Falcon

Description

Tucked away within the bustling grounds of the Duinrell amusement park in Wassenaar, Netherlands, Falcon is far more than your typical roller coaster. On my last visit to Duinrell, I made a beeline for this standout attraction, driven by the excited chatter I’d heard while queuing up elsewhere. There’s something about Falcon’s sleek, dark silhouette against the treetop skyline that promises pure adrenaline, and it delivers from the very first moment.

The Falcon roller coaster is a compact thrill ride with a punchy layout. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys parks, corkscrew turns, and high-energy rides but wants a spot that combines authentic Dutch camping experiences, then setting sights on Falcon at Duinrell belongs high on your list. When you climb into Falcon’s cars, take a moment to soak up the atmosphere—the shouts from the drop, the distant sound of kids playing at the water park, and the comforting smell of nearby pines from the park’s leafy setting.

What grabbed me about Falcon wasn’t just the height or speed (though both rank impressive) but the sequence it follows. As you ratchet up the 22-meter (72-foot) vertical lift, you get a split second to view the patchwork landscape of Wassenaar—then, whoosh, you’re launched into the famous vertical drop, a G-force corkscrew, heart-pounding twists, and some tight, compact turns that leave you grinning the whole way through. The ride might only last about a minute, but the memory sticks around a lot longer.

While Falcon is certainly the headline act for many roller coaster enthusiasts visiting Duinrell, it’s also a highlight for families—my niece, a skeptical first-timer, hit repeat rides with bold confidence after her first run. The queue area is often lively, with anticipation building as you watch each departure, and there’s a contagious energy you’ll feel whether you’re a coaster veteran or nervously clutching the safety harness for the first time.

If you’re looking for an exhilarating attraction that balances classic roller coaster thrills with the cozy charm of a Dutch family theme park, Falcon delivers every time. Plus, having camping and other attractions nearby means you can easily make it part of a longer stay.

Key Features

• Vertical Chain Lift: The climb to the top is nearly vertical, giving you breathtaking anticipation and an impressive view over the park and Wassenaar’s wooded area.
• Beyond-Vertical Drop: Falcon’s main drop curves inward before sending you down, making that first plunge incredibly thrilling. It’s an unexpected twist that even seasoned coaster fans rave about.
• Corkscrew and Inversions: You’ll experience a fast, corkscrew turn followed by agile twists—a full inversion sequence packed into a tight space. It’s compact, intense, and perfectly engineered for maximum impact.
• Steel Track Smoothness: Despite its compact design, Falcon runs remarkably smoothly. There’s very little of the usual rattle you might expect on older steel coasters, so you can focus on the ride instead of bracing for bumps.
• Theme Park Setting: Located at Duinrell, you can combine Falcon with water slides, family attractions, and even camping. The area around Falcon hums with the energy of families on holiday and thrill seekers alike.
• Accessibility: Falcon continues to be popular with both coaster enthusiasts and younger riders. It has a minimum height requirement, but many kids (and adults!) conquer it by the end of their park day.
• Photo Opportunities: The ride’s lift and drop section, as well as the nearby observation points, are perfect for capturing the best reactions—ideal for anyone wanting a memento of their roller coaster adventure.

Best Time to Visit

Falcon, like many attractions at Duinrell, shines brightest during the Dutch spring and summer months. I’ve found late April through August to offer the most comfortable conditions. The park blossoms with life as families converge for school holidays and longer daylight hours.

That said, keep in mind that Falcon is also popular. If you want to avoid queues (which can get quite long, especially in July and August), try visiting on a weekday or aim for earlier in the day before the crowds swell. Booking tickets in advance is always a smart move, as entry can sell out, particularly during weekends or Dutch school breaks.

For those who enjoy a quieter experience, the shoulder seasons (early spring and September) can provide slightly cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and shorter waits at Falcon. Just come prepared with a light jacket, as even sunny Dutch days can be unpredictable.

The park opens seasonally, so always double-check ahead if you’re traveling in the off-months. For me, the atmosphere during the peak summer—kids darting around in swimwear from the Tikibad water park, fragrant food stalls, and the unmistakable sound of roller coaster wheels—is hard to beat.

How to Get There

Getting to Falcon is straightforward, especially since Duinrell is a well-known destination in South Holland. The park is located at Duinrell 1, 2242 JP Wassenaar, nestled (but not hidden!) between The Hague and Leiden.

If you’re coming from Amsterdam, you can hop on a direct train to The Hague Central Station, which takes about 45 minutes. From there, bus lines connect to Wassenaar—look for local routes stopping at Duinrell. I’ve often found the buses efficient and well-timed for park opening hours.

Car travelers should know that Duinrell offers onsite parking, and signposting in the area is clear. I recommend plugging the address into your navigation app: traffic around The Hague can pick up during rush hour and holiday weekends, so give yourself plenty of time.

If you’re considering camping or staying overnight, Duinrell offers pitches, cabins, and even treehouses—making it easy to walk from your tent straight to Falcon’s gates each morning. For international visitors flying in, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is the nearest major hub, followed by train or car to Wassenaar.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive Early: If experiencing Falcon is high on your list, get to the park before opening. I’ve beaten the longest queues by heading straight to Falcon after the gates open.
• Secure Tickets in Advance: During the busy months, same-day tickets often sell out. Booking ahead guarantees your entry—especially if you’ve coordinated your visit around school holidays.
• Mind the Minimum Height: Falcon has a minimum height requirement of 120 cm. If you’re visiting with kids, double-check heights before waiting in line to avoid disappointment at the front.
• Dress for the Weather: The Netherlands can shift weather quickly. Bring a light rain jacket or sweater even on sunny days, and wear comfortable shoes for getting around the large park.
• Use the Duinrell App: Park maps and queue times are updated in real-time, so you can plan your Falcon ride around shorter waits.
• Pair With Other Activities: After your thrill ride, explore the nearby Tikibad water park, try classic Dutch poffertjes, or wander through Duinrell’s wooded trails.
• Photograph the Drop: Don’t miss snapping a photo by the base of Falcon’s lift—some of my favorite roller coaster reaction shots have come from this vantage.
• Stay Overnight: Consider extending your trip at Duinrell’s campsite or lodges. Having Falcon nearby means you can ride first thing before most visitors queue up.
• Secure Valuables: The G-forces are no joke—leave hats, sunglasses, and loose items with a non-rider or in a park locker.

Visiting Falcon at Duinrell is all about embracing the mix of Dutch playfulness and roller coaster thrills. Every time I’ve ridden, I left ready to tell friends “you have to try it”—not for marketing’s sake, but because the fun left a real mark on my visit. Whether you’re camping with family, road-tripping with fellow park enthusiasts, or exploring as a solo adventure-seeker, Falcon at Duinrell earns its spot as a must-ride in the Netherlands.