Efteling Expands Fairy Tale Forest with 'The Princess and the Pea' in Spring 2025

Efteling will enrich its Fairy Tale Forest in spring 2025 with the new tale “The Princess and the Pea.” The new pavilion will be situated between the Troll King and Frau Holle’s Well, based on a sketch by Anton Pieck.

Introduction to the New Tale

In spring 2025, Efteling's Fairy Tale Forest will be expanded with the tale “The Princess and the Pea.” This new attraction will be located between the Troll King and Frau Holle’s Well, an area ideal for enhancing the park's magical atmosphere. Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2024.

Behind the Scenes

Sander de Bruijn, head designer and manager of the Design & Experience department, is responsible for the implementation of the new tale. The scene is based on a sketch by Anton Pieck, whose work and perfection still form the basis for new designs in Efteling. De Bruijn emphasizes that Pieck's technique of placing larger elements in the background to highlight a theme is also being applied here.

Historical Context

The tale “The Princess and the Pea” was penned by Hans Christian Andersen and tells the story of a princess recognized for her sensitivity by feeling a pea beneath twenty mattresses and featherbeds. Between 1963 and 2017, only the pea from the story was displayed in the Fairy Tale Museum and the Efteling Museum.

Construction and Design

The new scene will be designed in the same style as the Efteling Grand Hotel, which serves as the backdrop. This cohesive aesthetic is intended to provide visitors with a unified and immersive experience. “The Princess and the Pea” will be the 31st tale in the Fairy Tale Forest, which was last expanded in 2019 with “The Six Swans.”

Significance for Efteling

The introduction of the new tale is another step in enriching the cultural heritage at Efteling. By integrating classic fairy tales into modern entertainment, the park continues to attract a wide range of visitors while offering a platform for timeless stories.

Quotes

Sander de Bruijn commented on the new attraction: “The work method and perfection of Anton Pieck still play a central role in the development of new designs for the world of Efteling.” He added, “To highlight a theme, Pieck often placed a larger element in the background. We are applying this principle here as well.”

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