Efteling has confirmed that Hooghmoed, its new family drop tower attraction, will open on 1 May 2026 next to the dive coaster Baron 1898. Hooghmoed is positioned as a compact, story‑driven free‑fall ride that expands capacity in the Baron 1898 zone while targeting younger visitors from 90cm tall. The attraction reinforces Efteling’s focus on original IP and narrative continuity within Ruigrijk.
Hooghmoed features three lift towers built around the Baron’s gold smeltery and its 14.5‑metre chimney. Each tower lifts ten “chimney sweeps” up to around 9.5 metres before a series of six‑metre controlled drops, spins and shakes, enhanced by sound effects and swirling mist. The ride cycle lasts about 90 seconds, delivering repeatable thrills with a lower height requirement than Baron 1898. Hooghmoed’s name and storyline draw directly from Baron Gustave Hooghmoed and the Witte Wieven spirits, extending the existing mine narrative across a second attraction.
Efteling has designed Hooghmoed as a first “thrill” step for children, but with appeal for accompanying adults. Riders must be at least 90cm, with those under 130cm required to ride with a taller companion. Each tower includes a specially adapted seat to improve accessibility for guests with certain physical disabilities, subject to transfer from a wheelchair. As with other Efteling attractions, restrictions apply for very young children, pregnant guests and visitors with heart or back conditions.
Hooghmoed underlines how Efteling is using medium‑scale hardware to densify themed zones, deepen IP story worlds and serve a wider demographic without the footprint of another major coaster. Its integration beside Baron 1898 shows how narrative‑linked satellites can spread demand and extend dwell time within a compact area.
Image: Efteling
