Piraña River Ride
More splashing and lots of water can be found at the Mexican-inspired Piraña River Ride. This attraction was the most fun, we could not stop laughing! A wild river takes you past waterfalls, rocks and totem poles. The momentum of the water determines your route in this paddle-less adventure on a 350-meter-long wild water river. It is impossible to dry!
The Pagode
Every family should ride the Pagode because it gives you a marvelous panoramic view from above. This Thai temple rotates at a height of 45m. You can enjoy phenomenal views over the whole of Efteling and all the surrounding greenery.
Gondoletta boat ride
Another ride that I would recommend for every family is the Gondoletta boat ride. It is an ideal water attraction to unwind. Sailing past idyllic Dutch flowerbeds and traditional houses with soft melodies is ideal for quieter moments. Young kids will also love the ducks at the lake. The boat trip is 20 minutes.
Anton Pieck Square
For more unwinding, head over to the picturesque Anton Pieck Square. The square is an idylic place representing an old Dutch town square, with tasty treats available at a selection of several restaurants.
There are also some beautiful historic carousels turning next to each other. Here we had a break while the kids enjoyed the swings.
Entertainment options and shows
While walking through the park or waiting in line, we were entertained by different (musical) groups and animators. There are Meet & Greets with famous Efteling inhabitants, puppets, and marionettes. But also live shows for different ages in open and closed venues. All shows are free of charge during a park visit. We loved the outdoor water show Aquanura combining music, water, light and fire.
City of Raveleijn
And we were very impressed by the medieval city of Raveleijn. The city is the venue of a spectacular semi-indoor show with horses, knights, and crows! The show can be combined with a heroes’ dinner in Het Wapen van Raveleijn restaurant. Upon a reservation, you will be able to enjoy a Burgundian three-course menu (paid separately) You must book a table at least one day in advance on the Efteling website.
CARO
If you book an overnight stay at Efteling, you can also opt for a night out at CARO, the Efteling theater. For a 70-minute show, you will need to make a reservation and pay separately.
Much Food and Drink options
Efteling offers a dazzling of food and drink options for all tastes and preferences. From fast food takeaways to medieval dinners and tasty Dutch pancakes and poffertjes.
The food is themed according to the attractions. That is why you can find Pinocchio’s pizza & pasta restaurant near Gepetto’s workshop, and oriental flavors at Toko Pagode.
Near the Max & Moritz ride, you can try delicacies from the Alps, such as strudel and German bratwurst. Here, we also encountered a musical band complete with lederhosen who entertained the visitors.
If you want to make sure that you get a table at Pinokkio’s pizza & pasta restaurant or any other favorites, I’d recommend you to reserve online via the app or website.
How to make the most of your visit
Here are our best tips for making the most of your visit to the Efteling.
1. Conquer the crowds
If possible, buy your online ticket according to the crowds. You can check how busy the park is expected to be for each date on the Efteling calendar.
2. Download the app
Download the Efteling app before your actual visit here. Check the up-to-date opening times. You can also scan the rides and attractions that you want to visit. Based on your preferences, you can plan your route in the park.
Which attractions are open?
Every morning, one hour before opening time, you can see a forecast of which attractions are open or closed and which attractions may open later (due to weather conditions or maintenance). In summer, you will find everything open but in winter, this may vary.
Arrive Early
As a local insider, the best tip I would give is to arrive EARLY. Especially in the summer months, weekends, and during (school) holidays. Make sure that you arrive at the entrance of the park before Efteling officially opens. There is a dedicated area for early arrivals where you can scan the souvenirs or have breakfast.
Get your kids’ bracelet
When you are one of the first to enter the park, you can quickly get your child its bracelet for the rides.
Start at the back of the park
Once the doors opens, you will walk to the back of the park and start your visit the furthest away from the entrance/exit. We arrived well before opening hours and rushed straight to the back to our favorite ride once inside.
Monitor live waiting times at the rides
Is it packed? Scan the waiting time of your favorite rides on the app. That way, you can decide what ride or attraction to choose next. You can continue your visit accordingly.
Alternate sitting down rides with walking
Many of the rides are seated attractions. You should alternate between action/walking rides and sitting rides (Dreamflight, Fantasia), or shows in the theater.
I liked Diorama (miniature world) a lot. While having a seat in one of the classic train wagons, my kids explored the exhibition.
