An Englishmen's Guide To The Efteling
  • Home
  • Efteling
    • Efteling Theme Park
    • Maps
    • Ticket Price
    • Attractions >
      • Fantasierijk (Fantasy Realm) >
        • Het Huis Van De Vijf Zintuigen
        • Efteling Theatre
        • Square - Dwarrelplein (Flutter Square)
        • Aquanura
        • Path - Pardoes Promenade
        • Pardoes Podium (Pardoes Stage)
        • Watertafel (Water Table)
        • Symbolica
      • Marerijk (Lore Realm) >
        • Diorama
        • Stoomcarrousel (Merry go round)
        • Sprookjesbos (Fairy tale forest) >
          • De Sprookjessprokkelaar (The Fairy Tale Gatherer)
          • De Heks (The Witch)
          • Doornroosje (Sleeping beauty)
          • Het Kabouterdorp (The Gnome village)
          • De Zes Dienaren (The Six Servants)
          • Roodkapje (Little Red Riding Hood)
          • Pinokkio (Pinocchio)
          • De Rode Schoentjes (The Red Shoes)
          • De Trollenkoning (The Troll King)
          • Het Stoute Prinsesje (The Naughty Princess)
          • Raponsje (Rapunzel)
          • De Kleine Zeemeermin (The Little Mermaid)
          • Draak Lichtgeraakt (The Cranky Dragon)
          • De Wolf En De Zeven Geitjes (The Wolf and The Seven Kids)
          • Hans En Grietje (Hansel and Gretel)
          • Herautenplein (Herald Square)
          • Vrouw Holle (Mother Holle)
          • Kleine Boodschap (Little Message)
          • Herberg De Ersteling (The Firstling Inn)
          • Sneeuwwitje (Snow White)
          • De Bruidsjurk Van Guinevere (Guinevere's Bridal Gown)
          • De Zes Zwanen (The Six Swans)
          • Assepoester(Cinderella)
          • De Kikkerkoning (The Frog Prince)
          • De Magische Klok (The Magic Clock)
          • De Indische Waterlelies (The Indian Water Lilies)
          • Klein Duimpje (Tom Thumb)
          • Repelsteeltje (Rumpelstiltskin)
          • Het Meisje Met De Zwavelstokjes (The Little Match Girl)
          • Kniesoor (Grumblebore)
          • De Nieuwe Kleren Van De Keizer (The Emperors New Clothes)
          • Sprookjesboom (Fairy Tales Tree)
          • De Tuinman En De Fakir (The Gardener and The Fakir)
          • Sprookjesboom Parkshow (Fairy Tale Tree Park Show)
          • De Chinese Nachtegaal (The Chinese Nightingale)
          • Siertuin (Decorative Garden)
        • Square - St Nicolaas Plein (St Nicolas Square)
        • Square - Ton van de Ven Plein (Ton Van De Ven Square)
        • Stoomtrein (Steamtrain)
        • Droomvlucht (Dream Flight)
        • Droomvlucht VR
        • Raveleijn
        • Villa Volta
        • Kindervreugd Speeltuin (Childrens Happiness Playground)
        • Het Volk Van Laaf (People Of Laaf) >
          • Laaf tour
          • Loetwiek
          • Lonkhuys (Ogle House)
          • Lot’s Kraamhuys (Lot's Maternity House)
          • Lal’s Brouwhuys (Lal's Brewing House)
          • Lurk en Limoenhuys (Lurk and Lime House)
          • Leunhuys (Lean House)
          • Loof en Eerhuys (Praise and Honour house)
          • Lijn’s Zweefhuys (Lijn's Floating House)
          • Lavelhuys (Lavel House)
          • Leerhuys (Learning House)
          • Glijhuys (Sliding House)
          • Loerhuys (Looking House)
          • Lariekoek Huys (Humbug House)
          • Lach Huys (Laugh House)
          • Leed Huys (House of Pain)
          • Slakkenhuys (Snails House)
        • Square - Anton Pieckplein (Anton Pieck Square) >
          • Muzikantenpoort (Musicians Gate)
          • Het Ballonnenvrouwtje ( The Balloon lady)
          • Het Efteling Museum (The Efteling Museum)
          • De Bremerse Stadsmuziekanten (Town Musicians of Bremen)
          • Het Smidje (The Smithy)
          • De Vlinder Molen (The Butterfly Carousel)
          • Den Kleine Zweefmolen (The Little Chair Swing Ride)
          • Den Grote Zweefmolen (The Big Chair Swing Ride)
          • De Anton Pieck Molen (The Anton Pieck Carousel)
          • De Drinkebroer (The Drinking Fellow)
          • Zwaan Kleef Aan (The Golden Swan)
          • De Gekroonde Eend (The Crowned Duck)
          • Vermolenmolen (Milled Mill)
          • Het Ganzenhoedstertje (The Goose Girl)
          • De Stenen Kip (The Stone Hen)
      • Reizenrijk (Travelrealm) >
        • Path - Dubbellaan
        • Speelweide (Play Meadow)
        • Carnaval Festival
        • Sirocco
        • Vogelrok (Bird Roc)
        • Kleuterhof (Toddlers Court)
        • Siervijver (Decorative Pond)
        • Archipel
        • De Gondoletta (The Gondoletta)
        • Pagode (Pagoda)
        • Path - De Steenen Brug (The Stone Bridge)
        • Wensput (Wishing Well)
        • Path - Stonehenge
        • Path - De Houten Brug (The Wooden Bridge)
        • Path - Siervijverpad
      • Ruigrijk (Rough Realm) >
