What does Bart say? – A Theme Park blog!

It’s been a few months since Bommelwereld officially opened its doors in Groenlo, and the buzz around this unique indoor project is still going strong. Based on the classic Dutch stories of Olivier B. Bommel and Tom Poes, the park has quickly become a standout destination in the Achterhoek. Ever since that massive castle started appearing on the horizon, I’ve been curious: how do you translate the nostalgic, sophisticated world of Marten Toonder into a theme park that works for today’s audience?

With about 20 attractions aimed primarily at younger visitors, the park is clearly designed as a family getaway. But you know me—I can already hear you thinking: “Bart, what are you doing in a theme park geared towards kids?” It’s a fair question! While I wanted to see how they brought the city of Rommeldam to life, I was also there for a very specific, personal reason: the coaster credit.

I am steadily working my way towards 300 credits, and as any true enthusiast knows, every single one counts. Whether it’s a high-speed thrill ride or a kiddy coaster tucked away in a themed hall, a credit is a credit. But as I walked through the gates and looked up at the impressive scenery, I wanted to find out if Bommelwereld offers more than just another check on my list. Is it merely a high-end playground to keep the little ones entertained, or is there some genuine ‘indoor magic’ here that even a seasoned enthusiast like me can appreciate?

After a drive of just under two hours, the silhouette of Bommelwereld finally loomed in the distance. If you’re familiar with the stories of Olivier B. Bommel, you’ll recognize it instantly: Slot Bommelstein! Even though Bommelwereld is primarily an indoor park, they certainly didn’t neglect the exterior. The facade facing the parking lot is fully decked out in style, which earned major points from me right away. While the landscaping was still maturing during my visit, I can already visualize the lush castle gardens that will bloom here in the coming years. It’s a bit of a trek from the parking lot to the entrance, but the reward is worth it—especially since you’re greeted by the icons themselves, Olivier B. Bommel and Tom Poes, the moment you step inside.

For those who want to dive deeper into the history of these characters, you should definitely visit the Bommelzolder. This legendary collection moved from Zoeterwoude to its new home here and is accessible even without a theme park ticket. However, a small word of caution: if you are only visiting the museum, the €15.00 parking fee feels quite steep for a quick look around. If you’re not yet familiar with the world of Tom Poes, I highly recommend starting your visit at the museum before heading down to the rides; it provides the perfect backstory. I actually made the mistake of visiting the museum last, and in hindsight, I really missed that context while exploring the park. It truly enriches the experience to know why certain characters are significant before you encounter them in the hall.

Regarding logistics, I’d suggest buying your tickets in advance online to save time. However, if you’re a seasoned enthusiast just passing by to score a quick credit, you can still buy a physical ticket at the counter. Once inside, you have two ways to enter the world of Rommeldam: the ‘standard’ way via the stairs, or the ‘adventurous’ way via a giant slide. Since my visit was on a busy Sunday, I opted for the stairs to bypass the crowd of excited kids. Even the stairwell is beautifully decorated, hinting at the level of detail found throughout the park. During those early months, the smell of fresh paint still filled the air, a constant reminder that we were witnessing the birth of a brand-new Dutch theme park icon.

If you’re familiar with Plopsa’s indoor parks, you’ll notice that Bommelwereld follows a similar, successful formula—but with a unique twist. While many of the attractions might feel familiar to the experienced visitor, the roller coaster is where things get really exciting for fans like us. Bulderbaan, a Vekoma family coaster, is perfectly designed for upcoming thrill-seekers. It offers smooth turns and—on quiet days—even treats you to a second lap! Just keep in mind that the trains are quite narrow; if you are on the taller side, like me, it might be a bit of a squeeze to get in comfortably. That said, the theming on the Bulderbaan is seriously impressive. The realistic rock formations and the way the coaster interacts with surrounding attractions create a truly immersive experience.

Beyond the coaster, there are plenty of other attractions that help bring the world of Olivier B. Bommel to life. Two standout experiences are the log flume ‘Razende Rommel’ and the ‘Magische Emporium’ funhouse. The log flume is a great addition to an indoor park, while the funhouse offers all the classic obstacles you’d hope for, beautifully integrated into the theme. Although the funhouse felt a bit short, the level of detail makes it worth a walkthrough. Throughout the park, you’ll find a solid variety of rides that cater perfectly to families, all maintaining that same high standard of decor.

In addition to the rides, the park also features a theater where a show is performed once a day. I personally decided to skip the performance, as it’s clearly geared toward a much younger crowd and I preferred to spend my time exploring the park’s layout and atmosphere instead. It’s in that atmosphere where you notice that Bommelwereld tries to offer something for everyone, not just the little ones. To put that to the test, I decided to try the park’s very own Bommel-themed beer. While I wasn’t exactly a fan of the taste myself, it’s a cool, character-driven detail that shows they are definitely thinking about the adult visitors too. It reinforces the idea that they are building a complete world rather than just a simple indoor playground.

To answer the big question: Indoor magic or just for kids? Honestly, the attractions are definitely just for kids, but the level of theming and the atmosphere they’ve created is pure indoor magic. For a seasoned enthusiast, it’s not a full-day destination, but it is a high-quality, delightful pitstop that you shouldn’t skip if you are anywhere near the Achterhoek!

Bommelwereld has successfully managed to turn a massive industrial hall into a nostalgic, high-quality world. Whether you grew up with the stories of Olivier B. Bommel and Tom Poes or you’re just looking for a well-themed indoor escape, this park offers a unique atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.

If you’re already in the area, it is absolutely worth a visit, though I’d think twice before planning a massive detour just for this park. In my case, the drive ended up being longer than the actual visit—which is always a bit of a gamble—but as a seasoned enthusiast, leaving Groenlo with a fresh Vekoma credit on my list definitely felt like a win.

While I’m clearly not the primary target audience, the park is a charming new addition to the Dutch landscape, and I’m excited to see how the atmosphere matures as the final finishing touches are completed. It’s a solid spot for a quick stop, and I might just pop back in for a few hours the next time I find myself in this part of the country.

Note: Since I wasn’t able to capture everything myself, these photos were kindly provided by Bommelwereld to help strengthen this article and showcase the magic of the park.