Efteling’s 2026 Attraction Finally Has a Name – and a Story to Match
On July 1st, 2025, Efteling quietly dropped a major reveal via social media—an official name and new details for their upcoming 2026 family attraction. Set to debut next summer, the free fall drop tower will be called Hooghmoed, and it’s more than just a new ride—it’s a continuation of the story behind one of the park’s most iconic coasters: Baron 1898.
Earlier this year, Efteling announced that the park would be adding a new family-friendly freefall experience. Now, fans are getting their first look into the rich narrative and immersive theming that will accompany this addition.
A Story-Driven Drop Tower
Hooghmoed—named after the ambitious and gold-obsessed Baron Gustave Hooghmoed—will be situated right next to Baron 1898, and it promises to be much more than a simple thrill ride. In this new attraction, guests step into the role of the Baron’s chimney sweeps, supporting his relentless mission to extract gold from the mines. The ride is thematically aligned with the Victorian industrial aesthetic that defines the Baron’s domain.
While Baron 1898 has long served as one of Efteling’s more thrilling attractions, its 1.32-meter height restriction has made it off-limits to younger guests. Hooghmoed looks to change that. Designed as a family-friendly drop tower experience, it will provide a thrilling—yet accessible—alternative for visitors not quite tall enough to brave the dive coaster.
A Strategic Expansion in a Popular Park Zone
With an estimated hourly capacity of 600 riders, Hooghmoed also addresses a very practical concern: capacity in one of the park’s busiest areas. This smart addition boosts throughput while enhancing storytelling continuity in the themed zone.
The new ride further reinforces Efteling’s long-standing commitment to bridging the gap between child-friendly attractions and intense thrill rides. By crafting a richly themed, mid-tier experience, the park continues to invest in its reputation as a top-tier destination for families of all ages.
Efteling Grand Hotel Opening August 2025
Before Hooghmoed opens its doors in 2026, Efteling fans will already have something else to celebrate. On 1 August 2025, the park will open the Efteling Grand Hotel, the largest hotel within the World of Efteling. This marks a major milestone for the resort, as the Grand Hotel will be the first on-site accommodation located within the theme park itself.
Promising elegance, immersion, and convenient access to the attractions, the Efteling Grand Hotel is designed to elevate the overall guest experience. Positioned to become a flagship offering, the hotel will further enhance Efteling’s standing as a premier European destination—not just for a day visit, but for a multi-day holiday.
Coming Summer 2026
While no official opening date has been announced for Hooghmoed beyond “Summer 2026,” construction is expected to begin following the end of the 2025 summer season. With the Efteling Grand Hotel opening just months earlier, next year is already shaping up to be a transformative time for the park.
Whether you’re staying overnight in luxury or plunging into the mines with the Baron himself, the World of Efteling is expanding—and the adventures are just getting started.
Stay tuned for more updates as Efteling brings the next chapter of its magical storyworld to life.
