“The Princess and the Pea” Inaugurated in the Efteling Fairytale Forest
Photo: Courtesy of Efteling
(eap) Today, the Dutch theme park Efteling opened its 31st fairytale in the famous Fairytale Forest: “The Princess and the Pea”. This new installation is based on the well-known fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
The royal pavilion is located at the edge of the forest between the fairy tales “Woman Hollow” and “The Troll King” and shows Princess Adinda sleeping on a high pile of mattresses. Under the lowest mattress is a small pea that disturbs her sleep – a test by the queen to to verify the authenticity of the princess – i.e. her aristocratic sensitivity.
The new fairytale scene was designed by Lead Designer and head of Efteling’s Design & Experience department Sander de Bruijn, who was inspired by a sketch drawn by Efteling co-founder Anton Pieck (c.f. EAP news of 26 June 2024). The romantic pavilion was designed with the same stylistic elements and design language as the Efteling Grand Hotel, which serves as the backdrop. “The choice of this particular fairytale, in which a sleeping princess plays the leading role, was an obvious one given the location at the foot of the Efteling Grand Hotel,” says Koen Sanders, Director Product, Market & Image at Efteling.
For the first time, the fairytale will be accompanied by a sung narrative performed by Belgian singer Geike Arnaert and composed by René Merkelbach. This song will also be available on streaming platforms from May 16, 2025. As part of the opening of the Efteling Grand Hotel planned for August 1, 2025, a third entrance will be added to the Fairytale Forest: Hotel guests will then have their own entrance that leads directly to the Princess and the Pea. With the introduction of “The Princess and the Pea”, Efteling is continuing its tradition of bringing classic fairy tales to life in lovingly designed scenes. ■
