Madurodam: First Themed Ride “De Windjager” Now Open

(eap) The Dutch miniature world of Madurodam in The Hague, renowned for its more than 300 miniature reconstructions of Dutch landmarks and landscapes, now entices visitors with a completely different experience. Yesterday, the popular tourist attraction unveiled its first ride attraction, “De Windjager” (Engl.: “The Wind Hunter”). It is a dark ride that leads guests on a journey on the trail of wind and windmills.

© Foto: Kris Van de Sande Wind and wind power are deeply woven into the history, land development and economy of the Netherlands. Even before entering the ride’s building, visitors encounter a nostalgic wooden windmill structure heralding the new attraction theme. Inside, a pre‑show room displays windmill drawings and various tools before leading into the waiting area behind sealed doors at the loading station. Each cycle admits 24 guests, who divide into four groups and line up in parallel queues – North, East, West, and South. Projection and sound technology immerse them in the theme of wind before the doors open and guests can board their vehicles.

© Foto: Kris Van de Sande

Four trackless Multi‑Mover vehicles (by ETF Ride Systems) await in a circular chamber, each carrying six riders seated in two rows of three. The chamber’s walls serve as projection screens, with a large, drivable windmill erected at the center. The vehicles depart – two clockwise, two counterclockwise – circulating through and around the windmill four times, each pass revealing a different scene.

© Foto: Kris Van der Sande One moment highlights wind power driving a sawmill, the next features paint mills, and another explores paper production. A darker sequence conveys the destructive force of fires that consumed old wooden mills, while the finale projects a view up the shaft of a modern turbine, ending with the image of a wind turbine set against an orange-hued seascape. Scene transitions are further enhanced by staging elements such as lifts and rolling doors.

With its first thematic dark ride – prioritizing immersive media-driven scenes over gameplay – Madurodam has expanded its visitor offerings beyond the miniature builds and interactive indoor attractions like “De Waterwolf.” More new experiences are planned to delight both locals and tourists with Dutch culture and history. Currently, the park, which opened in 1952, welcomes approximately 650,000 visitors annually. ■