Ruigrijk photos on Flickr

6

Ruigrijk 25/08/2022 12h05

As part of the Summer entertainment in 2022 Joris is riding his dragon through Ruigrijk. Here on the central square; Ruigrijkplein.

De Efteling

The Efteling is a fantasy-themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands. The attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

The park was opened in 1952. It has since evolved from a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest into a full-sized theme park. It now caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic, and nostalgic themes, in addition to its wide array of amusement rides.

It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is twice as large as the original Disneyland park in California and antedates it by three years. Annually, the park has nearly 5 million visitors. In 2016, it was the third most visited theme park in Europe, behind Disneyland Paris and Europa-Park. Over the years, it has received over 125 million visitors.

Location: Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant, Netherlands

Opened: 1952

Operating season: Year-round

Visitors per annum: 4.76 million in 2016

Area: 72 ha the park; 276 ha the resort

Rides: Total 36

Roller coasters 6

Water rides 4

[ Source and much more Info: Wikipedia - De Efteling [2022] ]

Baron 1898 - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

14

Baron 1898 22/11/2021 16h26

The Baron 1898 right before sunset during the last hour and a half of the day.

Baron 1898

Baron 1898 is a steel Dive Coaster at the Efteling theme park. The first test ride was held on 8 May 2015, after construction of the track was completed, and the first manned operation was conducted on June 18, 2015. Music was created by the Brussels Philharmonie symphony orchestra and several producers, under the direction of René Merkelbach. The ride opened on July 1, 2015. It is the first dive coaster manufactured by B&M that doesn't feature a turn between the lift hill and the first drop.

The Story:

In 1898, the wealthy baron Gustave Hooghmoed (whose last name is a variation on the Dutch word for hubris) is led to discover a nearby cave that is rich in gold deposits by a spirit known as the Witte Wieven ("Wise women", "Dames Blanches" or "White ladies"); however, this spirit gives Hooghmoed the admonition that if he disturbs the gold in any way, he will suffer terrible consequences for the remainder of his life. In an attempt to circumvent the spirit's threat, Hoogmoed presses the destitute locals into working in his newly opened gold mine, where many of the workers suffer catastrophic accidents or are chased out of the cave by the "Witte Wieven" and her supernatural cohorts.

After the Baron is called out of his office to tend to an emergency in the mine shaft, mine overseer Laars will help guests into his specially designed mine elevator vehicles that are capable of traveling both vertically and horizontally. After the guests board the special mine cars, Laars and the machine shop are suddenly attacked by vengeful spirits of miners who have previously vanished under the influence of the "Witte Wieven". Before Laars's office apparently explodes, he sends the miners out of the mine; as the car ascends, a giant fireball bursts from the opening of the machine shop and almost reaches the rear car of the train. As the train is about to leave the mine, it stops as the "Witte Wieven" can be heard singing from the pit, from which smoke pours and lights can be seen. After a few seconds, the "Witte Wieven" scream, "You shall not evade my curse! Prepare to forfeit your lives!" as the miners plunge down the exit of the mine.

Guests to the Efteling theme park take on the role of one of Hooghmoed's employees; the queue begins with guests crossing an iron bridge over a creek to the mine's central offices and barracks, where guests will have an audience with the headstrong Baron who will, via an application of projections and animatronics, give his newly minted employees a brief safety lecture before sternly warning them against believing in the legend of the "Witte Wieven". Guests will move on from the office into the mine's machinery and maintenance shop to board the special mine cars. The spirits suddenly attack the cars; this effect is achieved through projection technology and animatronics (projected ghosts fly over rider's heads, and several pipes seem to burst.) As the train is about to drop off the lift, it stops as the "Witte Wieven" can be heard screaming from the pit, from which smoke pours. After a few seconds, the riders plunge 37.5 meters into a smoke-filled pit and pull out into an Immelmann loop and return into the same direction. After the first loop, riders experience airtime and drop a second time. This later leads the riders into a zero-g roll before traveling through a fast-paced spiral. The final brake run follows, which leads into the mine complex's equipment storage area, where guests disembark.

FACTS & FIGURES

Soft Opening Date: 08/05/2015

Opening: 01/07/2015

Cost: € 18 million

Type: Steel – Dive Coaster

Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard

Height: 30 m

Drop: 37.5 m

Length: 501 m

Speed: 90 km/h

Inversions: 2

Duration: 130 seconds

Capacity: 1000 per hour

Trains: 3 trains with 3 cars. Riders are arranged 6 across in a single row for a total of 18 riders per train.

[ Source and more Information: Wikipedia - Baron 1898 ]

Vliegende Hollander - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

9

Vliegende Hollander 03/06/2023 11h23

A gallery that not many people know how to find. But it is just accessible via a staircase on the side. From here you have a beautiful view over the southern part of Ruigrijk. The splash of the Vliegende Hollander, Joris en de Draak and Python are well visible here.

De Vliegende Hollander

De Vliegende Hollander ("The Flying Dutchman" in English) is a combination of a water coaster and a dark ride in amusement park Efteling in the Netherlands. It should have gone operational on April 16, 2006 Easter, exactly 328 years after the disappearance of the legendary Dutch man of war the Flying Dutchman; due to construction problems the opening was postponed to April 1, 2007.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opening date: January 4, 2007

Cost: € 20.3 million

Manufacturer: Kumbak

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Water Coaster

Height: 22.50 m

Length: 420 m

Speed: 70.0 km/h

Duration: 3m43

Capacity: 1900 riders per hour

G-force: 0.2-2

Wednesday Walls Group.

More detailed explanation:

De Vliegende Hollander (Meteorry)

Vliegende Hollander - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

11

Vliegende Hollander 25/08/2022 18h05

Part of the Summer entertainment is again the Statige Stuurman (Stately Steersman) around the Vliegende Hollander. Just like in the Summer of 2018.

De Vliegende Hollander

De Vliegende Hollander ("The Flying Dutchman" in English) is a combination of a water coaster and a dark ride in amusement park Efteling in the Netherlands. It should have gone operational on April 16, 2006 Easter, exactly 328 years after the disappearance of the legendary Dutch man of war the Flying Dutchman; due to construction problems the opening was postponed to April 1, 2007.

The seats are arranged alternately, so that no riders encounter obstruction of their vision.

Willem van der Decken, a captain of the Dutch East India Company (VOC, the first limited company), is a wealthy trader in command of the fastest ship of the VOC, named the "Hollander" (Dutchman). But greed takes control of him and secretly he starts practicing piracy. He recruits his crew from orphanages.

On Easter 1678, despite a heavy storm blowing into port, he sets sail for the Dutch East Indies. When all despair for this lack of fear for God, he proclaims: "I will sail, storm or not, Easter or not, prohibited or not. I will sail, even into eternity!" (Early Modern Dutch: "Ik zal vaeren, storm of gheen storm, Paesen of gheen Paesen, verbod of gheen verbod. Ik zal vaeren, al is het tot in den eeuwigheid!").

