The area around Baron 1898 in Efteling has been enriched with a new attraction for the youngest daredevils. The free-fall attraction Hooghmoed, featuring the same theme as the popular dive coaster, was festively opened this morning and is, from today on, accessible to all Efteling guests who are at least 90 centimetres tall.

Fons Jurgens, CEO of Efteling: ‘By adding Hooghmoed to the area around Baron 1898, we continue to bring our vision to life: creating worlds where guests truly step into another reality for a while. Hooghmoed also contributes to a broader range of attractions for younger daredevils in this part of Efteling.’

Fenna Ramos performed the opening act and sang ‘Niemand krijgt ons klein’ for the very first time. The song was specially produced for the opening of the new attraction and is all about courage, bravery, and daring to be yourself, even when something feels very exciting.

Listen to the song

The gold discovered by the miners in the Baron 1898 gold mine is melted down in the gold foundry. The imposing chimney of the foundry needs to be cleaned regularly. And for that, the baron is always in need of new chimney sweeps!

Tip: the attraction music of Hooghmoed has been added to the Baron 1898 music album. You can listen to it on Spotify and all other streaming platforms.

Hooghmoed consists of the gold foundry with a 14.5-metre-high chimney and three free-fall towers, each 12 metres tall. Each tower has a capacity of 10 people, allowing 30 chimney sweeps per ride. The three towers each feature their own ride sequence of approximately 1.5 minutes. The maximum free fall is six metres. Effects such as sound, mist, and smoke create a truly immersive show.

The attraction is mainly intended for young daredevils: brave children who are not afraid of an adventure at great heights. Adult visitors are, of course, welcome too. Hooghmoed is the first thrilling attraction in Efteling for children from 90 centimetres tall. They must be accompanied by someone at least 130 centimetres tall and 16 years or older.

Shortly after the summer of 2025, construction began on the new free-fall attraction. First, the site was prepared for building. After groundwork—such as excavation and soil improvement—the underground infrastructure and foundations were installed. Then construction of the gold foundry, with its 14.5-metre chimney and three lift towers, could begin.

Using a large crane, the rotating shaft wheels were placed on top of the 12-metre towers. The towers were painted on site, decorations were added, and the ride system was extensively tested for weeks. Finally, the iconic chimney sweep was placed inside the chimney, and the control panel received its final position at the operator booth.