Giethoorn Travel Guide: Canals, Thatched Roofs & Boat Rides

Welcome to Giethoorn, one of the most enchanting destinations in the Netherlands! As your virtual tour guide, I’m excited to take you on a journey through this peaceful, storybook village where the streets are canals, and the primary mode of transportation is by boat or bike. Nestled in the province of Overijssel, Giethoorn is often called the “Venice of the North”, and it truly lives up to that name.
 

Whether you're drawn by the quaint thatched-roof cottages, the tranquil boat rides, or the lush natural surroundings, Giethoorn offers a magical escape from the modern world. This guide will help you explore everything this unique village has to offer—perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and photographers alike.

📍 Where Is Giethoorn?

Location: Province of Overijssel, Netherlands

Nearest City: Steenwijk (15 minutes by car)

Distance from Amsterdam: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by car or train

Giethoorn lies in the north-eastern part of the Netherlands, surrounded by the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, one of the largest wetlands in northwestern Europe.

🕰️ A Glimpse Into Giethoorn's History

Giethoorn’s origins trace back to the 13th century, when peat diggers settled the area. Over time, the digging left large ponds and canals, which became integral to daily life. Since roads were impractical, canals became the main transportation system.

The village maintained its traditional charm, with over 180 wooden bridges, thatched-roof farmhouses, and an absence of cars in its historic center. Even today, you’ll rarely hear an engine here—just the soft sound of water lapping against wooden boats.

✨ Top Things to Do in Giethoorn

1. 🚣 Rent a “Whisper Boat”

The most iconic Giethoorn experience is cruising its canals in an electric whisper boat—so named for its silent motor. You can rent one yourself or take a guided tour.

Self-drive: Easy to operate, no license needed

Guided tours: Local skippers share village history and hidden gems

Cost: ~€20–€30/hour for rental, guided tours start around €10 per person

🌟 Tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tourist crowds and capture the best photos.

2. 🌉 Walk Over Giethoorn’s Wooden Bridges

With more than 180 small footbridges, walking around Giethoorn is a treat. The bridges connect islands and homes across narrow canals and provide incredible photo opportunities.

Best spots: Binnenpad, Dominee T.O. Hylkemaweg

Fun Fact: Some houses are only accessible by bridge or boat!

3. 🏛️ Visit the Giethoorn Museums

➤ Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus

Step into a preserved 19th-century farmhouse to see how villagers lived and worked centuries ago.

Highlights: Traditional farming tools, fishing gear, and crafts

Opening hours: Daily, typically 10 AM–5 PM

Tickets: ~€6 for adults

➤ Museum De Oude Aarde

A gem and mineral museum housing rare crystals, fossils, and stones from around the world.

Perfect for families and geology enthusiasts

4. 🧺 Picnic Along the Canals

Bring your lunch or pick up supplies from local cafés and enjoy a relaxing picnic along the water’s edge, surrounded by peaceful scenery and swans gliding by.

Popular picnic spots: Near the church bridge or around the village park

Tip: Always clean up—Giethoorn is a proud eco-friendly destination!

5. 🚴 Explore by Bike or Canoe

You can rent a bike or canoe to venture beyond the village center and into the heart of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park.

Bike rentals: ~€10/day

Canoe/kayak options: Paddle through nature reserves and reed-lined waterways

Wildlife spotting: Otters, herons, and storks are common

6. 📷 Join a Photography Tour

Giethoorn is a dream for photographers. Consider joining a photo tour for the best angles, light, and behind-the-scenes access to lesser-known spots.

Best seasons for photos: Spring (with blooming flowers) and autumn (for golden colors)

🛍️ Shopping in Giethoorn

Although small, Giethoorn has a variety of souvenir shops, art galleries, and boutiques offering handcrafted items.

What to Buy:

Hand-painted ceramics

Wooden clogs

Dutch cheese

Nature photography prints

🍽️ Where to Eat in Giethoorn

Whether you're in the mood for a canal-side lunch or a gourmet Dutch meal, Giethoorn’s dining scene has cozy options.

Top Picks:

De Lindenhof ⭐ (Michelin-starred fine dining)

Grand Café Fanfare (Named after the famous Dutch film shot in Giethoorn)

Restaurant Hollands Venetie (Local dishes with canal views)

Het Wapen van Giethoorn (Traditional Dutch cuisine)

🌿 Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, even in small cafés.

🏨 Where to Stay in Giethoorn

From luxurious lodges to quaint bed & breakfasts, Giethoorn offers accommodation to suit every travel style.

📅 Events & Festivals in Giethoorn

Giethoorn Water Music Festival (Summer): Live performances on floating stages

Christmas Boat Parade (December): Decorated boats light up the canals

Fanfare Movie Tours: Based on the classic 1958 film Fanfare shot in the village

🧭 Suggested One-Day Itinerary

🚗 How to Get to Giethoorn

🚲 Getting around: By foot, bike, or boat—no cars in the village center!

💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Giethoorn

Best Time to Visit: April to October (Spring and summer are peak seasons)

Avoiding Crowds: Visit early morning or outside weekends

Language: Dutch, but most locals speak English

Payment: Card payments are widely accepted

Sustainability: Respect the quiet atmosphere and walk or bike whenever possible

🧠 Fun Facts About Giethoorn

Giethoorn means “Goat Horns,” named after horns found by early settlers

The village has no street signs—directions are based on landmarks and bridges

You can even ice skate on the canals in winter if they freeze!

✅ Why Giethoorn Should Be On Your Bucket List

Giethoorn is more than just a tourist attraction—it's an experience. It combines natural beauty, historic charm, and peaceful simplicity in a way that few places do. Whether you're cruising down a quiet canal, enjoying a slice of Dutch apple pie, or soaking in the sunset over a thatched cottage, Giethoorn invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

So come, leave the roads behind, and discover the Netherlands at its most magical.