Against the wind he sailed toward damnation. The house of Van der Decken is part of the scenery for the queue line. After walking through this abandoned house the queue continues down into so-called 'smugglers' tunnels', where Van der Decken's treasure can be seen hidden behind a small door. The tunnel ends in the cellar of a pub in 17th-century style. In the harbor, under a dark clouded sky the coaster ride begins. The 14-person barge goes into open sea where it meets a holographic ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman, and dives under its bow into the Underworld. Here, it halts, and a ghostly voice is heard stating: "You shall also sail until the end of time!" (Early Modern Dutch: "Ook Gij zult vaeren, tot het einde der tijden!") The barge is then towed to a height of 22,5 meters. Doors open and the barge shoots in a curved declination through a tunnel. After this some airtime in a bunnyhop and an 85-degree horseshoe. A steep fall and a left curve bring the barge back into the water. A special technique allows for variation in the size of the “splash”, thus preparing the ride for winter opening.

The music was composed by René Merkelbach and consists of 16 parts that are synchronous with the ride. The Prague philharmonic orchestra performed the music for the recording.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opening date: January 4, 2007

Cost: € 20.3 million

Manufacturer: Kumbak

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Water Coaster

Height: 22.50 m

Length: 420 m

Speed: 70.0 km/h

Duration: 3m43

Capacity: 1900 riders per hour

G-force: 0.2-2

[ Source: Wikipedia - De Vliegende Hollander ]

High above the Efteling by Sander Sloots

13 2

Pagode attraction in the Efteling Theme park. Nice overview of the park and in the distance you see the city of Tilburg.

Baron 1898 - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

10

Baron 1898 25/08/2022 16h56

In the summer there is summer entertainment in various places in July and August 2022. At Baron 1898 De Kompels show themselves: gold-coloured miners in overalls.

Baron 1898

Baron 1898 is a steel Dive Coaster at the Efteling theme park. The first test ride was held on 8 May 2015, after construction of the track was completed, and the first manned operation was conducted on June 18, 2015. Music was created by the Brussels Philharmonie symphony orchestra and several producers, under the direction of René Merkelbach. The ride opened on July 1, 2015. It is the first dive coaster manufactured by B&M that doesn't feature a turn between the lift hill and the first drop.

The Story:

In 1898, the wealthy baron Gustave Hooghmoed (whose last name is a variation on the Dutch word for hubris) is led to discover a nearby cave that is rich in gold deposits by a spirit known as the Witte Wieven ("Wise women", "Dames Blanches" or "White ladies"); however, this spirit gives Hooghmoed the admonition that if he disturbs the gold in any way, he will suffer terrible consequences for the remainder of his life. In an attempt to circumvent the spirit's threat, Hoogmoed presses the destitute locals into working in his newly opened gold mine, where many of the workers suffer catastrophic accidents or are chased out of the cave by the "Witte Wieven" and her supernatural cohorts.

After the Baron is called out of his office to tend to an emergency in the mine shaft, mine overseer Laars will help guests into his specially designed mine elevator vehicles that are capable of traveling both vertically and horizontally. After the guests board the special mine cars, Laars and the machine shop are suddenly attacked by vengeful spirits of miners who have previously vanished under the influence of the "Witte Wieven". Before Laars's office apparently explodes, he sends the miners out of the mine; as the car ascends, a giant fireball bursts from the opening of the machine shop and almost reaches the rear car of the train. As the train is about to leave the mine, it stops as the "Witte Wieven" can be heard singing from the pit, from which smoke pours and lights can be seen. After a few seconds, the "Witte Wieven" scream, "You shall not evade my curse! Prepare to forfeit your lives!" as the miners plunge down the exit of the mine.

Guests to the Efteling theme park take on the role of one of Hooghmoed's employees; the queue begins with guests crossing an iron bridge over a creek to the mine's central offices and barracks, where guests will have an audience with the headstrong Baron who will, via an application of projections and animatronics, give his newly minted employees a brief safety lecture before sternly warning them against believing in the legend of the "Witte Wieven". Guests will move on from the office into the mine's machinery and maintenance shop to board the special mine cars. The spirits suddenly attack the cars; this effect is achieved through projection technology and animatronics (projected ghosts fly over rider's heads, and several pipes seem to burst.) As the train is about to drop off the lift, it stops as the "Witte Wieven" can be heard screaming from the pit, from which smoke pours. After a few seconds, the riders plunge 37.5 meters into a smoke-filled pit and pull out into an Immelmann loop and return into the same direction. After the first loop, riders experience airtime and drop a second time. This later leads the riders into a zero-g roll before traveling through a fast-paced spiral. The final brake run follows, which leads into the mine complex's equipment storage area, where guests disembark.

FACTS & FIGURES

Soft Opening Date: 08/05/2015

Opening: 01/07/2015

Cost: € 18 million

Type: Steel – Dive Coaster

Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard

Height: 30 m

Drop: 37.5 m

Length: 501 m

Speed: 90 km/h

Inversions: 2

Duration: 130 seconds

Capacity: 1000 per hour

Trains: 3 trains with 3 cars. Riders are arranged 6 across in a single row for a total of 18 riders per train.

[ Source and more Information: Wikipedia - Baron 1898 ]

't Verwende Nest - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

12 1

't Verwende Nest | Nest! 03/06/2021 11h58

Andy with a chocolate Kurkentrekker (Corkscrew, a new to the Efteling sweet snack. A chimney cake. An excellent addition to the variety of snacks in De Efteling.

Nest!

Due to the disappearance of Polka Marina in Ruigrijk, a new activity for young visitors was sought. While the older brothers and sisters have fun in the exciting and big attractions of Ruigrijk, fathers and mothers with small children stayed behind. De Efteling wanted to add something for these young children, who are still too small for the attractions. Something that suits both the area and the young target group.

Designer Robert-Jaap Jansen; "Nest! is a secret place in the woods between the Game Gallery and De Vliegende Hollander, where the different atmospheres of Ruigrijk merge into a world ridden by children. The little ones can get ready to take on the challenges of Ruigrijk at a later age. endured. Learned young is done old!”

“It was immediately clear that it had to become a playground from the perspective of children. Moreover, it has always been important that all children, with or without disabilities, can play together in this new playground. The path of life arose from this idea: the decking path of almost 80 meters long, over which children can ride in a wheelchair or buggy. And which you can also run around. The dragon totem also has multiple functions. From the ground and therefore also with a wheelchair, you can look through the periscope eye and enjoy the view from 6.5 meters high. At one of the slides you slide right past the dragon's teeth via the dragon's tongue. The small slide is also accessible for children in wheelchairs, who can make a transfer with supervision. In the heart of Nest! There will be a large wheelchair-accessible waterbed that looks like a wobbly treasure, map and sea map.”

[ Efteling 05/2021 ]

Pinokkio - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

8

Pinokkio 03/06/2023 15h18

The side wall of the house of Geppetto in the Sprookjesbos (Fairytale Forest) in De Efteling.

