Efteling 2025: Record 80 Days at 9+ and New Grand Hotel Opening

The Efteling once again proved in 2025 why it remains one of Europe’s most beloved theme parks among fans. With a new record of 80 days earning a 9+ guest rating, the opening of the park’s first on-site hotel, and a brand-new fairy tale, the Dutch fairy-tale park looks back on a strong year – delivering 5.78 million visits and significantly more guests from England.

The Efteling closed fiscal year 2025 with a convincing result: 4.98 million individual visitors generated a total of 5.78 million visits, operating revenue of €347 million, and a net profit of €27.2 million. The team is especially proud of the new record in guest ratings. For the first time, 80 days received the coveted 9+ score. This marks an important milestone on the path toward the 2030 vision, where at least half of all days should earn a 9+. The enduring appeal of the Danse Macabre attraction and the new offerings once again drew many international guests. Particularly striking was the 47% increase in visitors from England compared to the previous year.

A true highlight of the year was the opening of the Efteling Grand Hotel on August 1 – the first hotel inside the park boundaries. With 140 rooms and suites, two restaurants, two shops, and a swimming pool with spa facilities, it offers guests the perfect base for multi-day stays. The festive opening was celebrated with a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest bow. Right next door, the new fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” opened its doors: A princess tries to fall asleep on an enormous stack of mattresses – with a direct view of the new hotel. The Efteling Wonder Hotel was also extensively renovated in the spring and now immerses its guests even deeper into a floating castle full of stories.

Behind the scenes, the team worked hard to maintain and improve the quality of existing attractions. Baron 1898 received a thorough overhaul, while The Flying Dutchman gained a new scene. In May, the park’s first electric steam train completed its first round with visitors. Shortly afterward, the Vermolenmolen on Anton Pieckplein was made wheelchair-accessible without any transfer required.

Fons Jurgens, General Director of the Efteling, expressed his pride: “The fact that we had 80 days with a 9+ rating for the first time last year makes me enormously proud of all the team members who work every day to enchant our guests. And with the Efteling Grand Hotel, we created a fantastic addition to our overnight offerings for both the domestic and international markets in 2025. Although the Efteling operates under an environmental permit that limits us to a maximum of 5 million unique visitors per year, we stayed within those limits. Of course, we hope to welcome as many visitors as possible to the World of the Efteling in 2026, while complying with the regulations. Ultimately, we naturally hope that a new permit will be granted.”

In December 2025, the Efteling Post Office also opened. Guests could send enchanted cards with matching December stamps to loved ones or even strangers – perfectly aligned with the purpose of connecting people through the power of stories.

There is already a lot to look forward to in 2026. The Raveleijn themed area will be expanded with a new spectacular show in partnership with Puy du Fou and a compact, thrilling attraction. The new drop tower Hooghmoed will make the Baron 1898 story accessible to younger thrill-seekers. At the same time, the Efteling is placing sustainable mobility at the center and plans various initiatives related to traffic and transportation.

With its unique blend of tradition, innovation, and genuine fairy-tale magic, the Efteling remains a place where fans love to return – and with growing enthusiasm.