Efteling is known for its enchanting fairy tales, immersive attractions, and whimsical characters. Among the most iconic figures in the park is Holle Bolle Gijs, a character rooted in Dutch children's verses who plays an important role in keeping the park clean. Holle Bolle Gijs is no ordinary trash can—this hungry figure "eats" paper waste and thanks guests in a friendly voice, creating a fun and interactive way to manage litter.
A Family of Hungry Trash Bins
The first Holle Bolle Gijs was introduced in 1959, and today, Efteling is home to more than ten different versions of Gijs, including various family members such as Opa Gijs and Baby Gijsje. Most of these bins call out the famous phrase "Papier hier!" ("Paper here!") to encourage visitors to throw away their trash. After guests feed them, the Gijs bins thank them with a friendly "Dank u wel!" ("Thank you!"). Each Gijs is designed with a round open mouth, into which guests can deposit their waste. The trash is then whisked away through a suction system to a hidden waste container, keeping the park clean in a charming and interactive way.
The History Behind Holle Bolle Gijs
The idea for Holle Bolle Gijs was born in the late 1950s when the park began experiencing problems with litter, particularly around food stands. Efteling's co-founder and designer, Anton Pieck, along with Peter Reijnders, sought a creative solution to this issue. They envisioned a talking trash bin, inspired by the children's verse character Holle Bolle Gijs, who is always hungry and never satisfied. The first Gijs was placed in the playground in 1959, and it quickly became a hit with visitors, especially children.
Over the years, the family of Gijs bins expanded. Each version was carefully designed to fit into different areas of the park, with themes ranging from a captain to an Inca. For example, Inca Gijs is located near the Piraña water ride, while Nijltje in het Teiltje (Hippo Gijs) sits in the children's playground, delighting guests with its playful appearance.
While Holle Bolle Gijs may look like a simple figure, the technology behind the talking trash bins is quite advanced. Each bin is equipped with a suction system that draws in the trash, much like a vacuum cleaner. Sensors inside the bin detect when paper has been deposited, triggering a voice recording to thank the guest. Early versions of Gijs used analog tape recordings, but modern iterations feature digital sound systems, allowing for clearer audio and smoother operation.
A Beloved Symbol of Efteling
More than just a trash can, Holle Bolle Gijs has become a beloved symbol of Efteling’s charm and creativity. It embodies the park’s commitment to cleanliness while adding a whimsical touch that delights visitors of all ages. With his timeless design and cheerful "Dank u wel!" Holle Bolle Gijs continues to play a key role in making Efteling a magical and clean place to visit.
Whether you're strolling through the Fairytale Forest or exploring one of Efteling's exciting rides, you're sure to encounter one of these iconic bins, always hungry and ready to help keep the park spotless.
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