A photo especially taken and uploaded for the

Pinokkio

Pinocchio is a story about a wooden doll that wants to become a real boy and gets wiser by damage and shame.

In the Efteling it is the fifth representation on the route in the Sprookjesbos, between Roodkapje and the Rode Schoentjes. Via the Soldatenpoort it is the first fairytale on the right. It opened on 24 March 2016 as the 29th fairy tale in the forest. The depiction consists of the workshop of Geppetto, the Fox and the Cat, emerging from a barrel, and a pond where Pinocchio, along with his father, can be found in the mouth of a huge monster fish. The Italian-inspired fairy tale was designed by Robert-Jaap Jansen, who previously designed Vrouw Holle, and Alessio Castellani, previously responsible for Efteling media productions and even Italian. Pinocchio was built for an amount of € 2 million on the spot where previously In the North Pole and Captain Gijs stood. The latter was moved to the Ruigrijk.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opened: 24/03/2016

Design: Robert-Jaap Jansen, Alessio Castellani

Music: René Merkelbach & Marco Kuypers

Storyteller: Alessio Castellani, Jeroen Verheij & Robert-Jaap Jansen

[ Source and more Info: Eftelpedia - Pinokkio ]

6

Ruigrijk 11/02/2022 12h49

The ship swing Halve Maen together with the scarecrow of the car ride De Oude Tuffer in Ruigrijk.

De Efteling

The Efteling is a fantasy-themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands. The attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

The park was opened in 1952. It has since evolved from a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest into a full-sized theme park. It now caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic, and nostalgic themes, in addition to its wide array of amusement rides.

It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is twice as large as the original Disneyland park in California and antedates it by three years. Annually, the park has nearly 5 million visitors. In 2016, it was the third most visited theme park in Europe, behind Disneyland Paris and Europa-Park. Over the years, it has received over 125 million visitors.

Location: Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant, Netherlands

Opened: 1952

Operating season: Year-round

Visitors per annum: 4.76 million in 2016

Area: 72 ha the park; 276 ha the resort

Rides: Total 36

Roller coasters 6

Water rides 4

[ Source and much more Info: Wikipedia - De Efteling [2022] ]

Python - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

9 2

Python 03/11/2020 14h22

Amanda wearing a mask to protect herself and others in line of Python.

Python

FACTS & FIGURES

Opening date: April 12, 1981 (re-opened after renovation March 31, 2018)

Type / model: steel double-loop Corkscrew roller coaster

Manufacturer: Vekoma

Lift/launch system: chain lift

Height: 29.00 m

Drop: 22 m

Length: 750.00 m

Speed: 75 km/h

Inversions: 4

Duration: 120 seconds

Capacity: 1400 riders per hour

G-force: 0 - 3.5

Trains: 2 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.

[ Source: Wikipedia - Python (Efteling) ]

Vliegende Hollander - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

5

Vliegende Hollander 03/06/2023 11h23

A gallery that not many people know how to find. But it is just accessible via a staircase on the side. From here you have a beautiful view over the southern part of Ruigrijk. The splash of the Vliegende Hollander, Joris en de Draak and Python are well visible here.

De Vliegende Hollander

De Vliegende Hollander ("The Flying Dutchman" in English) is a combination of a water coaster and a dark ride in amusement park Efteling in the Netherlands. It should have gone operational on April 16, 2006 Easter, exactly 328 years after the disappearance of the legendary Dutch man of war the Flying Dutchman; due to construction problems the opening was postponed to April 1, 2007.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opening date: January 4, 2007

Cost: € 20.3 million

Manufacturer: Kumbak

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Water Coaster

Height: 22.50 m

Length: 420 m

Speed: 70.0 km/h

Duration: 3m43

Capacity: 1900 riders per hour

G-force: 0.2-2

More detailed explanation:

De Vliegende Hollander (Meteorry)

6

Ruigrijk 25/08/2022 17h50

This service car of the car club ANWB seems to have escaped from d'Oude Tuffer. All part of the Summer entertainment of De Efteling. This in front of the catering point De Hongerige Machinist. in Ruigrijk.

De Efteling

The Efteling is a fantasy-themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands. The attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

The park was opened in 1952. It has since evolved from a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest into a full-sized theme park. It now caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic, and nostalgic themes, in addition to its wide array of amusement rides.

It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is twice as large as the original Disneyland park in California and antedates it by three years. Annually, the park has nearly 5 million visitors. In 2016, it was the third most visited theme park in Europe, behind Disneyland Paris and Europa-Park. Over the years, it has received over 125 million visitors.

Location: Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant, Netherlands

Opened: 1952

Operating season: Year-round

Visitors per annum: 4.76 million in 2016

Area: 72 ha the park; 276 ha the resort

Rides: Total 36

Roller coasters 6

Water rides 4

[ Source and much more Info: Wikipedia - De Efteling [2022] ]

Polka Marina - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

8

Polka Marina 03/11/2020 10h29

The whale in the center of this merry-go-round is designed by Ton van de Ven. The whale doesn't look as beautiful as it used to be. And I doubt whether this will get a place in the Wonder Depot (Efteling Museum).

Polka Marina

Polka Marina is a merry-go-round that turns in a wave-like motion, located in Ruigrijk. It is also called Koggenmolen: a contraction of cog, a type of sailing ship, and merry-go-round. The attraction opened at the same time as the adjacent Oude Tufferbaan on April 14, 1984 and is centrally located on the square, to the left of Station de Oost.

On October 13, 2020, Efteling announced that the attraction will be closed on November 30 that year. The costs for maintenance would have become too high. Nothing comes back in that place: the square is paved.

The attraction was opened on April 14, 1984 by the Frisian skater Hilbert van der Duim. On this occasion the (Frisian) cogs were filled with couples in Frisian costume, complete with top hats for men.

Ton van de Ven designed the decor, including the whale (which was made in Southern Germany), the nameplate and all the cogs that are decorated with beautiful curls and have a golden writing letter E on the back. In 1989, plexiglass plates with a wave motif were applied on top of the wall around the Polka Marina, to prevent people from trying to get off the outside of the attraction. The color pattern of the attraction has become brighter over the years.

Source: Eftelpedia - Polka Marina

De Blauwe Reiger - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

5

Station De Blauwe Reiger 03/06/2023 12h15

The station of the Efteling Kinderspoor (in Dutch popular called Traptreintjes, "peddle trains").

Kinderspoor

The Kinderspoor, also called the Traptreintjes, is an attraction in Ruigrijk in which children up to 12 years old, two seated in a small metal vehicle in the form of a locomotive with two pairs of pedals, have to move on their own on a course through a landscape. with farms, fields and a mill.

