Fire Breaks Out at Efteling's Raveleijn Arena During Demolition – Four Workers Checked for Smoke Inhalation

This morning around 8:30 a.m., a fire broke out at Efteling in the arena of the popular park show Raveleijn, where demolition work is currently underway for a completely new production. Fortunately, no guests were present, everyone remained unharmed, and the fire department quickly brought the situation under control. Four construction workers, however, had to be checked for inhaled smoke.

The fire started in the former basement of the iconic five-headed dragon Draconicon, which was dismantled just last week. Heavy smoke prompted an escalation to a medium-level fire, but the small blaze was swiftly extinguished. “Everyone is unharmed,” an Efteling spokesperson stressed. “Safety is always our top priority.” The four affected workers from the external construction company were examined on-site by a rapid responder from the regional health service—no hospital treatment was required. The park is now investigating the cause together with all involved parties.

The adjacent Raveleijn office building was briefly evacuated, and demolition work is expected to resume shortly. The incident is part of major renovation efforts: The original Raveleijn stunt show with its fire-breathing dragon and horses ended in early January. A completely new show will premiere at the end of 2026, retaining the main characters but featuring a fresh storyline and updated effects. The mechanical Draconicon will not return, and live animals are also being removed following past protests by animal-rights activists over the flaming blankets used on the horses.

Fans have reason to be excited: In addition to the new show, another brand-new attraction will open in the same themed area in fall 2026.