More than a theme park

Efteling has been an enchanting organisation for more than 68 years. Since the opening of the Fairytale Forest in 1952, the organisation continues to surprise its guests with new forms of (overnight)recreation. Apart from professionalism and creativity, guest orientation is one of the pillars which supports the Efteling Theme Park Resort. With 5.18 million visitors in 2017, the park is one of the best European amusement parks.

The Efteling Nature Park Foundation forms the basis for Efteling, which opened the Fairytale Forest in 1952. In 1985, Efteling became a private company with the Foundation as its sole shareholder. And it still is today. The aim of the Foundation is: to provide and maintain recreational and leisure facilities and to promote tourism. The Foundation acts as a keeper of fairytales and guardian of the heritage.

Efteling BV

Since 4 June 2018, Efteling's management team consists of five people, each with their own expertise: General Affairs (Corporate Support), Financial Affairs (Finance & Service), Park, Overnight Stays and Commerce, Creation & Development. The most important developments are assessed by Efteling's Supervisory Board, which was appointed by Efteling Nature Park Foundation. These developments include strategic (multi-year) plans and Efteling's (financial) policy.

Award-winning

Efteling often wins prizes. For instance, for years Efteling has been voted as one of the best in the Dutch Motorist Association's (ANWB) 'Best Day Out in the Netherlands'. In 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019 Efteling even came in first place. Moreover, in 2017 and 2018 Efteling was declared the best theme park in the world by an international website about theme parks, Theme Park Insiders. Review website TripAdvisor declared Efteling the ‘2017 Travellers’ Choice Park’. Furthermore, the ‘Most customer-friendly employee of 2017’ also worked in Efteling.

Did you know that Efteling started as a sports park, that the paper gobbler 'Holle Bolle Gijs' only appeared in the theme park in 1959 and that dive coaster Baron 1898 was opened in 2015? Here you can read everything you want to know about the history of Efteling.