        • Kinderspoor (The Children's Pedal Trains)
        • Game Gallery
        • De Halve Maen (The Half Moon)
        • D'Oude Tuffer (The Old Puffer)
        • Nest!
        • Stoomtrein (Steamtrain)
        • Spot - Python Field
        • Python
        • Joris En De Draak (George And The Dragon)
        • De Vliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman)
        • Path - Duinpad (Dune path)
        • Baron 1898
      • Anderrijk (Other Realm) >
        • Fabula
        • De Dierenwereld (The Animal World)
        • Piraña Tuin
        • Path - Piraña Island
        • Piraña
        • New in 2024: Dance Macabre
        • Path - Heksenpad (Witches Path)
        • Max & Moritz
        • Square - Max & Moritz Plein (Max & Moritz Square)
        • Fata Morgana (Mirage)
      • Rides closed for maintenance
      • Seasonal Events >
        • Spring
        • Summer Efteling >
          • Midsummer Night >
            • Midsummer Festival 2017
            • Midsummer Festival 2016
            • Midsummer Festival 2015
          • Summer Events >
            • Summer Events 2022
            • Summer Events 2019
            • Summer Events 2018
            • Summer Events 2017
            • Summer Events 2016
            • Summer Events 2015
            • Summer Events 2014
            • Summer Events 2013
        • Autumn
        • Winter Efteling >
          • Winter Events >
            • Winter Events 2022-2023
            • Winter Events 2021-2022
            • Winter Events 2020-2021
            • Winter Events 2019-2020
            • Winter Events 2018-2019
            • Winter Events 2017-2018
            • Winter Events 2016-2017
            • Winter Events 2015-2016
            • Winter Events 2014-2015
            • Winter Events 2012-2013
          • New Years Eve >
            • New Years Eve 2022-2023
            • New Years Eve 2021-2022
            • New Years Eve 2019-2020
            • New Years Eve 2018-2019
            • New Years Eve 2017-2018
            • New Years Eve 2016-2017
            • New Years Eve 2015-2016
            • New Years Eve 2014-2015
    • Park
    • Entertainment
    • Guest Services >
      • Bicycle Storage
      • Parking
      • Service Building
      • Cash Machines
      • E.H.B.O. (First Aid)
      • Quiet Room
      • Lost
      • Disability
      • Baby Switch
      • Photopass
      • Single Rider Queue
      • Bins - Holle Bolle Gijs (Big Mouth)
      • Toilets >
        • W.C. Huis Van De Vijf Zintuigen (House Of the Five Senses)
        • W.C. Efteling Theatre
        • W.C. Fabula
        • W.C. Outside Polles Keuken (Polles Kitchen)
        • W.C. Inside Polles Keuken (Polles Kitchen)
        • W.C. Carouselpaleis (Carousel Palace)
        • W.C. Kleine Boodschap (Little Message)
        • W.C. t' Gemack (The Comfort)
        • W.C. Het Witte Paard (The White Horse)
        • W.C. Droomvlucht (Dreamflight)
        • W.C. Het Wapen Van Raveleijn
        • W.C. Carnaval Festival
        • W.C. Achter de Meermin (Behind the Mermaid)
        • W.C. Station De Oost (The Eastern Station)
        • New in 2023: W.C. De Laetste Hoop (The Last Hope)
        • W.C. Bäckerei Krümel (Bakery Crumb)
        • W.C. Fata Morgana
      • Souvenir Express
    • Souvenirs >
      • Efteldingen
      • Penny Press Machines
      • Donkey Lift Your Tail
      • Marskramer
      • Spiegeltje, Spiegeltje (Mirror, Mirror)
      • Het Smidje (The Smithy)
      • De Gekroonde Eend (The Crowned Duck)
      • De Stenen Kip (The Stone Hen)
      • Dromerijen
      • Confetti
      • Jokies Wereld (Jokies World)
      • De Bazaar
      • Fabula Savannebar
      • New in 2024: Dr. Charlatans Kwalycke Zaken (Dr. Charlatans Objectionable Wares)
      • Twinkel Depot
    • Opening Hours
    • Weather
    • Group Arrangements
    • Reviews
  • Food
    • Efteling Park >
      • Pinokkio's restaurant
      • Loreley
      • Chez Vitalis Event Space
      • Coffee Cart
      • Hollandsche Gebakkraam (Dutch pastry stand)
      • ​Fabula Wereldkeuken (Fabula World Kitchen)
      • Fabula Savannebar
      • De Gebrande Boon (The Roasted Bean)
      • Glad Ijs (Smooth Ice)
      • Polles Keuken (Polles Kitchen)
      • De Smaeckmaker (The Taste Maker)
      • Rondje Van De Molen (The Mill's Round)
      • Diorama Cafe
      • Carousel Paleis Bar (Carousel Palace)
      • Kogeloog (Bullet Eye)
      • Kleyne Klaroen (Little Clarion)
      • Gelaarsde kat (Puss In Boots)
      • ' t Gebraad (The Roast)
      • Het Witte Paard (The White Horse)
      • Ijssalon La Dame Blanche
      • Het Wapen van Raveleijn (The Weapon of Raveleijn)
      • Den Gulden Gaarde (The Golden Whisk)
      • Hoorn Des Overvloeds (Horn Of Plenty)