Make use of the free Souvenir Delivery Express
There are 8 souvenir shops spread out over the park and themed according to the attractions. Don’t carry your purchases around with you. Instead, have them delivered by the Souvenir Delivery Express to the service building near the car park (free of charge). You can also have them dropped off at your Efteling hotel.
Prices in Efteling theme park
Efteling ticket prices are according to the season. At the time of this post, ticket prices and their associated validity are between €38 and €46. If you are traveling by car, you will also need to purchase a car park ticket of €12,50 separately.
Buy tickets for Efteling
Please note: to visit Efteling you need an entrance ticket as well as a slot reservation. A slot reservation can only be made on the Efteling website.
You can not buy tickets at the entrance of the park. Instead, buy your tickets on the Efteling website or on a marketplace such as Get Your Guide. Children aged 0-3 enter free of charge.
Click here to book your day admission ticket to Efteling
Efteling opening hours
The opening hours of the Efteling are according to the seasons. There are extended opening hours in summer. The earliest that the park opens is 10 am and the latest closing hour is 21pm.
Check the website for actual opening hours when you plan your visit!
Where to stay?
If you are planning to spend more than one day in Efteling, you definitely need to book accommodation in the park or as near as possible.
The Efteling in the Netherlands would not be the best theme park in Europe if it did not provide its own hotels and holiday homes.
An overnight stay at an Efteling accommodation always includes unlimited access to the park.
Efteling holiday villages and hotels
The Efteling has 4 hotels and parks:
- Efteling Hotel (themed hotel inside the park)
- Efteling Hotel Loonsche Land (Scandinavian-style hotel in nature at 15-min walk)
- Efteling Bosrijk (traditional Dutch holiday houses at a 10-min walk)
- Efteling Loonsche Land (holiday village in the middle of nature built with natural materials)
Tip: check the Efteling website for early bookings discounts and (last minute) special offers
The Efteling Hotel ****
The 4-star Efteling Hotel is less than a 5 minutes walk from the theme park. You can literally walk straight through the park to the hotel.
All 20 themed rooms represent the rides and fairy tales such as the Snow White Suite, The Flying Dutchman Suite, and the Hansel and Gretel Suite. Who would not want to sleep in The Sleeping Beauty Suite?!
Click here for more information and prices
Where to stay near Efteling?
We drove to Efteling in one hour from our house near Amsterdam to Efteling. That is why we did not need a hotel booking.
If you would like to make the most of your visit, I recommend you to book one or two overnights in Kaatsheuvel or any of the Dutch towns nearby. There are many family-friendly hotels in the area. I have selected the best ones for families.
The Best Family Hotels for visiting the Efteling
1. Guest House Hotel Kaatsheuvel
Guest House Hotel Kaatsheuvel is a modern and affordable accommodation with free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Kids will love the garden and large terrace, the playground with billiards, and table tennis. There is bike hire available for exploring the area. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Efteling theme park and the nearest airport is Eindhoven Airport, 25 min from the hotel.
Click here for more information and prices
2. Fletcher Hotel Restaurant Waalwijk
Fletcher Hotel Waalwijk is a family hotel located at a 7-minute drive from attraction park The Efteling. There is free parking and a garden with a terrace. The hotel restaurant has breakfast, dinner and lunch options. There is also a bar and a bicycle rental service. You can walk from the hotel to a bus stop which offers a direct connection to The Efteling Park in 10 minutes. The family-friendly Beekse Bergen Zoo is a 30-minute drive away.
Click here for more information and prices
3. DreamZzz
Located in Kaatsheuvel, at an 18-minute walk from Efteling Theme Park, DreamZzz B&B Kaatsheuvel features family rooms with a garden, free WiFi, a shared kitchen, a sitting area, and room service. It is great for families who want to visit Efteling and explore the area by bicycle.
Click here for more information and prices
4. Hotel ‘t Peperhuys
Located in Kaatsheuvel, Hotel ‘t Peperhuys provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Featuring beautifully family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace in a very cute neighborhood. The Efteling is very easy to reach within 1.5 km, and you can rent bikes from the hotel. The nearest airport is Eindhoven at a 14 km distance.
Click here for information and prices
5. Boomgalows De Roestelberg
“Location and accommodation; perfect for our size family. Kids loved the playground, which we could see from the comfort of our house.”
