Efteling theme park in the Netherlands - Grandma Anna crosses the border

The highlight of the year was when my granddaughter Alice came for her first visit to Belgium without her mum and dad. However, Aunt Emma was the escort.

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A secret trip was on the agenda and we crossed the invisible border into the Netherlands for a visit to Efteling, one of Europe's largest theme parks.

Efteling is located in just next to the village of Kaatsheuvel, roughly between Rotterdam and Eindhoven.

It's certainly a cash cow, but it's not for nothing that it ranks among the most visited theme parks in Europe.

Efteling opened its doors in 1952 and has 5 million visitors every year.

There are 6 mega-sized roller coasters, four water rides and x number of other things to enjoy.

Some of the rides have a height limit of 120 cm, it was an eternal luck that Alice was just 120 cm and just as much luck that Aunt Emma likes to ride roller coasters, I myself feel sick just watching it. The flying Dutchman was very exciting and ended with a huge splash in the lake.

Efteling is extremely large, you can easily spend two days here if you want to see everything.

We trudged on through the fairytale forest and met famous and less famous fairytale characters. Rapunzel has hung her long braid from the tower window and Red Riding Hood's wolf is sleeping.

Felt that some things were a bit worn and out of date.

In the exciting Fantasy Palace, we were taken around in gondolas through fairytale-like environments with dancing flowers, shooting stars and magicians.

Eating ... I have rarely seen so many refreshment stands in an amusement park, of course we take a large portion of poffertjes, typically Dutch. Normally they are eaten with icing sugar but we celebrate with marshmallows and chocolate sauce.

We trudge on through oriental palaces where the lotus flower sprays water and the caliph on his throne looks on contentedly.

I dare to ride the snail train which goes max 5 kilometres per hour. The slingshots are not for me.

By the end of the day, we have done half of what there is to see and do, the waiting times for some attractions were quite long.

Efteling has something for all ages, even for a grandma.

Good to know about Efteling theme park in the Netherlands

• Tickets: From €47 depending on time and season (2024). Reservations can be made online.
• Accommodation: In the neighbouring area, all variants.

Photo: Emma Spets Karlström and Anna Nilsson Spets

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Anna Nilsson Spets

60+ year old lady with a lifelong love for Africa. Emigrated to Flanders in Belgium and works with plants on a daily basis. Writes, takes photos and tries to inspire others to budget travel on their own. Blogs on "Anna's mix" about travelling, work, plants, writing and much more.

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