      • Ijssalon Den Suykerbuyk (Ice Cream Parlor The Sugarbelly)
      • Smulpaap II (Gourmand II) >
        • Den Olycke Tweelingh (The ​Mischievous Twins)
      • T poffertje (The Little Dutch Pancake)
      • De Soete Inval (The Sweets Invasion)
      • ' t Suykerhuys
      • Confetti
      • Kashba >
        • Nomad
      • T Korfje (The Little Hive)
      • Flierefluiter (Fidlyfidler)
      • Toko pagode (Toko Pagode)
      • De Meermin (The Mermaid)
      • De Verleiding (The Temptation)
      • Station De Oost (The Eastern Station) >
        • De Hongerige Machinist (The Hungry Engineer)
        • Wachtruimte 1e Klas (1st Class Waiting Room)
        • De Verse Oogst (The Fresh Harvest)
        • De Brutale Aap (The Cheeky Monkey)
        • De Rustende Reiziger (The Resting Traveller)
      • De Likkebaerd
      • ’t Verwende Nest! (The Spoiled Brat!)
      • De Kombuys (The Galley)
      • Het Melkhuysje (The Milk House)
      • Yoghurt Bar/De Verkleumde Kompel
      • Casa caracol (Snail House)
      • New in 2023: In den Swarte kat (In The Black Cat)
      • New in 2023: ’t Koetshuys (The Coach House)
      • Bäckerei Krümel
      • Frau Boltes Küche
      • Burger Backerij (Burger Bakery)
      • Oase (Oasis)
      • De Eigenheymer
      • Unox
      • Food Dispensers
      • Picnic Spots
    • Bosrijk >
      • Bosrijk Eethuys >
        • Eethuys Food Delivery Service
      • Kleyn Warehuis (Little Warehouse)
    • Het Loonsche Land >
      • De Proeftuyn
    • Efteling Hotel >
      • Roomservice
      • De Gelagkamer
      • De Hoffelijke Heraut
      • Koninklijke Kasteelzaal (Royal Castle Hall)
    • Kaatsheuvel >
      • Supermarket
    • Tilburg >
      • Supermarket
  • Transport
  • Accommodation
    • Bosrijk >
      • Benefits >
        • Standard Services
        • Bosrijk Information Book
      • Reception
      • Eethuys >
        • Eethuys Food Delivery Service
        • Groceries Service
        • Party Package
      • Kleyn Waerenhuys (Little Warehouse) Store
      • Badhuys (Bath House)
      • Klaas Vaak Show (Mr Sandman Show)
      • Nature
      • Poorthuys Familiekamers (Gatehouse Family Rooms) >
        • Poorthuys Familiekamers (Gatehouse Family Rooms) Sleeps 4
      • Landhuys Rooms (Manor House Rooms) >
        • Landhuys Secluded Familiekamer (Manor House Family room) Sleeps 4​
        • VIP Landhuys Familiekamer (Manor House Family room) Sleeps 4​
      • Boshuys (Woodland Cottages) >
        • Boshuys (Woodland Cottage) Sleeps 6
        • VIP Boshuys (VIP Woodland Cottage) Sleeps 6
        • Boshuys (Woodland Cottage) Sleeps 8
        • VIP Boshuys (VIP Woodland Cottage) Sleeps 8
      • Dorpshuys (Village Cottages) >
        • Dorpshuys (Village House) Sleeps 6
        • Dorpshuys (Village House) Sleeps 8
      • Group Accommodation Sleeps 12
      • Specially adapted Cottages
      • Reviews
      • Booking >
        • Travel Documents
    • Het Loonsche Land >
      • Benefits
      • Reception
      • De Proeftuyn
      • Eethuys Food Delivery Service
      • De Pluktuyn
      • De Hooimijt
      • Nature
      • Hotel Rooms >
        • Hotel Room Sleeps 5
        • Hotel Room Sleeps 6
      • Themed Rooms >
        • Tree View Sleeps 4
        • Tree View Sleeps 6
        • Lake View Sleeps 6
        • Dune View Sleeps 6
      • Holiday Homes >
        • Holiday Home Sleeps 6 >
          • Holiday Home Woodland House Sleeps 6
          • Holiday Home Heathland House Sleeps 6
          • Holiday Home Dune House Sleeps 6
        • Holiday Home Sleeps 12 >
          • Holiday Home Woodland House Sleeps 12
          • Holiday Home Dune House Sleeps 12
          • Holiday Home Schaapskooi Sleeps 12
    • Efteling Hotel >
      • Benefits
      • Amenities
      • Rooms >
        • Double Comfort Room (2 people)
        • Family Comfort Room (4 People)
        • 5 Person Comfort Room
        • Junior Suite
        • Excellence Suite
        • The Guilded Suite
        • Coca Cola Suite
        • Circus Suite
        • Carrousel Suite
        • Wonderwater Suite
        • Kings Suite
        • Pardoes Suite
        • Laaf Suite
        • The Flying Dutchman Suite
        • Raveleijn Suite
        • Fata Morgana Suite
        • Hans Christian Andersen Suite
        • Sprookjesboom Suite
        • Cinderella Suite
        • Sleeping Beauty Suite
        • Red Riding Hood
        • Hansel and Gretel Suite
        • Snow White Suite
        • The Wolf and the 7 Kids Suite
      • Booking
      • Reviews
    • Efteling Grand Hotel opens 2024
    • Other
  • TV
  • News
    • 2020 - Current
    • 2010 - 2019
    • 2000-2009
    • 1990-1999
    • 1980-1989
    • 1970-1979
    • 1960-1969
    • 1950-1959
    • 1940-1949
    • 1930-1939
  • Photos
  • Contact
  • Downloads
  • Links

De Vliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman)

Picture
“I will sail, even if I have to sail to Judgment Day.”  The mysterious Flying Dutchman is cursed and has been turned into a ghost ship. Your journey will start in a magnificent castle on the quayside. However, it won’t take you long to realise that it’s not a fairytale castle at all. You’ll have to hold your breath when a huge wave lifts the ship into the air… You’ll be able to sense that something is not quite.... wait a moment….. and then, SPLASH!!
The only way to escape the curse of the mysterious Flying Dutchman is by moving at ghostly speed with butterflies in your stomach! Be prepared to get a little wet! 


This attraction is based on the story of the Flying Dutchman about Willem van der Decken, captain of the Den Hollander, one of the ships that belonged to the VOC [Dutch East India Company]. Willem van der Decken was a man who broke all the rules in the book, defied common decency and dared to brave the elements. It was this that caused him to seal his own fate when his ship was turned into a mysterious, fiery ghost ship. The ship was doomed to sail the seven seas forever and became known as the Flying Dutchman (De Vliegende Hollander).

With 11 sloops that can carry up to 14 people each, the ship can handle approximately 1,900 people an hour and the ride takes 3.43 minutes. The tower is no less than 22.5 metres tall and has a 45° tilt! The total surface area amounts to 17,000 m2 and the length of the coaster across which you are hurled at a speed of over 70 kilometres an hours, is 420 metres. Passengers are exposed to G forces during the ride of up to a maximum of 2G (twice your own body weight) and a minimum of 0.2G (close to weightlessness).

