Looking for a little more excitement and action this weekend? Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to find it! From lightning-fast roller coasters and spectacular water rides to enchanting fairy-tale worlds: the Netherlands offers an impressive array of theme parks.
Whether you’re heading out with the whole family or looking for an adrenaline rush with your friends, there’s something for everyone. We’ve listed the best amusement parks in the Netherlands for your next day trip out of town.
The Efteling
An hour and a half’s drive from Amsterdam lies the Efteling, the country’s largest and most iconic theme park. What began in 1952 as a nostalgic Fairytale Forest has grown into a world-famous park for all ages.
You’ll find the perfect blend of thrills and magic at Efteling. Roller coaster fans can ride the Baron 1898 drop coaster or the steel Python, while fans of indoor attractions will love the trackless dark ride Symbolica, Droomvlucht, and the spectacular show Danse Macabre.
Walibi Holland
An hour’s drive from Amsterdam is Walibi Holland, the park for pure adrenaline. While other parks focus on fairy tales, Biddinghuizen is all about action, intense inversions, and impressive speeds.
The absolute highlight is Goliath: at 106 kilometers per hour, it’s the fastest roller coaster in the Netherlands. You can also ride the hybrid coaster Untamed, the indoor launch ride Xpress: Platform 13, and various whitewater rides.
Duinrell
A 45-minute drive from Amsterdam is Duinrell, a park nestled in the dunes of Wassenaar. The park combines classic family attractions with the well-known indoor Tikibad.
For speed demons, there’s the family roller coaster Falcon and the indoor roller coaster Dragon Fly, while younger children can have a blast in the large playground or on the Kikkerscout. Is it raining, or are you looking to cool off? The Tikibad offers kilometers of water slides, an indoor water park, and a large outdoor pool.
Toverland
Toverland in Sevenum, Limburg, is known for the remarkably high level of detail in its themed zones and its excellent mix of indoor rides and outdoor roller coasters.
Highlights include the Fēnix wing coaster, where you hang freely next to the tracks, and the impressive Troy, the largest wooden roller coaster in the Benelux. Since a large part of the park is covered, there’s plenty to do even on rainy days for both families and groups of friends.
Slagharen
Slagharen is entirely dedicated to the American Wild West. This easy-to-navigate park combines classic attractions with a recognizable theme of cowboys, gold prospectors, and explorers.
A major highlight for daredevils is Gold Rush, a roller coaster that propels riders to 95 kilometers per hour via three launches and loops twice. For younger visitors and families, there are cable cars, nostalgic carousels, and the indoor water park Aqua Mexicana, equipped with multiple slides and pools.