The attraction has a long history, has been modified several times and has even changed location. The first version, officially dating from 1954, was a design by Anton Pieck. Until 1999, the trains on the railway rattled behind the Playground (later the Lavenlaar) in a leafy spot in a remote corner of Marerijk. The attraction, which proved to be a huge success from the very first day, was the first of the Efteling to make a ride. Since 2000 the Traptreintjes have been driving their laps in a Zaanse Schans landscape, designed by Ton van de Ven, on the banks of the Siervijver.

FACTS & FIGURES

Design: Anton Pieck, since 1999 also Ton van de Ven en Chris van Grinsven

Manufacturer: Efteling, J. Van Esch B.V., Kloos Oving

Opened: 1954, relocated in 2000

Length: 450 meters

Duration: depends on the rider

Number of trains: 14 (used to be 21)

[ Source and more Info: Eftelpedia - Kinderspoor (Dutch) ]

Pinokkio - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

6

Pinokkio 28/08/2022 13h31

The background of the monster fish at Pinocchio has already changed a lot with the construction of the Efteling Grand Hotel and will change even more when the hotel is built.

Pinokkio

Pinocchio is a story about a wooden doll that wants to become a real boy and gets wiser by damage and shame.

In the Efteling it is the fifth representation on the route in the Sprookjesbos, between Roodkapje and the Rode Schoentjes. Via the Soldatenpoort it is the first fairytale on the right. It opened on 24 March 2016 as the 29th fairy tale in the forest. The depiction consists of the workshop of Geppetto, the Fox and the Cat, emerging from a barrel, and a pond where Pinocchio, along with his father, can be found in the mouth of a huge monster fish. The Italian-inspired fairy tale was designed by Robert-Jaap Jansen, who previously designed Vrouw Holle, and Alessio Castellani, previously responsible for Efteling media productions and even Italian. Pinocchio was built for an amount of € 2 million on the spot where previously In the North Pole and Captain Gijs stood. The latter was moved to the Ruigrijk.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opened: 24/03/2016

Design: Robert-Jaap Jansen, Alessio Castellani

Music: René Merkelbach & Marco Kuypers

Storyteller: Alessio Castellani, Jeroen Verheij & Robert-Jaap Jansen

[ Source and more Info: Eftelpedia - Pinokkio ]

6

Ruigrijk 31/10/2022 15h01

Very hidden away but accessible to visitors is a lttile brick building near the former swimming pool which was in use a a first aid building and which is now a place where people can take a rest if they want. A so-called Rest and Kolf Room. This building was built in 1962.

Located near the back of De Vliegende Hollander which is built on the place of the swimming pool which closed in 1988.

De Efteling

The Efteling is a fantasy-themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands. The attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

The park was opened in 1952. It has since evolved from a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest into a full-sized theme park. It now caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic, and nostalgic themes, in addition to its wide array of amusement rides.

It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is twice as large as the original Disneyland park in California and antedates it by three years. Annually, the park has nearly 5 million visitors. In 2016, it was the third most visited theme park in Europe, behind Disneyland Paris and Europa-Park. Over the years, it has received over 125 million visitors.

Location: Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant, Netherlands

Opened: 1952

Operating season: Year-round

Visitors per annum: 4.76 million in 2016

Area: 72 ha the park; 276 ha the resort

Rides: Total 36

Roller coasters 6

Water rides 4

[ Source and much more Info: Wikipedia - De Efteling [2022] ]

7

Ruigrijk 15/02/2019 14h45

Not everyone loves the rougher attractions. Sometimes it is also good to just skip an attraction and give the other the opportunity to go in Joris en de Draak or the Python. And someone has to look after the bags.

De Efteling

The Efteling is a fantasy-themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands. The attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

The park was opened in 1952. It has since evolved from a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest into a full-sized theme park. It now caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic, and nostalgic themes, in addition to its wide array of amusement rides.

It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is twice as large as the original Disneyland park in California and antedates it by three years. Annually, the park has nearly 5 million visitors. In 2016, it was the third most visited theme park in Europe, behind Disneyland Paris and Europa-Park. Over the years, it has received over 125 million visitors.

Location: Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant, Netherlands

Opened: 1952

Operating season: Year-round

Visitors per annum: 4.76 million in 2016

Area: 72 ha the park; 276 ha the resort

Rides: Total 35

Roller coasters 6

Water rides 4

[ Source and much more Info: Wikipedia - De Efteling [2019] ]

Anderrijk - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

7 1

Anderrijk 03/11/2020 14h09

Andy and Jennifer in Anderrijk (Piraña) overlooking Joris en de Draak and Vliegende Hollander in Ruigrijk.

Anderrijk

Anderrijk is one of the five areas of the Efteling park. It is located in the southwest and is indicated on maps and signposts with the color blue. From 1987 to 1999 this part of the park was called Zuiderpark.

The name Anderrijk is based on the fact that this corner of the park does not have a clear overarching theme. Thematically, the attractions have little to do with each other, but they are all 'different' from our normal Dutch experience. The same can easily be said of other empires, and thus illustrates the artificiality of the empire names that were only invented when most attractions were already there.

Attractions in Anderrijk:

Spookslot

Piraña

Fata Morgana

Fabula

Max & Moritz

[ Eftelpedia ]

Mine industry decoration - Efteling (Kaatsheuvel/NL) by Richard Poppelaars

8

Mine industry decoration.

.

Many nice decorations and objects.

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Baron 1898 (Est. 2015) - a dive coaster in which visitors take a perpendicular free fall. The attraction is themed as a late nineteenth century coal mine as in the Limburg Mining Region, but in the story, and of course for the Efteling, told to be a gold mine. The name Baron 1898 refers to the background story of the saga of the Witte Wieven, in which a greedy mining baron, Gustave Hooghmoed, has found a gold vein and wants to extract as much gold as possible from the ground. However, the fertile soil is protected by the Witte Wieven.

Photo November 2018, Efteling (May 31, 1952) after 66 years in time.

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Details

Efteling - Baron 1898

Efteling (Est. 1952) - one of the oldest theme parks in the world. A very popular full-sized fantasy-themed amusement park with many attractions and a wide array of amusement rides that reflect elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

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Photo - Richard Poppelaars.

Published at - Flickr - Google Photos and Maps

Nest! - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Nest! 03/06/2021 11h40

Andy demonstrating the new delocious sweet snack Kurkentrekker (Corkscrew), a chimney cake in 3 flavours. Available in the new catering point in the play zone Nest!.

Nest!

Due to the disappearance of Polka Marina in Ruigrijk, a new activity for young visitors was sought. While the older brothers and sisters have fun in the exciting and big attractions of Ruigrijk, fathers and mothers with small children stayed behind. De Efteling wanted to add something for these young children, who are still too small for the attractions. Something that suits both the area and the young target group.

Designer Robert-Jaap Jansen; "Nest! is a secret place in the woods between the Game Gallery and De Vliegende Hollander, where the different atmospheres of Ruigrijk merge into a world ridden by children. The little ones can get ready to take on the challenges of Ruigrijk at a later age. endured. Learned young is done old!”

