Wee Walter Messenger

Welcome to the Efteling, one of the most popular theme parks in the Netherlands! As a tourist guide, I am excited to take you on a journey through the park and introduce you to one of its most iconic characters - Kleine Boodschap. Kleine Boodschap is a figure in the Sprookjesbos (Fairytale Forest) of the Efteling. You can find him beyond Vrouw Holle, another famous attraction in the park. Kleine Boodschap is a beardless dwarf or gnome who has been making a constant pointing motion with his thumb towards the toilets since the opening of the Sprookjesbos on May 31, 1952. He calls out the words "kleine boodschap...kleine boodschap..." which means "little message...little message..." in English. Designed by Anton Pieck and Peter Reijnders, Kleine Boodschap is one of the original attractions in the park. Along with Langnek, he was an unofficial mascot for the Efteling for many years and was even featured in the park's logo. However, with the arrival of Pardoes in 1989, the park got an official symbol. The voice of Kleine Boodschap was originally recorded by Theo Hochwald, but from 1965 onwards, it was Willem Bruggelling who provided the voice. In 1963, Kleine Boodschap was stolen, but fortunately, he was found undamaged in Tilburg later on. Kleine Boodschap has also made appearances in popular culture, such as in the Suske en Wiske comic book series where he played a small role in the story "De Efteling-elfjes" (The Efteling Fairies). In another album, "De Belhamel-Bende", Tante Sidonia disguises herself as Kleine Boodschap. If you're a fan of the Efteling and want to learn more about Kleine Boodschap and other attractions in the park, be sure to check out the weekly podcast called "Kleine Boodschap" produced by Tim Hinssen and Paul Sprangers. So, if you're planning a visit to the Efteling, don't forget to say hello to Kleine Boodschap and follow his pointing thumb towards the toilets. He's been doing it for almost 70 years now!

Location: Loon op Zand

Source: Wikimedia