Giethoorn, Netherlands

Giethoorn is quaint little “water village” snuggled between National Parks and nature preserve in North-Central Netherlands. I first learned this charming locale existed after we moved to Germany. I knew we had to visit since we were so close! So this was our fist “out of town” overnight trip since moving here, and it was just what the doctor ordered! I was feeling a bit claustrophobic with all the tight German villages clustered so close together and I needed some fresh air and space! We spent our anniversary weekend exploring the neighboring town of Steenwijk, sampling the local brews and all the cheese, and meandering down the relaxing canals that are at the heart of Giethoorn. Much of this area of The Netherlands looks strait out of a fairy tale; old wooden windmills, thatched-roof cottages encircled by overflowing colorful flower gardens, and plenty of scenic moorland, black and white Holstein cows, and bike-riders dotted in-between. And Giethoorn is no exception!

Nicknamed “Green Venice” and “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn is situated on a series of small islands that are connected only by canals, a walking path, and 177 bridges. This picture-perfect Dutch village, oozing with charm and beauty, is growing in popularity as tourist destination thanks in part to near quarterly mentions on National Geographic’s social media platforms. As such, It can get quite crowded in the summer months. Please, if you plan to visit, be a courteous tourist and realize many of these homes are private property and not for public use.

Attractions :

Giethoorn has miles of it’s own canals, which also connect to the vast waterway system in Weerribben-Wieden National Park. You can rent a canoe or a “whisper” electric engine boat to explore these waterways on your own, or opt for one of the guided tour boats.

There are many shops, art galleries, and restaurants along the canals to spend your time browsing. Everything from cheese to pottery to geodes!

Steenwijk is approximately 10 minutes drive from Giethoorn, and where our hotel was located. It is an old fortress city whose ramparts and canals date back to the mid-1500s and mid 1600s. The market square is a pedestrian only area that is full of quaint shops and restaurants. The towering chapel of St Clements church looms over the village.

We mostly just relaxed in country drives and windmill hunting, but there are plenty of options for parks, a zoological park, cycling, historic landmarks, horseback riding, and other trails in the nearby National Park Drents-Friese Wold.

Giethoorn is also about 120 km (2 hours) away from Amsterdam, so it could be a great day trip from there.

Getting Around:

We had no problem driving around the area. There are plenty of country roads to get lost on, and the traffic is minimal. Gas prices are very expensive, however! You likely will see more people on bikes than in cars.

Bikes are able to be rented, as are canoes and whisper boats in the water areas. You can drive to Giethoorn and park near the Tourist Information Center, then walk to the canals or rent a boat from there. The walkways along the canals are mostly paved and wide enough for a stroller, and often shared with bikes.

Walkability 10/10