“It was immediately clear that it had to become a playground from the perspective of children. Moreover, it has always been important that all children, with or without disabilities, can play together in this new playground. The path of life arose from this idea: the decking path of almost 80 meters long, over which children can ride in a wheelchair or buggy. And which you can also run around. The dragon totem also has multiple functions. From the ground and therefore also with a wheelchair, you can look through the periscope eye and enjoy the view from 6.5 meters high. At one of the slides you slide right past the dragon's teeth via the dragon's tongue. The small slide is also accessible for children in wheelchairs, who can make a transfer with supervision. In the heart of Nest! There will be a large wheelchair-accessible waterbed that looks like a wobbly treasure, map and sea map.”

[ Efteling 05/2021 ]

Polka Marina - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Polka Marina 03/11/2020 10h28

It's not an animatronic who is being sprayed up on the whale. De Efteling and its guest are going to miss this man who was sitting here since the year 1984.

Polka Marina

Polka Marina is a merry-go-round that turns in a wave-like motion, located in Ruigrijk. It is also called Koggenmolen: a contraction of cog, a type of sailing ship, and merry-go-round. The attraction opened at the same time as the adjacent Oude Tufferbaan on April 14, 1984 and is centrally located on the square, to the left of Station de Oost.

On October 13, 2020, Efteling announced that the attraction will be closed on November 30 that year. The costs for maintenance would have become too high. Nothing comes back in that place: the square is paved.

The attraction was opened on April 14, 1984 by the Frisian skater Hilbert van der Duim. On this occasion the (Frisian) cogs were filled with couples in Frisian costume, complete with top hats for men.

Ton van de Ven designed the decor, including the whale (which was made in Southern Germany), the nameplate and all the cogs that are decorated with beautiful curls and have a golden writing letter E on the back. In 1989, plexiglass plates with a wave motif were applied on top of the wall around the Polka Marina, to prevent people from trying to get off the outside of the attraction. The color pattern of the attraction has become brighter over the years.

Source: Eftelpedia - Polka Marina

Vliegende Hollander - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Vliegende Hollander 03/06/2023 11h25

Hard to capture a diving boat of the Vliegende Hollander in combination with a passing train of Joris en de Draak. Seen from the gallery where you have a good view over Ruigrijk.

De Vliegende Hollander

De Vliegende Hollander ("The Flying Dutchman" in English) is a combination of a water coaster and a dark ride in amusement park Efteling in the Netherlands. It should have gone operational on April 16, 2006 Easter, exactly 328 years after the disappearance of the legendary Dutch man of war the Flying Dutchman; due to construction problems the opening was postponed to April 1, 2007.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opening date: January 4, 2007

Cost: € 20.3 million

Manufacturer: Kumbak

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Water Coaster

Height: 22.50 m

Length: 420 m

Speed: 70.0 km/h

Duration: 3m43

Capacity: 1900 riders per hour

G-force: 0.2-2

More detailed explanation:

De Vliegende Hollander (Meteorry)

Joris en de Draak - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Joris en de Draak 05/04/2023 12h16

This part of the wooden racer roller coaster has been retracked.

At the end of 2022, the attraction closed for no less than three months for a major renovation, the first of a three-year project. The most stressed track sections are reinforced: in some places with special hardwood ('iron wood'), in the curves on the side of the Python with full steel rails, the so-called Titan Track, to reduce wear and maintenance costs.

Joris en de Draak

Joris en de Draak (George and the Dragon) is a Wooden racing coaster in the theme park Efteling, based on the legend of Saint George.

This roller coaster, built in the place of the 2009 demolished wooden coaster Pegasus, has two trains competing to get to the finish. One is based on water, the other on fire. A total of 4 Millennium Flyer trains with 12 cars each are used. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train, totaling a capacity of 1700 riders per hour.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opened: 01/07/2010

Cost: 12 milion €

Type: Wood

Manufacturer: Great Coasters International

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Wooden racing coaster

Height: 25.00 m

Drop: 25.00 m

Length: 1,620.00 m

Max speed: 75 km/h

Inversions: 0

Duration: 2 min.

Capacity: 1700 riders per hour

Max G force: 3

Height restriction: 110 cm

[ Source: Wikipedia - Joris en de Draak ]

Flying Dutchman Golden Age harbor - Efteling (Kaatsheuvel/NL) by Richard Poppelaars

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Flying Dutchman Golden Age harbor.

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The design and architecture of the Flying Dutchman attraction is breathtakingly beautiful. The atmosphere of a VOC harbor from the Golden Age has been incorporated in the building in so many details and features in an original way. More than a hundred different ornaments in this attraction have been designed and produced by Efteling, some in large numbers. A very beautiful version of the saga of "The Flying Dutchman", in person Willem van der Decken, captain of the VOC ship "The Lands Ship of War Delft" from 1783.

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De Vliegende Hollander (Est. 2007) - an attraction in Ruigrijk that consists of a combination of various attraction types, including a walkthrough, a dark ride and a water coaster. The theme of the attraction is the saga of the same name about a ghost ship from the Golden Age.

Photo March 2012, Efteling (May 31, 1952) after 60 years in time.

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Details

Efteling - Vliegende Hollander

Efteling (Est. 1952) - one of the oldest theme parks in the world. A very popular full-sized fantasy-themed amusement park with many attractions and a wide array of amusement rides that reflect elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

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Photo - Richard Poppelaars.

Published at - Flickr - Twitter - Google Photos and Maps

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Python | Ruigrijk 20/05/2023 12h08

The themed area Ruigrijk as seen from the exit of rollercoaster Python. On the forground an MK1212 train in the second corkscrew looping. At the left the titan tracks of Joris en de Draak and ahead De Vliegende Hollander.

Ruigrijk

Ruigrijk is one of the five areas of the Efteling park. It is located in the southeast corner and is indicated on maps and signposts with the color red. From 1987 to 1999 this part of the park was called Oosterpark.

The name Ruigrijk is based on the fact that thrill rides such as the Python, Halve Maen, Joris en de Draak, the Vliegende Hollander and Baron 1898 can be found in this corner of the park.

It is one of the two areas where the steam train has a station.

In the early years of Efteling, most of Ruigrijk functioned as a parking lot, but you could also find the swimming pool here, which could be entered separately from the park via Entrance East. In later years, Entrance East served as an additional entrance to the entire park on busy days in the high season. With the arrival of the Python, the entrance with its associated parking lot disappeared in 1980 and this area became part of the rest of the park.

The arrival of the Python, the Game Gallery and De Corkscrew in 1981 quickly turned the east of the park into a square that attracted a large crowd. De Halve Maen was opened in 1982; in 1984 the Polka Marina and the Oude Tuffer appeared and poffertjes stall In den Spreeuwpot was replaced by fast food restaurant De Likkebaerd. At the end of the eighties, the swimming pool disappeared, after which that location became the place for the major park shows in the nineties.

