Known as the “Venice of the Netherlands,” Giethoorn village feels like a page from a fairy tale with its poetic, picturesque scenery. What’s truly peculiar is that you won’t spot a single car anywhere in this European hamlet. Why is that? Let’s dive into the details below!
About Traveling to Giethoorn Village
Giethoorn sits in Overijssel province, northern Netherlands, about 150 km from Amsterdam. Often dubbed the “Venice of the Netherlands,” it mirrors the Italian city with its intricate canal system. Remarkably, Giethoorn has no roads—its homes are linked by a labyrinth of waterways bustling with typical Giethoorn boats ferrying people and goods. Thatched-roof cottages, surrounded by well-kept green lawns and vibrant hydrangeas, line the canals. With willows draping over the water and 176 bridges arching across, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic storybook.
Giethoorn is hailed as the Netherlands’ most enchanting village, drawing millions of visitors yearly and ranking among the country’s top 10 attractions.
History of Giethoorn Village
Founded in the 13th century by farmers, Giethoorn’s origins are tied to the land’s past. While working their fields, these settlers unearthed numerous goat horns buried in the soil, believed to be from wild goats drowned in a 1170 flood. The village was initially named “Geytenhoren” (goat horns), later shortened to Giethoorn.
Nestled within the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Giethoorn’s canals were hand-dug by Franciscan monks—the area’s first inhabitants—to transport peat. These efforts shaped a network of channels encircling small islands, connected by 176 pedestrian and cycling bridges, where thatched homes were built, forming the village we see today.
Giethoorn gained global fame in 1958 after starring in the Dutch film *Fanfare* by filmmaker Bert Haanstra.
Traveling to Giethoorn Village
How to Get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
Public Transport:
Take a train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Steenwijk, then hop on bus 70 to the Dominee Hylkemaweg stop (about 4 euros). From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to Giethoorn. The total trip takes roughly 2–2.5 hours.
Car:
Driving is the fastest option, covering 120 km in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Most parking in Giethoorn is free. Alternatively, take a train to Zwolle and rent a car from there.
Top Attractions in Giethoorn Village
Giethoorn Museum ‘t Olde Maat Uus
Housed in a renovated old farm, this museum offers a glimpse into Giethoorn’s past—fishing, farming, and peat harvesting. Designed with interiors mimicking a typical farmstead, fisherman’s home, and boat shed, it displays vintage tools, clothing, furniture, clogs, and household items.
De Weerribben-Wieden National Park
Encircling Giethoorn, this park spans over 100 square km, once a hub for peat production—a valuable Dutch commodity. Today, it’s a scenic expanse of waterways weaving through lush landscapes, teeming with dragonflies, otters, butterflies, and more.
De Oude Aarde
Here, you’ll find one of the Netherlands’ finest collections of minerals and fossils. Founded in 1969 by explorer René Boissevain, it features dazzling gems and intriguing fossils, including a Brazilian amethyst geode, Australian agate, and a petrified North American tree trunk—all delivered by boat.
Gloria Maris Schelpengalerie
This gallery dazzles with shells, coral, pearls, and mother-of-pearl jewelry. Some items, like the rare 12 cm Conus gloriamaris shells from Indonesia and the Philippines, are display-only treasures.
Gloria Maris Museum
Named after the rare Gloria Maris shell from Pacific and Indian Ocean sea snails, this museum showcases valuable shells, jewelry, and decorative pieces prized by collectors worldwide.
Cuisine and Top Restaurants in Giethoorn
Must-Try Dishes
While Giethoorn isn’t a culinary hotspot, sampling Dutch classics here is a treat:
Herring
Raw herring might sound daunting, but it’s a must-try. Served as *broodje haring*—a small sandwich with pickles and onions—it’s sweetest from May to July.
Stamppot
A hearty Dutch dish of mashed potatoes mixed with veggies like kale, carrots, or sauerkraut, traditionally a winter staple.
Cheese
Dutch cheese, crafted since 800 BC, graces breakfasts, sandwiches, or snacks with mustard.
Stroopwafel
These iconic waffles—thin, sliced, and filled with sticky syrup—are made from butter, flour, yeast, milk, brown sugar, and eggs.
Pannenkoeken
Dutch pancakes, larger and thinner than American ones but thicker than French crêpes, come topped with bacon, cheese, apples, or raisins, drizzled with syrup or powdered sugar.
Bitterballen
A beloved snack, these crispy, mustard-dipped meatballs pair perfectly with beer.
Top Restaurants in Giethoorn
De Lindenhof
A two-Michelin-star gem in a thatched farmhouse, it boasts an English garden and chef Martin Kruithof’s local specialties.
Ristorante Fratelli
A cozy, canal-side family eatery in Giethoorn’s heart, serving pizzas and Dutch dishes.
De Eetkamer van Giethoorn
Near Weerribben-Wieden, this spot blends luxury with delicious fare in a captivating setting.
De Grachthof
A delightful venue for Dutch and European cuisine, with a terrace overlooking Giethoorn’s beauty and vegan options.
Suggested Itinerary for Visiting Giethoorn
Giethoorn’s compact size makes it explorable in a day, but different modes—boat, bike, or foot—plus activities like archery or golf, add variety and time.
Boat and Bike Adventure:
Start with a rented boat to cruise the canals, soaking in the thatched homes. Lunch at a local eatery, then rent a bike to visit museums like ‘t Olde Maat Uus, Gloria Maris, and De Oude Aarde, plus shop along the way.
Sightseeing and Activities:
Glide by boat through the canals, then try archery or mini-golf. After lunch, stroll the village center to browse shops, museums, and bridges.
Boat and E-Chopper Excursion:
Morning boat tour, lunch in the village, then ride an e-chopper to explore the wild beauty of De Weerribben-Wieden.
Tips for Traveling to Giethoorn
- Visit on weekdays to dodge weekend crowds.
- Research boat and bike rental prices to avoid overcharges, or book a tour for a hassle-free package.
- Respect residents’ privacy—keep noise low and maintain cleanliness.
- Aim to arrive before 11 AM or after 6 PM (typical tourist hours) to beat the rush.
These insights should help you grasp Giethoorn’s fairy-tale charm and plan a joyful trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is Giethoorn Located?
In Overijssel province, northern Netherlands, about 150 km from Amsterdam.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
July to September offers dry, pleasant weather for boating. October avoids peak crowds but brings cooler temperatures.
Where Can I Park in Giethoorn?
The village has a large 610-space lot and 20 smaller ones, mostly free, with clear signage.
