While its continental theme park neighbours might lay claim to the title, fairytale-themed Efteling in the Netherlands is a worthy competitor as Europe's most magical theme park—and a bargain for your clients in comparison
Efteling might not be the most familiar fairy-tale theme park experience, but its storied history dates back to the mid-20th century. That heritage has its fingerprints all over the park: the Fairytale Forest, Efteling's original attraction, depicts the traditional fairytales of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen in a uniquely continental fashion. In its recreation of The Six Servants, for example, park fan-favourite Long Neck extends over 16 feet above ground.
If that weren't whimsical enough, the 'Paper Gobblers' first appeared in the park in 1959 and, to this day, somewhat unsettlingly, still request 'Papier hier' and thank anyone who disposes of waste in their mouths.
The chronicled history of the park undoubtedly appeals to nostalgic locals and theme park enthusiasts, but the park's management team hasn't shied away from substantial, large-scale investments in recent years to rival its theme park neighbours.
A decade of investment to elevate the Efteling experience
Crafting an experience to rival other popular theme parks doesn't come cheap. Now that the park is "focusing on international growth," according to its director of parks & resorts, Nicole Scheffers, it is investing substantially in all areas of guest experience, promising not to diminish its uniquely-Dutch charm despite its global focus.
The last decade alone has seen Baron 1898 (the park's most-thrilling rollercoaster), Symbolica (a near-£30 million indoor ride investment that perfectly embodies the park's magical spirit), Max & Moritz (duelling rollercoasters) and Danse Macabre open their airgates for guests.
Efteling Grand is the latest addition to join the roster of substantial investments to grow the park's international appeal: the four-star hotel is due to open this August and marks the first accommodation inside the park's gates.
Efteling Grand is the most recent of four accommodation options at the park, and the first inside the park's gates.
(Image Credit: Efteling)
From summer 2026, Baron 1898 will welcome a sister attraction, described by Koen Sanders, director of product, market & image at Efteling, as "seamlessly complement[ing] the area around Baron 1898. It is deliberately smaller in scale and as a result, adds to the capacity and attraction offer for a wider audience."
The ride will tell the story of the eponymous Baron's chimney-sweepers and continue the mythology of the thrilling rollercoaster.
Family-, planet-, and budget-friendly
Efteling is a three-and-a-half hour drive from Calais, making it easily accessible via Le Shuttle—all accommodation is inclusive of parking.
Those who don't drive needn't fear—Efteling is around three hours on public transport from Brussels Midi station, making a totally flight- and drive-free journey from St. Pancras International less than six hours.
Three-night packages in the school summer holidays start from £1,706 per family of four—less than £430 each. That lead-in package covers three nights' accommodation at the four-star Efteling Grand Hotel during its opening month (August), four days of park admission (including day of arrival and departure) and breakfast at the on-site Brasserie 7 restaurant.
Agents can book Efteling tickets via several trade-friendly operators including Viator and Klook or book accommodation-inclusive packages directly.
