Stanstead to Eindhoven: A Weekend of Dutch Food and Fairy Tales

November 08, 2022

Stanstead to Eindhoven: A Weekend of Dutch Food and Fairy Tales

We flew into Eindhoven for a weekend away, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of creativity, relaxation, and magic. One day, we were soaking up the city’s modern and artistic vibe, and the next, we were completely lost in the enchanting world of Efteling.

Eindhoven was such a cool city to explore. It’s not massive, so it’s easy to get around, but there’s so much going on, especially in the Strijp-S district. This area used to be a Philips factory site, but now it’s been transformed into a hub for cafes, boutique shops, and street art. It’s got this effortlessly cool, laid-back vibe, and it’s the kind of place where you could spend hours just wandering around.

We found a quirky little coffee shop in Strijp-S and ended up staying longer than planned, just people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere. There was a pop-up market that day, with stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to local food. It wasn’t on our radar, but it felt like one of those serendipitous travel moments where you stumble onto something great.

For a bit of culture, we visited the Van Abbemuseum, which focuses on contemporary art. Now, I’m not usually a modern art person, but this place was fascinating. Some of the exhibits were a bit abstract and left me scratching my head, but others were bold and thought-provoking. Even if the art isn’t your thing, the museum’s architecture is worth a look—there’s something striking about it that makes it stand out.

The next morning, we caught the train to Efteling, and honestly, even the journey felt like part of the adventure. The Dutch countryside is so charming—wide-open fields, neat little villages, and windmills here and there. It was such a peaceful way to travel, and by the time we arrived, we were already in the right mood for a fairytale day.

Efteling is like stepping into a completely different world. It’s not your typical theme park with loud music and flashy rides—it’s more whimsical and focused on storytelling. The Fairy Tale Forest was the first thing we explored, and it’s pure magic. You walk through winding paths surrounded by trees, and every few steps, you come across little scenes from classic fairy tales brought to life with animatronics and clever design. Even as adults, we were enchanted—it’s impossible not to smile when you see these stories come alive.

The rides at Efteling are fantastic, too, with something for everyone. Baron 1898 was a highlight for us—a dive coaster with a steep drop that gave us an adrenaline rush we couldn’t stop talking about. But it’s not all thrills. A ride like Droomvlucht, where you gently glide through a dreamy world of fairies and forests, shows the park’s softer, more magical side. Everything in Efteling is done with so much care and attention to detail—it’s easy to forget you’re in a theme park at all.

After a full day of exploring and a lot of laughter, we hopped back on the train to Eindhoven, feeling a bit tired but completely content. The contrast between the modern, creative energy of Eindhoven and the nostalgic, magical atmosphere of Efteling made this trip feel so well-rounded.

Why You Should Go

If you’re looking for a short break that’s a bit different, this is one to add to your list. Eindhoven is perfect for anyone who loves design, art, and a bit of city buzz without it being overwhelming. And Efteling? It’s just pure escapism, whether you’re travelling with kids or just want to feel like one again.

Getting around is super easy with the trains, and everything is close enough that you’re not wasting time on long journeys. Plus, the mix of modern and magical makes this trip feel like two holidays rolled into one. Honestly, I’d go back in a heartbeat!

Cost Breakdown