Efteling, Netherlands

Efteling is a fairy-tale theme park in Kaatsheuvel, in the Dutch province of North Brabant. It opened in 1952 around a Fairy Tale Forest designed by the illustrator Anton Pieck and is now the most visited theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Europe. The park draws on European folklore, legends and myths, blending woodland and gardens with richly detailed architecture.

Its best-known rides include Baron 1898, a dive coaster themed around a haunted gold mine; Joris en de Draak, a dual wooden coaster in which two dragons race each other; Python, one of the first modern looping coasters in Europe; and the Piraña river rapids. In May 2026 the family drop tower Hooghmoed opened next to Baron 1898. In the Fairy Tale Forest (Sprookjesbos), animated scenes bring classic stories such as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid to life.

The park also has dark rides such as Droomvlucht and Symbolica, the Aquanura fountain show and beautifully landscaped gardens, and it is open all year round. Day tickets cost €40–56 depending on the date, children up to 3 enter free, and parking costs €15.