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Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a village in Overijssel province, Netherlands, with a population of 2,795 as of 2020. Situated in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, it lies approximately 5 km southwest of Steenwijk. Known as a popular tourist destination both domestically and internationally, Giethoorn is often known as the “Dutch Venice” or the “Venice of the Netherlands.”
Giethoorn, Netherlands, is so peaceful and picturesque that it almost feels unreal, gliding gently along narrow canals past charming, thatched-roof farmhouses. The village is tranquil, remote, and remarkably serene. Nestled in the province of Overijssel in eastern Netherlands, Giethoorn lies at the heart of the region’s canal network. The village relies so heavily on its waterways that many homes are accessible only by boat. Even the postman delivers mail by punt, gliding quietly from house to house along the canals.
Giethoorn village
The Netherlands is home to many charming villages, but Giethoorn is truly one of a kind. The small village—often known as the “Venice of the Netherlands” or the “village with no roads”—feels like stepping into a fairytale. The atmosphere here is incredibly peaceful and serene, inviting you to linger and forget the outside world. Narrow canals wind past beautiful houses with meticulously tended gardens, and the only sounds you hear are ducks quacking or water gently lapping against the boats. It’s a rare scene—one that seems almost untouched by time.
Giethoorn Day Trip
A day trip to Giethoorn is a popular way to see the “Venice of the North,” a car-free Dutch village where you can explore by boat or on foot. You can travel to Giethoorn by bus or car and then take a boat tour or rent a whisper boat to see the thatched-roof houses and canals. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere with canals, charming bridges, and local restaurants, and is generally considered worth the journey for its unique beauty.
Getting There
By Bus: Buses often pick up passengers from central train stations, with the journey to Giethoorn taking about two hours from some cities.
By Car: There are parking spots available outside the village, as the village itself is car-free.
Things to Do
Boat Tour/Rental: Take a guided boat tour to learn about the village or rent your own whisper boat to explore at your own pace.
Walking & Biking: Walk or bike along the paths to see the picturesque canals and houses.
Explore the Village: Enjoy the unique atmosphere, with beautiful canals, thatched-roof houses, and charming wooden bridges.
Local Restaurants: Have a meal or a snack at one of the many local restaurants and ice cream shops.
Tips for a Day Trip
Duration: A day trip of 4-6 hours is typically enough time to enjoy the main attractions.
Crowds: Giethoorn can get very crowded, especially during peak season.
No entrance fee: There is no entrance fee to enter Giethoorn, though some museums may charge.
Best time to visit: For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting outside of the peak summer season.
Giethoorn Boat Rental
Giethoorn is famous for its scenic waterways, and the best way to explore them is by boat—just like a local. If you plan to sail in Giethoorn, you could take the chance of renting a boat on the spot—especially outside busy weekends, Dutch school holidays, and the high season. During these quieter periods, the village is often relatively peaceful, and reserving a boat isn’t usually necessary. However, this isn’t guaranteed: even in the low season, good weather can still draw crowds. For this reason, we recommend booking your boat in advance to ensure a stress-free experience.
Giethoorn Hotels
Giethoorn offers a variety of charming accommodations that allow you to immerse yourself in its serene canal-side atmosphere. Here are some top-rated hotels to consider for your stay-
Things to Do in Giethoorn
In Giethoorn, the main attraction is exploring the village’s canals-either by renting your own electric boat or joining a guided cruise to admire its charming thatched houses and iconic bridges. Beyond boating, you can delve into the village’s history at Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, stroll along picturesque pathways, dine at canalside cafes, or shop for local crafts. For a different perspective, cycle through the surrounding countryside, or in winter, skate on the frozen canals when the weather permits.
Explore by Water
Rent an electric boat: Experience Giethoorn at your own pace without needing a license. This is the most flexible way to enjoy the village.
Take a guided canal cruise: A tour boat offers a convenient overview of the village, though private rentals allow for more freedom.
Explore the larger lake: Some routes, like the yellow route, extend into the surrounding lake, offering scenic views of nature beyond the village.
Explore on Land
Wander the pathways: Walk along charming streets lined with flowers, wooden bridges, and traditional houses.
Go cycling: Explore the lush countryside around Giethoorn on two wheels.
Culture & History
Visit Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus: Discover the village’s history and the lives of early settlers through artifacts and traditional farmhouses.
See the Giethoorn Church: Learn more about local heritage at the village church.
Relax & Enjoy
Dine at a canalside cafe: Sip coffee or Dutch wine while taking in scenic canal views.
Savor local cuisine: Enjoy meals at restaurants offering a mix of Dutch and international dishes.
Shop for souvenirs: Browse local shops for unique crafts and products.
Seasonal Activities
Ice skating in winter: When the canals freeze over, locals and visitors alike enjoy skating on the picturesque waters.
Amsterdam to Giethoorn
Giethoorn is about 121 kilometers from Amsterdam by public transport. The Netherlands, being a small and densely populated country, has an efficient and reliable public transport system. You can easily reach almost any destination by train, bus, tram, or metro. Read on for essential travel tips, ticket options, and other useful information to make your journey to Giethoorn smooth and convenient.
How to reach Giethoorn
To reach Giethoorn, take a train from Amsterdam or another major Dutch city to Steenwijk Station, then transfer to Bus 70 towards Zwartsluis and get off at the Dominee Hylkemaweg stop. Alternatively, you can drive and park outside the car-free village center or opt for an organized bus tour for a hassle-free day trip.
