The Magic of the Wood of Tales Awakens with the Princess and the Pea!

Efteling, the famous Dutch theme park, has long been synonymous with fairy tales and enchanting worlds. At the heart of this realm of magic lies the Fairytale Forest (Sprookjesbos), a lush forest where classic tales come to life before the amazed eyes of visitors of all ages. Winding along sinuous paths, one discovers faithfully recreated scenes, inhabited by characters straight out of the imagination of the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, or Hans Christian Andersen. It is a timeless place that invites strolling and rediscovering the stories that lulled our childhood. And the enchantment continues to grow, as the Fairytale Forest welcomes a brand new resident: The Princess and the Pea.

"The Princess and the Pea": A New Gem in the Crown of the Fairytale Forest

Since May 14, 2025, the Fairytale Forest has been enriched with a 31st fairy tale scene, bringing to life the delicate story of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Princess and the Pea". This new installation is a delightful addition, located on the edge of the forest, near the "Frau Holle" and "Troll King" scenes.

The scene depicts a decidedly romantic royal pavilion, designed with particular attention to details that recall the architectural style of the nearby Efteling Grand Hotel, which also serves as a backdrop for this new arrival. Inside the pavilion, visitors can glimpse Princess Adinda, asleep on an incredibly high stack of mattresses. In accordance with the tale, it is the tiny pea, hidden beneath the lowest layer, that disturbs her sleep – the ultimate proof of her aristocratic sensitivity, a test set by the queen.

The design of this scene was led by Sander de Bruijn, Lead Designer and head of Efteling's Design & Experience department. His work is inspired by an original sketch by one of Efteling's co-founders, Anton Pieck, thus ensuring perfect stylistic integration with the classic and beloved aesthetic of the park.

A notable novelty accompanying this scene is the introduction of a sung narrative. For the first time in the Fairytale Forest, the story is not just told, but performed in song by Belgian artist Geike Arnaert, to music composed by René Merkelbach. This musical narration adds an extra emotional and artistic dimension to the experience, further immersing visitors in the poetic atmosphere of the tale.

The location of "The Princess and the Pea" is also strategic. With the planned opening of the Efteling Grand Hotel on August 1, 2025, hotel guests will benefit from direct access to the Fairytale Forest via a new entrance, leading precisely to this new scene. This highlights the importance of this addition to the resort's overall offering.

The Fairytale Forest: A Living Heritage of Wonder

The integration of "The Princess and the Pea" is part of Efteling's long tradition of bringing fairy tales to life with meticulous care and a touch of magic. The Fairytale Forest itself is a timeless attraction that continues to captivate generation after generation. Opened in 1952, it was the foundation upon which Efteling Park was built. Covering an area of about 6 hectares, it features a growing collection of scenes, ranging from classics like "Sleeping Beauty" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" to lesser-known tales.

Each scene is a work of art in itself, with charming architectural details, expressive animatronics, and immersive décors. Some scenes are presented in small buildings that can be viewed through windows, others are open-air tableaux, while some, like The Wild Swans, are indoor scenes accompanied by a narrative commentary. The Talking Tree, an imposing and interactive tree, adds another layer of magic by sharing its own stories with visitors.

Strolling through the Fairytale Forest is like taking an enchanted break, away from the hustle and bustle of thrill rides. It's a place where imagination takes flight, where childhood memories resurface, and where new memories are created. The addition of "The Princess and the Pea" only reinforces the appeal of this iconic place, inviting visitors to rediscover the timeless poetry and beauty of fairy tales at Efteling. Whether you are a park regular or a first-time visitor, the Fairytale Forest and its new princess promise moments of pure wonder.