Boomgalows De Roestelberg is also located in Kaatsheuvel. The accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and an oven. The private bathroom comes with a bath or shower. You can enjoy garden views from the room. At Boomgalows De Roestelberg you will find a garden, a terrace and a bar. An array of activities can be enjoyed on-site or in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking. The Efteling is only 2.8 km away!
Click here for more information and prices
6. Auberge de Bonheur
Nestled in the forest of Oude Warande near Tilburg is Auberge Du Bonheur. The hotel rooms are uniquely decorated and have a rustic atmosphere with warm colors and designs. The French cuisine in the well-known restaurant of Auberge Du Bonheur serves dishes with local products. Auberge du Bonheur has a central location and is the ideal starting point for hiking or cycling trips and the Efteling in the Netherlands.
Click here for more information and prices
7. Boutique Hotel Huize Rustoord
Boutique Hotel Huize Rustoord is a hotel with 9 suites but it is also an art gallery, Each room has its own theme and is decorated with art objects and paintings of famous artists. The hotel also features a restaurant with culinary dishes. Eindhoven airport is 14 min away from Boutique Hotel Huize Rustoord en de Efteling 18 min away from the boutique hotel.
Click here for more information and prices
8. Tulip Inn Eindhoven Airport
I have added a few family-suitable hotels for the city of Eindhoven to this list. Because you may want to arrive in Eindhoven airport for visiting the Efteling in the Netherlands.
The Tulip Inn Eindhoven airport is a brand-new hotel conveniently located at the terminals of the airport. The Eindhoven city center can be reached within 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus. Eindhoven is a half-hour car drive to Efteling. Car hire can be arranged at the hotel, upon request.
Click here for information and prices
9. NH Collection Eindhoven Center
Located in the city center of Eindhoven, NH Collection Eindhoven Center, features a large terrace overlooking the city, a 24-hour front desk, and family suites and family connecting rooms.
There are lots of fun things to do in Eindhoven, and that’s why this city center hotel is ideal for families who like to explore on foot. Eindhoven is a half-hour car drive to Efteling in the Netherlands.
Click here for information and prices
10. A-Hotel Oosterhout
Hotel Oosterhout is located in the middle of the lively center of picturesque Oosterhout, near Breda. The hotel is close to all the shops and sights of the city center.
The hotel serves a traditional Dutch breakfast and is a great base for exploring the beautiful nature around. The direct area is ideal for hiking and cycling trips with the kids. There is also a zoo and family-friendly museums. The hotel is 11.9 km from Efteling.
Click here for information and prices
11. Guldenberg Hotel & Brasserie
GuldenBerg Hotel & Brasserie is a simple but practical hotel, ideal for families because it is surrounded by beautiful forests. The hotel is located on 52 acres of private land, and right next to National Park “De Loonse en Drunense Duinen”. These surroundings are perfect for hiking and cycling trips. It is possible to walk directly into the forest from the hotel grounds.
The small village of Helvoirt is a 5-minute drive away, and the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch is less than 20 minutes from Guldenberg Hotel & Brasserie. The Efteling is a 15-minute car or taxi journey away.
Click here for more information and prices
How to get to Efteling in the Netherlands?
Are you flying with the kids to the Efteling in the Netherlands? The nearest Dutch airport for the theme park is Eindhoven Airport (EIN). However, there are other options for getting to the Efteling.
Only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Amsterdam
If Schiphol Airport is your destination, you will need to buy train tickets as you will be either taking two trains to the town of Tilburg or taking one train to s-Hertogenbosch. You can reach the Efteling in the Netherlands by car from Amsterdam within 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Check the Efteling website for the exact public transport routes from Amsterdam to Efteling in the Netherlands and the NS travel information for the latest updates on the Dutch rail system.
Flying to Belgium is another option. Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB) operates a train from Brussels Airport – Zaventem to Breda hourly.
Is Efteling in the Netherlands the best theme park in Europe to go to as a family?
Yes! The park offers great fun for everyone and even if it is raining, Efteling is still one of the places I would go. So unleash your inner child because Efteling is not only great fun for kids but also for grown-ups too!
Being Dutch, and having visited Efteling very often, I would love to help you plan your visit to the best theme park in Europe. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or write me!
In this article about the Efteling in the Netherlands, I have included links to Amazon and Booking.com. These affiliate links will never add any expense, fee, or charge to you, the purchaser. In simple terms, the affiliate links do not change what you pay at all.
