Baron 1898: Efteling's Thrilling Dive into History
Baron 1898 is one of Efteling's most exhilarating attractions, combining high-speed thrills with a rich, immersive storyline. Opened on July 1, 2015, this dive coaster plunges riders into the depths of a haunted 19th-century gold mine, where they come face-to-face with eerie legends and the consequences of greed.
- Baron 1898: A dive coaster.
- Minimum height is < 1.35 m;
- Accessible by wheelchair with a transfer;
- Accessible with baby switch;
- Not suitable for pregnant woman, people with injuries and in case of medical conditions
- Semi covered attraction.
Baron 1898 is a dive coaster at the Efteling theme park, a type of roller coaster designed by the Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard. This thrilling ride, themed as a late 19th-century gold mine, is located on the edge of the Ruigrijk, near the Gondoletta's shore.
The Experience
Before embarking on the ride, visitors are introduced to the attraction's backstory and its main character, mine baron Gustave Hooghmoed, through pre-shows inside the building. The roller coaster features a breathtaking vertical drop at speeds exceeding 90 km/h, plunging 37.5 meters down into a foggy tunnel, followed by an Immelmann turn, a zero-G roll, and a helix, all while the story of Baron Gustave Hooghmoed, a greedy mine owner, unfolds. He promises riches, but visitors quickly learn that the White Women (Witte Wieven)—mythical spirits—are intent on protecting the land from exploitation. The coaster’s 130-second ride packs in suspense, speed, and storytelling. Riders must be at least 1.35 meters tall to experience this adventure.
Baron 1898, which is the seventh roller coaster built at the Efteling, opened to the public on July 1, 2015, following an investment of €18 million. The entrance faces Anderrijk, but the ride can be approached from three different directions. A path in front of the attraction allows visitors to witness the spectacle of the drop, with a small square around the shaft tower and a connection to the dune path of De Vliegende Hollander.
Thematic Depth
Designed by Sander de Bruijn, Baron 1898 is not just about the adrenaline; it’s an immersive dive into history. The queue and pre-show introduce visitors to the world of Gustave Hooghmoed, the baron whose hubris (or "hoogmoed" in Dutch) drives him to ignore warnings from the spirits. The detailed sets, evocative music by René Merkelbach, and video mapping effects bring the White Women to life, building suspense before the drop(
Ride Features
- Top Speed: 90 km/h
- Drop Height: 37.5 meters
- Inversions: 2 (Immelmann and zero-G roll)
- Ride Length: 501 meters
- Capacity: 900 riders per hour
- Height Requirement: 1.32 meters
The coaster’s Pieckblauw track snakes through the attraction, complementing the steampunk aesthetic of the old mining equipment and the Baron’s estate(
Location and Facilities
Located in the Ruigrijk area, Baron 1898 is a must-visit for adrenaline junkies. Its distinct structure is visible from all around the park, especially from the nearby Gondoletta ride. The area also features themed food stands, like 't Melkhuysje, offering refreshments, and the charming Verkleumde Kompel(
With its blend of storytelling and high-thrill action, Baron 1898 remains one of Efteling’s iconic attractions, captivating both thrill-seekers and fans of immersive experiences alike.