At the heart of Efteling, the Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest) can be found. This is the park first official attraction and is designed specifically for its younger visitors. It is a walk-through experience and along the way you meet many characters, some from famous fairy tales and others who can only be seen in the Efteling (“Sprookjesbosbewoners”, n.d.). The Sprookjesbos is located in the Marerijk (Fairy Realm), along with other attractions centered around classic fairy tales, like Droomvlucht (Dreamflight) which takes visitors on a magical journey through a fairy world (“Marerijk”, n.d.).
This advertisement illustrates the atmosphere of Efteling
Furthermore, there are four additional themed realms that all have their unique attractions. First, the Reizenrijk (Travel Realm), whose name is primarily inspired by the Carnaval Festival ride (“Reizenrijk”, n.d.). In this part of the park, most of the attractions incorporate ways of travelling, mostly boats, but the Vogelrok (rollercoaster in the dark) includes birds. The Fantasie Rijk (Fantasy Realm) is the centre of the Efteling. The Symbolica attraction, home of Pardoes, is located here and all other attractions in this realm highlight fantasy and include many magical elements (“Rijkenindeling”, n.d.). Ruigrijk (Adventure Realm) is the place to be when you are a real thrill seeker. Two of the park’s most popular rollercoasters, Baron 1898 and Joris en de Draak (Joris and the Dragon) can be found in this realm. Last but not least, Anderrijk (Other Realm), is the most mysterious section of Efteling, home to Fata Morgana, a dark boat ride inspired by the fairy tales from 1001 nights.
All over the park, themed souvenir shops and restaurants are placed, adding even more magical elements to visitors’ experience. And since 1992, it is even possible to spend the night in the Efteling hotel.
You can see all the realms and other attractions on the map of Efteling in the space with Pardoes, who is placed in his realm. In the next step, the map is displayed on the full screen.
Image in 3D space credits: