Efteling

Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant, Netherlands

Efteling opened as a nature park surrounding a Fairy Tale Forest in 1952, but it has since expanded into the largest theme park in the Netherlands. The Fairy Tale Forest (Sprookjesbos in Dutch) section of the park still exists and has a multitude of animated statues, buildings and attractions based on a variety of famous stories. The entire park is fantasy-themed and is based on myths, legends, fables, and folklore. The 160-acre park is densely wooded which hides many attractions and sometimes makes it difficult to navigate the park. However, the trees, meticulous landscaping and incredible thematic elements make it one of the most beautiful parks in Europe.

Efteling is divided into four realms: The fairy realm, Marerijk; the travel realm, Reizenrijk; the adventure realm, Ruigrijk; and the alternative realm, Anderrijk. Winter Efteling was recently introduced, as the park now stays open year-round. Efteling is full of unique touches such as the talking "Paper Gobbler" trash receptacles, the Pagoda (Pagode in Dutch) tilting observation tower, and the magic donkey, Ezeltje Strekje, who literally lifts his tail and poops out gold coins.

Two coasters have left the Efteling amusement park: