To celebrate the release of the new Smurfs movie by Paramount Animation, Airbnb is giving two families the opportunity to experience Smurf life in a Belgian forest. The four-hour experience will be hosted by Nicolas Tytgat, grandson of the Belgian Smurfs creator Peyo.
Many of us grew up knowing the Smurfs, those tiny blue creatures, measuring about three apples tall and living in a fairylike mushroom village in the forest. Those same Belgian forests, where Peyo once dreamt up his imaginary Smurf world, will now become the backdrop of an unforgettable Airbnb experience.
“We’re so excited to bring The Smurfs back to the Belgian countryside – the place that inspired Peyo all those years ago – as part of our completely reimagined Experiences. The experience is a unique way to showcase Belgium’s beauty at a time when families are looking to unplug and connect with nature. With over 80 percent of family travellers choosing destinations based on an experience offered there, Airbnb makes it easy to explore hidden gems —whether living like a Smurf in the Belgian woods, or embracing unique and local experiences,” said Clement Eulry, General Manager of France and Benelux at Airbnb.
A day never to forget
The Smurfs experience will take four hours in total. Peyo’s grandson Nicolas Tytgat will be the host of the day at the hut of Papa Smurf, located in the Walloon village of Anhée. A great experience for both old and new Smurf fans, who will embark on a magical journey.
To start off the experience, guests will enter the forest and arrive outside Papa Smurf’s mushroom house. Host Nicolas will then provide them with a Smurfberry drink, a delicious purple berry refreshment beloved by Smurfs and said to be their primary source of energy.
Next, visitors will be able to make their own Smurf hat around Papa Smurf’s table. This hat will be their headgear for the rest of the day, and while getting crafty, nosy guests can even get a sneak peek at Papa’s home while he’s away.
Then, stepping outside the mushroom and through the forest, guests will explore the beautiful surroundings and practice woodland archery with the host. Such activities will, of course, make them hungry; thus, the Smurf-inspired picnic with blue Smurfberry cakes and French fries will come in very handy.
Afterwards, once their food has settled, guests will move to an open-air forest stage. A Smurf-trained choreographer will teach them a dance routine as featured in the new film, worthy of a Smurf Village celebration.
Finally, a Smurfberry ice cream and a heartfelt farewell from the host will send visitors off, leaving them with a custom Smurf hat as a cherished souvenir.
“I grew up surrounded by the magic of the Smurfs, so to bring fans to Belgium, the birthplace of the Smurfs, and into the world that my Grandad created, is something truly special. This is a one-of-a-kind experience and I cannot wait to share this moment and our family stories with Airbnb guests,” said Nicolas Tytgat, Airbnb host.
The Smurfs experience will be bookable by two families in total, who will each get to enjoy a separate four hour session at the Smurf village on Sunday 3 August. The outing will be bookable for free on 16 July 2025 at 12:00 pm CEST via Airbnb. The experience is designed for up to four guests and is free of charge, although transportation is not included. Spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