The house of van der Decken is part of the scenery for the queue line. After walking through this abandoned house the queue continues down into so-called 'smugglers' tunnels', where van der Decken's treasure can be seen hidden behind a small door. The tunnel ends in the cellar of a pub in 17th century style. In the harbor, under a dark clouded sky the coaster ride begins. The 14- person barge goes into open sea where it meets a holographic ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman, and dives under its bow into the Underworld. The barge is then towed to a height of 22,5 meters. Here, it halts, and a ghostly voice is heard stating: "You shall sail into eternity!" (Old Dutch: "Gij zult vaeren, tot het einde der tijden!") Doors open and the barge shoots in a curved declination through a tunnel. After this some airtime in a bunnyhop and a 85 degree horseshoe. A steep fall and a left curve bring the barge back into the water. A special technique allows for variation in the size of the “splash”, thus preparing the ride for winter opening .

_
  • Type:                       Steel
  • Manufacturer:          Kumbak Coasters
  • Designer:                 Karel Willemen
  • Model:                      Water coaster
  • Lift/launch system:   Chain lift
  • Height:                      73.82 ft (22.50 m)
  • Length:                     1,377.95 ft (420.00 m)
  • Max speed:               43.5 mph (70.0 km/h)
  • Inversions:                0
  • Duration:                   3.43 minutes
  • Capacity:                  1900 riders per hour
  • Max G force:             0.2-2
  • You must be at least 1m 40 tall in order to ride.
  • Partly indoor/partly outdoor attraction
  • Single Riders Queue available
  • May induce dizziness 
  • May close in bad weather.
  • You may get wet​
  • Baby switch available
  • Souvenir Photo available
​Relive the experience in this 360 VR POV!

Accessibility

Wheelchair users can access via a dedicated path, to the right of the attraction entrance. Please ring the doorbell.
​You will need to be able to be transferred from your wheelchair in order to ride. 

Story


The Efteling has put its own spin on the famous legend of the wandering ghost ship. Most of the elements are kept but an extra storyline brings more tension and symbolism in the attraction.. below you will find the most complete and extensive version that the Efteling has brought out so far.

“Willem van der Decken is a successful captain of the United East Indian Company. On Java and the Maluku islands he succeeds in buying full loads od spices that make him a lot of money in the Netherlands. His ship “The Dutchman” is the fastest of the EITC. The shipments of mace, nutmeg and cinnamon are taken to the Netherlands in record time The Seventeen Gentlemen are very pleased and the captain is quickly promoted. Van Decken lived with his wife Catherina in the most beautiful house on the city walls with views on the harbour.  He enjoys his prosperity. Live is good in the Golden Century. But looks can be deceiving; this success is tained by blood.

The people and the lords of government know nothing of the dark dubble life of the captain. His success made him greedy. Van Decken became a privateer who plunders coastal villages and boards ships. He is not daunted by murder in order to haul in his spoils. He keeps the gold and jewels to himself. There he stores in a secret treasure chamber under his house which he reaches through smugglers corridors. Though very successful, the captain becomes more and more lonely. He can only round up crew members from orphanages. These inexperienced youngsters are lured by the adventure. No one is still willing to work for the powerful and fanciful Van Der Decken. In Café Het Oorlam the captain only drinks to his successes. He outsmarts everyone and everything. He is at the top. But his greed will cost him dearly

We write 1678 when Captain Willem Van Decken sails to the east with his crew, breaking all the rules. Even a raging storm can’t stop him. Even when his crew became desperate with fear. “ I will sail, Storm or no storm. Easter or no Easter. I will sail, even if tis into eternity!” Willem Van Decken defied all the rules, the decency and the elements. And so signed his own fate… His ship turned into a mysterious fiery ghost ship that was doomed to sail the seven sees as “The Flying Dutchman”… Van Deckens house burned from the inside out and in the secret corridor a hellish fire raged on, exposing his dark double life. The ship disappeared and was never heard from again.

Or was it? Years later still messages reached the homeland about a mysterious ghost ship that seems to float above the waves. Will a blackened carcass and burning sails it is said it sails across the sea at incredible speeds… upwind! Sailors will do anything to prevent this experience. Because every contact with the shady character that stands unmoving atop the rail, is sure to bring bad luck, death and destruction!.

Picture
Read the official Efteling version of the story in 'En Ze Leven Nog Lang en Gelukkig' available from the souvenir stores (Only in Dutch)

Winter Illusions

The Making Of

Picture
You can buy the Making Of The Flying Dutchman DVD at the Efteling Souvenir Shop!

2007: The Flying Dutchman is built

Picture
Image Source: Efteling Facebook
Previous
Next
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.