Efteling, a fantasy theme park based in The Netherlands, has reopened its iconic Python coaster, following a €4.5m (£3.9m, US $5.6m) refurbishment.

The Python, which first opened in 1981, is a double-loop corkscrew coaster, developed by Dutch manufacturer Vekoma.

As part of the extensive renovation work, which took place over a period of 12 weeks, the ride was almost completely dismantled, except for the station and lift hill, and rebuilt, with a new track, manufactured by Belgian steel structures company CSM. Designed to provide a smoother ride experience for guests, the new track features rounded shapes in the corkscrew and fewer angular corners.

The ride's iconic loops, double corkscrew and helix have also been completely restored.

"At Efteling we like to build for eternity and the Python roller coaster is certainly part of that future. Many guests have special memories of the Python, and we want future generations to be able to look back upon their rides on the roller coaster in the same manner." said Fons Jurgens, chairman of Efteling's Board of Directors.