Nature

Until the Middle Ages the Loonsche Land was a mostly wild and uncultivated area. Due to the growth in the population the demand for farmland increased, so farmers began planting crops on their land. Villages soon developed around this fertile land. The story is that one of the farms was called the Ersteling, and that the theme park got its name from that farm.

When around 1850 the demand for oak increased, the farmers converted their fields into oak coppices. The villages disappeared and through the years made way for oak and pine trees for the paper and mining industries.

A rich tanners family retained possession of a part of the Loonsche Land, until Efteling bought it in 1960. Together with the Natuurmonumenten society for preservation of nature monuments and the Brabantse Milieufederatie Brabant Environmental Federation, the once totally overgrown area was restored to its former glory (2005). The historical elements of the landscape became visible again.

Today you will find dense woods, open heather and wheat fields on various height levels. Home to squirrels, hares, rabbits and bats, the occasional deer and grazing sheep.

Somewhere in the Loonsche Land there is a 120 year old giant red beech. Go and stand below its branches. You will see that the branches reach down to the ground, and surround you like a natural cathedral.

There is also a small circular walk attached to the estate called 'Keienspoor'

The Loonsche Land is adjacent to the vast National Park de Loonse en Drunense Duinen
which has dense forests, open fields of heather, dunes and a sheep pasture.
The holiday village blends harmoniously with this 50 hectare nature area.

Reception has a box you can borrow full of things that can help your children discover nature.
Recommended for children between 4 and 12 years of age.