Between 1985 and 2005, hardly anything changed in Ruigrijk, except for the arrival of the Pegasus, but Ruigrijk has expanded rapidly since 2005, and is especially popular with the somewhat older youth. This is due to the arrival of De Vliegende Hollander with catering point De Kombuys, Station de Oost and the roller coasters Joris en de Draak and Baron 1898. Since then, the area has had a clearly present nautical theme.

Attractions include Kinderspoor, Halve Maen, Game Gallery, Oude Tuffer, Nest!, Stoomtrein (station), Python, De Vliegende Hollander, Joris en de Draak and Baron 1898.

Closed attractions of Ruigrijk: Pegasus, Radiografisch Bestuurbare Bootjes, Kinder Winter Wonderland (Winter Efteling), Langlaufbaan 't Hijgend Hert (Winter Efteling), Polka Marina.

[ Eftelpedia - Ruigrijk ] [2023]

Warme Winter Weide - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Warme Winter Weide 15/12/2023 17h30

Warme Winter Weide (Meadow) after sunset.

Winter Efteling 2023

The Winter Efteling takes place from November 24, 2023 to February 4, 2024. New this year are the life-size snow globes on the Ton van de Venplein and in Ruigrijk. Get in there and let it snow! That produces a real winter picture. This winter you will also see the elves from Droomvlucht on the Ton van de Venplein. They brought a music box.

Also new are the special luminous butterflies that Sander de Bruijn, chief designer of Efteling, designed last year in collaboration with ASML for the GLOW light festival. Parts of the light project 'Connecting your love' can be admired during Winter Efteling.

The Playground will also change into the attractive Warm Winter Meadow this year. Enter through the gate and discover extra entertainment and a heart-warming musical offering every day. Take a picture with Pardoes at the sleigh and Fay the Fairy and Pinocchio make it snow. Or listen to the polyphonic music of Zang en Happy. Warm up at the Bonfires, play games at the various chalets, enjoy delicious winter treats and browse through the winter souvenirs. Or skate a round on the larger skating rink in the open air.

[ Efteling ]

Vliegende Hollander - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Vliegende Hollander 24/07/2025 18h03

Waiting for loved ones in De Vliegende Hollander...

Candid shot taken in De Efteling...

De Efteling

The Efteling is a fantasy-themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands. The attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

The park was opened in 1952. It has since evolved from a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest into a full-sized theme park. It now caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic, and nostalgic themes, in addition to its wide array of amusement rides.

It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is twice as large as the original Disneyland park in California and antedates it by three years. Annually, the park has over 5 million visitors.

Location: Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant, Netherlands

Opened: 1952

Operating season: Year-round

Visitors per annum: 5.43 millions in 2022

Area: 72 ha the park; 276 ha the resort

Rides: Total 36

Roller coasters 6

Water rides 4

Dark rides: 5 (including Danse Macabre)

[ Wikipedia - De Efteling (2025) ]

Game Gallery - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Game Gallery 22/11/2020 14h30

Game Gallery as seen from the Polka Marina during its last days.

Game Gallery

The Game Gallery is a row of game stalls in Ruigrijk. The attraction was opened in the summer season of 1981 to give the east of the park more meaning for a new, younger target group. The same year also opened Python.

Apart from machines such as Ezeltje Strekje and de Stenen Kip, it is the only attraction in Efteling that has to be paid separately.

The original games were designed by Ton van de Ven and Henny Knoet, as well as the major expansion in 1983. Later contributions from Marieke van Doorn and Sander de Bruijn were added. In February and March 2015, the attraction underwent a thorough renovation. The buildings were completely stripped and redecorated and furnished to a design by Jeroen Verheij.

[ Eftelpedia - Game Gallery ]

Efteling - bridge towards Ruigrijk at night by Randy

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My favourite bridge in the Efteling park, very nicely lit at night! This is a hard one to get right as the Gondoletta runs for most of the year making long shutter times impossible to do. And then there's the trees and bushes blocking the view until late autumn. Today i finally got decent weather so off i went and this is the result!

Flying Dutchman during the night - Efteling (Kaatsheuvel/NL) by Richard Poppelaars

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Flying Dutchman during the night.

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When light has come to darkness, we sometimes see more because everything else is obscured.

Quote: Als #licht tot #duisternis is gekomen zien we soms juist meer omdat het al het andere dan heeft verhuld.

Photo September 2008, Efteling (May 31, 1952) after 56 years in time.

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Details

Efteling - Vliegende Hollander

Efteling (Est. 1952) - one of the oldest theme parks in the world. A very popular full-sized fantasy-themed amusement park with many attractions and a wide array of amusement rides that reflect elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

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Photo - Richard Poppelaars.

Published at - Flickr - Twitter

Vliegende Hollander - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Vliegende Hollander 03/06/2023 11h26

De Efteling is all about details. This facade is located on the gallery which is normally accessible (but only a few people climb the stairs). Love this part of Ruigrijk.

De Vliegende Hollander

De Vliegende Hollander ("The Flying Dutchman" in English) is a combination of a water coaster and a dark ride in amusement park Efteling in the Netherlands. It should have gone operational on April 16, 2006 Easter, exactly 328 years after the disappearance of the legendary Dutch man of war the Flying Dutchman; due to construction problems the opening was postponed to April 1, 2007.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opening date: January 4, 2007

Cost: € 20.3 million

Manufacturer: Kumbak

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Water Coaster

Height: 22.50 m

Length: 420 m

Speed: 70.0 km/h

Duration: 3m43

Capacity: 1900 riders per hour

G-force: 0.2-2

More detailed explanation:

De Vliegende Hollander (Meteorry)

Late 19th century coal mine architecture - Efteling (Kaatsheuvel/NL) by Richard Poppelaars

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Late 19th century coal mine architecture.

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The station building is richly decorated, with a landing and large overhanging roof with chalet-style wood ornaments, constructed from approximately 300,000 bricks with distinctive horizontal patterns. The name "Rijksmijn Baron 1898" is placed above the door. Next to the station building is a 22 meter high chimney and an enormous shaft tower with the characteristic large wheels for the mine lift.

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Baron 1898 (Est. 2015) - a dive coaster in which visitors take a perpendicular free fall. The attraction is themed as a late nineteenth century coal mine as in the Limburg Mining Region, but in the story, and of course for the Efteling, told to be a gold mine. The name Baron 1898 refers to the background story of the saga of the Witte Wieven, in which a greedy mining baron, Gustave Hooghmoed, has found a gold vein and wants to extract as much gold as possible from the ground. However, the fertile soil is protected by the Witte Wieven.

Photo November 2018, Efteling (May 31, 1952) after 66 years in time.

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Details

Efteling - Baron 1898

Efteling (Est. 1952) - one of the oldest theme parks in the world. A very popular full-sized fantasy-themed amusement park with many attractions and a wide array of amusement rides that reflect elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

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Photo - Richard Poppelaars.

