The Efteling brings a change to the Fairytale Forest. Here's exactly what happens.

Sometimes when I read Efteling news, I initially think it’s not very important.

But then it turns out to be quite significant.

There’s a new fairy tale appearing in the woods. At the same time, something is changing in a place that has long been part of the Fairytale Forest. According to Efteling, The Chinese Nightingale has been adapted and will join the Fairytale Library starting from 2027.

What’s happening?

Efteling will update the area of The Chinese Nightingale.

The current version will be available until 8 March 2026.

After that, renovation work will start, with the goal to open the Fairy Tale Library as the 32nd fairy tale in 2027. According to Efteling, The Chinese Nightingale is returning but in a new form.

In summary: Something new is arriving, but something familiar is evolving.

Just the magic.

I understand why this news is drawing so much attention.

For many, the Fairytale Forest isn’t just part of the park. It’s a place full of memories where, ideally, things stay largely unchanged.

Yet the forest continues to grow. Efteling already introduced The Princess on the Pea as the 31st fairy tale on May 14, 2025. The Fairy Tale Library will be added as number 32 in 2027.

So this is more than routine maintenance.

It’s a genuine new development in the Fairytale Forest.

Okay, but why make this change?

According to Efteling, the main reason is practical.

The building of De Chinese Nachtegaal is no longer in good condition. A decision had to be made: either completely rebuild the area or redesign it in a new way.

Simply put: Efteling couldn’t leave it as it is for years.

At the same time, Efteling emphasizes something important. The first ten fairy tales in the Fairytale Forest should always have a dedicated place. Therefore, according to Efteling, The Chinese Nightingale will return in a beautiful and respectful manner.

I think that’s a key detail.

So it doesn’t mean the tale is disappearing.

It’s being brought back in a different form.

Plain language summary

For those who want a quick overview of what happens and when

• 14 May 2025: The Princess on the Pea opens as the 31st fairy tale

• Until 8 March 2026: Visitors can still enjoy the current version of The Chinese Nightingale

• From 9 March 2026: Renovation work begins in that area

• In 2027: The Fairy Tale Library opens as the 32nd fairy tale

• In 2027: The Chinese Nightingale returns in a new form

And that bird really returns on a branch

Initially, Efteling only stated that The Chinese Nightingale would return in a new form near the Fairy Tale Library.

Later, Efteling clarified via social media that the bird would come back in 2027 to a new twig within the Fairytale Forest.

What exactly is new?

First: The Fairy Tale Library is joining the forest.
Second: The Chinese Nightingale remains, but not in the way visitors know it today.

But that’s not all.

According to Efteling, the Siertuin will continue to exist. This is important because it means that the iconic part of the Fairytale Forest will not disappear. Meanwhile, the surrounding area will be refurbished.

So this involves not only a new building but also a reimagination of how this entire corner will feel.

Something new is coming.

Reports on the plans also reveal that the route through the Fairytale Forest will change. A new entrance will be added on the side between the Fairytale Tree and The Flying Fakir. Visitors will have the option to exit or enter the forest through a new side exit near the Dream Flight exit.

This means not only the story in that area changes but also the way visitors walk through it.

Typically, a new fairy tale is just a pleasant addition. But here, everything changes at once: a beloved fairy tale takes on a new form, the garden evolves, the paths shift, and the experience of this part of the Fairytale Forest is completely redesigned.

What will visitors notice about this?

Quite a lot, actually.

This weekend, visitors can still see the current Chinese Nightingale. Afterwards, the area will be closed or undergoing changes for a period.

Later, visitors will experience a brand-new attraction in its place.

So while the Fairytale Forest remains overall the same, something familiar is clearly changing in this spot.

In conclusion

What do you think: is this a welcome innovation, or should Efteling be extra careful with cherished places like this?

Mini FAQ

Is The Chinese Nightingale disappearing completely?
No. According to Efteling, the current version will be removed but the tale will return in a new form in 2027.

What is the Fairy Tale Library?
According to Efteling, it will be the 32nd fairy tale in the Fairytale Forest. Its opening is planned for 2027.

What is the newest fairy tale in the Fairytale Forest?
That’s The Princess on the Pea, which opened on May 14, 2025 as the 31st fairy tale.

Will the Siertuin continue to exist?
Yes. According to Efteling, the Siertuin will remain in place.

Does the bird really return on a branch?
Efteling initially said only that The Chinese Nightingale would return in a new form. Later, in a social media post, this was specified to mean the bird will come back on a new twig in the Fairytale Forest.

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