Netherlands on a whim

[al_kaholik]

Last week, on a whim we decided to take a few days away to somewhere we hadn't been before, somewhere different. After enjoying Euro Disney a year or so ago we went for something in the same vein, Efteling. Its got a pretty rich history, starting out as a sports park in the 30s and progressing through to a theme park with hotel and holiday village. I'd describe it as the naughty love child of Disney and Center Parcs. Set in a forest, but surprisingly accessible. It took just over three hours off the ferry in Dunkirk to arrive, the thick end of 900km for the round trip.

The entrance that greets is "The house of the five senses" apparently five brothers, each with one sense were convinced to stay together by the jester because they were more powerful together


Entrance to Efteling by a_t_b321, on Flickr


Jester by a_t_b321, on Flickr

You can see the influence of the fairy tales of the Grimm brothers all around, its a strangely creepy place. None of the niceties of Disney; its all raw.


Sprookjesbos by a_t_b321, on Flickr


Paiper Hier by a_t_b321, on Flickr


Witch by a_t_b321, on Flickr

There were some friendly elements though, the talking tree and perhaps my favourite, the big bad wolf, complete in suit!


Talking Tree by a_t_b321, on Flickr


Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? by a_t_b321, on Flickr

Nice touches in the rooms include customised wallpaper reflecting the characters and little fairytales dotted around


Wallpaper by a_t_b321, on Flickr

Don't miss the mouse!


Rapunzel by a_t_b321, on Flickr

It was pretty empty, possibly because of the time of year and the cold, minus six! This is what it does...


Water wheel by a_t_b321, on Flickr


Fish by a_t_b321, on Flickr

Wow!


Carrousel Paleis by a_t_b321, on Flickr

But no snow and not even the slightest frost on the ground.


From above by a_t_b321, on Flickr

More in my flickr

[Imageryone]

Re: Netherlands on a whim

Never even heard of this one, so new info all around. Thanks for the tour, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Some of those put a meaning to " Wind chill ".

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Netherlands on a whim

What a lovely set of images Esp. the frozen fountain I am now wanting to visit myself Thanks for sharing these

[tomphotofx]

Re: Netherlands on a whim

Great set I shall add it to my "Places to visit" list. Thanks for sharing this weird and wacky place.

Tom

[al_kaholik]

Re: Netherlands on a whim

Thanks all

I think I prefer the dry coldness of over there to the moist cold here that gets right inside you

[Zuiko]

Re: Netherlands on a whim

Looks a really interesting place and I've never heard of it. Had to look real close to find the mouse!