Published at - Flickr

Vliegende Hollander - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Vliegende Hollander 31/08/2018 22h16

The last hour of the Summer Night Negen Pleinen Festijn (Nine Squares Feast) in 2018. A boat of the Vliegende Hollander is just touching the water here and in the background the wooden racer roller coaster Joris en de Draak. And the pixel in the sky is the planet Mars which was very close to the planet Earth this period and therefor very clear.

De Vliegende Hollander

Opening date: January 4, 2007

Cost: € 20.3 million

Manufacturer: Kumbak

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Water Coaster

Height: 22.50 m

Length: 420 m

Speed: 70.0 km/h

Duration: 3m43

Capacity: 1900 riders per hour

G-force: 0.2-2

[ Source: Wikipedia - De Vliegende Hollander ]

Joris en de Draak

Opened: 01/07/2010

Cost: 12 milion €

Type: Wood

Manufacturer: Great Coasters International

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Wooden racing coaster

Height: 25.00 m

Drop: 25.00 m

Length: 1,620.00 m

Max speed: 75 km/h

Inversions: 0

Duration: 2 min.

Capacity: 1700 riders per hour

Max G force: 3

Height restriction: 110 cm

[ Source: Wikipedia - Joris en de Draak ]

Joris en de Draak - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Joris en de Draak 05/04/2023 12h37

Storytelling in the queue area of the woody Joris en de Draak (George and the Dragon).

Joris en de Draak

Joris en de Draak (George and the Dragon) is a Wooden racing coaster in the theme park Efteling, based on the legend of Saint George.

This roller coaster, built in the place of the 2009 demolished wooden coaster Pegasus, has two trains competing to get to the finish. One is based on water, the other on fire. A total of 4 Millennium Flyer trains with 12 cars each are used. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train, totaling a capacity of 1700 riders per hour.

Numbers and Facts:

Opened: 01/07/2010

Cost: 12 milion €

Type: Wood

Manufacturer: Great Coasters International

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Wooden racing coaster

Height: 25.00 m

Drop: 25.00 m

Length: 1,620.00 m

Max speed: 75 km/h

Inversions: 0

Duration: 2 min.

Capacity: 1700 riders per hour

Max G force: 3

Height restriction: 110 cm

[ Source: Wikipedia - Joris en de Draak ]

Kinderspoor - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Kinderspoor 22/11/2021 16h25

The end of a beautiful sunny day in De Efteling. Pagode, Symbolica in the misty background. On the foreground the children's railway Kinderspoor, in Dutch popular called Traptreintjes (pedal trains).

Kinderspoor

The Kinderspoor, also called the Traptreintjes, is an attraction in Ruigrijk in which children up to 12 years old, two seated in a small metal vehicle in the form of a locomotive with two pairs of pedals, have to move on their own on a course through a landscape. with farms, fields and a mill.

The attraction has a long history, has been modified several times and has even changed location. The first version, officially dating from 1954, was a design by Anton Pieck. Until 1999, the trains on the railway rattled behind the Playground (later the Lavenlaar) in a leafy spot in a remote corner of Marerijk. The attraction, which proved to be a huge success from the very first day, was the first of the Efteling to make a ride. Since 2000 the Traptreintjes have been driving their laps in a Zaanse Schans landscape, designed by Ton van de Ven, on the banks of the Siervijver.

FACTS & FIGURES

Design: Anton Pieck, since 1999 also Ton van de Ven en Chris van Grinsven

Manufacturer: Efteling, J. Van Esch B.V., Kloos Oving

Opened: 1954, relocated in 2000

Length: 450 meters

Duration: depends on the rider

Number of trains: 14 (used to be 21)

[ Source and more Info: Eftelpedia - Kinderspoor (Dutch) ]

Joris en de Draak - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

5

Joris en de Draak 03/06/2021 14h19

The lift hill of Joris en de Draak with Amanda, Olaf and Jennifer in the rear end of the train.

Joris en de Draak

Joris en de Draak (George and the Dragon) is a Wooden racing coaster in the theme park Efteling, based on the legend of Saint George.

This roller coaster, built in the place of the 2009 demolished wooden coaster Pegasus, has two trains competing to get to the finish. One is based on water, the other on fire. A total of 4 Millennium Flyer trains with 12 cars each are used. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train, totaling a capacity of 1700 riders per hour.

Numbers and Facts:

Opened: 01/07/2010

Cost: 12 milion €

Type: Wood

Manufacturer: Great Coasters International

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Wooden racing coaster

Height: 25.00 m

Drop: 25.00 m

Length: 1,620.00 m

Max speed: 75 km/h

Inversions: 0

Duration: 2 min.

Capacity: 1700 riders per hour

Max G force: 3

Height restriction: 110 cm

[ Source: Wikipedia - Joris en de Draak ]

Joris en de Draak - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Joris en de Draak 22/11/2020 12h59

Amanda in the waiting area of the Wooden racing coaster Joris en de Draak (George and the Dragon).

Nest! - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

5

Nest! 03/06/2021 17h25

The new play area for all children in Ruigrijk just opened for 4 days before I took this photo.

Nest!

Due to the disappearance of Polka Marina in Ruigrijk, a new activity for young visitors was sought. While the older brothers and sisters have fun in the exciting and big attractions of Ruigrijk, fathers and mothers with small children stayed behind. De Efteling wanted to add something for these young children, who are still too small for the attractions. Something that suits both the area and the young target group.

Designer Robert-Jaap Jansen; "Nest! is a secret place in the woods between the Game Gallery and De Vliegende Hollander, where the different atmospheres of Ruigrijk merge into a world ridden by children. The little ones can get ready to take on the challenges of Ruigrijk at a later age. endured. Learned young is done old!”

“It was immediately clear that it had to become a playground from the perspective of children. Moreover, it has always been important that all children, with or without disabilities, can play together in this new playground. The path of life arose from this idea: the decking path of almost 80 meters long, over which children can ride in a wheelchair or buggy. And which you can also run around. The dragon totem also has multiple functions. From the ground and therefore also with a wheelchair, you can look through the periscope eye and enjoy the view from 6.5 meters high. At one of the slides you slide right past the dragon's teeth via the dragon's tongue. The small slide is also accessible for children in wheelchairs, who can make a transfer with supervision. In the heart of Nest! There will be a large wheelchair-accessible waterbed that looks like a wobbly treasure, map and sea map.”

[ Efteling 05/2021 ]

Baron 1898 - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

7 1

Baron 1898 08/11/2018 13h11

The train in a fast-paced spiral before returning to the station with Autumn colors on the background. De Efteling is beautiful all year round!

Baron 1898

Baron 1898 is a steel Dive Coaster at the Efteling theme park. The first test ride was held on 8 May 2015, after construction of the track was completed, and the first manned operation was conducted on June 18, 2015. Music was created by the Brussels Philharmonie symphony orchestra and several producers, under the direction of René Merkelbach. The ride opened on July 1, 2015. It is the first dive coaster manufactured by B&M that doesn't feature a turn between the lift hill and the first drop.

The Story:

In 1898, the wealthy baron Gustave Hooghmoed (whose last name is a variation on the Dutch word for hubris) is led to discover a nearby cave that is rich in gold deposits by a spirit known as the Witte Wieven ("Wise women", "Dames Blanches" or "White ladies"); however, this spirit gives Hooghmoed the admonition that if he disturbs the gold in any way, he will suffer terrible consequences for the remainder of his life. In an attempt to circumvent the spirit's threat, Hoogmoed presses the destitute locals into working in his newly opened gold mine, where many of the workers suffer catastrophic accidents or are chased out of the cave by the "Witte Wieven" and her supernatural cohorts.

After the Baron is called out of his office to tend to an emergency in the mine shaft, mine overseer Laars will help guests into his specially designed mine elevator vehicles that are capable of traveling both vertically and horizontally. After the guests board the special mine cars, Laars and the machine shop are suddenly attacked by vengeful spirits of miners who have previously vanished under the influence of the "Witte Wieven". Before Laars's office apparently explodes, he sends the miners out of the mine; as the car ascends, a giant fireball bursts from the opening of the machine shop and almost reaches the rear car of the train. As the train is about to leave the mine, it stops as the "Witte Wieven" can be heard singing from the pit, from which smoke pours and lights can be seen. After a few seconds, the "Witte Wieven" scream, "You shall not evade my curse! Prepare to forfeit your lives!" as the miners plunge down the exit of the mine.

Guests to the Efteling theme park take on the role of one of Hooghmoed's employees; the queue begins with guests crossing an iron bridge over a creek to the mine's central offices and barracks, where guests will have an audience with the headstrong Baron who will, via an application of projections and animatronics, give his newly minted employees a brief safety lecture before sternly warning them against believing in the legend of the "Witte Wieven". Guests will move on from the office into the mine's machinery and maintenance shop to board the special mine cars. The spirits suddenly attack the cars; this effect is achieved through projection technology and animatronics (projected ghosts fly over rider's heads, and several pipes seem to burst.) As the train is about to drop off the lift, it stops as the "Witte Wieven" can be heard screaming from the pit, from which smoke pours. After a few seconds, the riders plunge 37.5 meters into a smoke-filled pit and pull out into an Immelmann loop and return into the same direction. After the first loop, riders experience airtime and drop a second time. This later leads the riders into a zero-g roll before traveling through a fast-paced spiral. The final brake run follows, which leads into the mine complex's equipment storage area, where guests disembark.

FACTS & FIGURES

Soft Opening Date: 08/05/2015

Opening: 01/07/2015

Cost: € 18 million

Type: Steel – Dive Coaster

Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard

Height: 30 m

Drop: 37.5 m

Length: 501 m

Speed: 90 km/h

Inversions: 2

Duration: 130 seconds

Capacity: 1000 per hour

Trains: 3 trains with 3 cars. Riders are arranged 6 across in a single row for a total of 18 riders per train.

[ Source and more Information: Wikipedia - Baron 1898 ]

Vliegende Hollander - Efteling (Netherlands) by Perry Tak

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Vliegende Hollander 28/11/2024 16h25

Vliegende Hollander with a beautiful winter sunset.

De Vliegende Hollander

De Vliegende Hollander ("The Flying Dutchman" in English) is a combination of a water coaster and a dark ride in amusement park Efteling in the Netherlands. It should have gone operational on April 16, 2006 Easter, exactly 328 years after the disappearance of the legendary Dutch man of war the Flying Dutchman; due to construction problems the opening was postponed to April 1, 2007.

The seats are arranged alternately, so that no riders encounter obstruction of their vision.

Willem van der Decken, a captain of the Dutch East India Company (VOC, the first limited company), is a wealthy trader in command of the fastest ship of the VOC, named the "Hollander" (Dutchman). But greed takes control of him and secretly he starts practicing piracy. He recruits his crew from orphanages.

On Easter 1678, despite a heavy storm blowing into port, he sets sail for the Dutch East Indies. When all despair for this lack of fear for God, he proclaims: "I will sail, storm or not, Easter or not, prohibited or not. I will sail, even into eternity!" (Early Modern Dutch: "Ik zal vaeren, storm of gheen storm, Paesen of gheen Paesen, verbod of gheen verbod. Ik zal vaeren, al is het tot in den eeuwigheid!").

Against the wind he sailed toward damnation. The house of Van der Decken is part of the scenery for the queue line. After walking through this abandoned house the queue continues down into so-called 'smugglers' tunnels', where Van der Decken's treasure can be seen hidden behind a small door. The tunnel ends in the cellar of a pub in 17th-century style. In the harbor, under a dark clouded sky the coaster ride begins. The 14-person barge goes into open sea where it meets a holographic ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman, and dives under its bow into the Underworld. Here, it halts, and a ghostly voice is heard stating: "You shall also sail until the end of time!" (Early Modern Dutch: "Ook Gij zult vaeren, tot het einde der tijden!") The barge is then towed to a height of 22,5 meters. Doors open and the barge shoots in a curved declination through a tunnel. After this some airtime in a bunnyhop and an 85-degree horseshoe. A steep fall and a left curve bring the barge back into the water. A special technique allows for variation in the size of the “splash”, thus preparing the ride for winter opening.

The music was composed by René Merkelbach and consists of 16 parts that are synchronous with the ride. The Prague philharmonic orchestra performed the music for the recording.

FACTS & FIGURES

Opening date: January 4, 2007

Cost: € 20.3 million

Manufacturer: Kumbak

Designer: Karel Willemen

Model: Water Coaster

Height: 22.50 m

Length: 420 m

Speed: 70.0 km/h

Duration: 3m43

Capacity: 1900 riders per hour

G-force: 0.2-2

[ Source: Wikipedia - De Vliegende Hollander ]

Flying Dutchman Golden Age harbor - Efteling (Kaatsheuvel/NL) by Richard Poppelaars

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Flying Dutchman Golden Age harbor.

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The design and architecture of the Flying Dutchman attraction is breathtakingly beautiful. The atmosphere of a VOC harbor from the Golden Age has been incorporated in the building in so many details and features in an original way. More than a hundred different ornaments in this attraction have been designed and produced by Efteling, some in large numbers. A very beautiful version of the saga of "The Flying Dutchman", in person Willem van der Decken, captain of the VOC ship "The Lands Ship of War Delft" from 1783.

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De Vliegende Hollander (Est. 2007) - an attraction in Ruigrijk that consists of a combination of various attraction types, including a walkthrough, a dark ride and a water coaster. The theme of the attraction is the saga of the same name about a ghost ship from the Golden Age.

Photo November 2018, Efteling (May 31, 1952) after 66 years in time.

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Details

Efteling - Vliegende Hollander

Efteling (Est. 1952) - one of the oldest theme parks in the world. A very popular full-sized fantasy-themed amusement park with many attractions and a wide array of amusement rides that reflect elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.