Things to see and do in Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a unique village where roads are replaced by canals, and the primary mode of transport is by boat. With over 170 wooden bridges and countless cozy farmhouses, the village feels like something straight out of a fairytale. Unlike Amsterdam’s bustling canals, Giethoorn offers a tranquil escape, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking for a romantic getaway. It’s on our bucket list for the Netherlands to visit. It can get a bit hectic with tourists in summer though. We can recommend the following tours.
A boat trip starting in Giethoorn. Transport from Amsterdam is not part of this ticket.
View ticket on GetYourGuideTop 10 things to do and see in Giethoorn
Giethoorn is more than just a pretty village; it’s packed with activities and hidden gems. From scenic boat rides to local museums, here’s what you shouldn’t miss. And if you love unique water villages, be sure to check out Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans for its world-famous windmills. Getting from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is easy as you can travel by car, public transport or book one of the tours we mentioned above.
#1 Rent a whisper boat and explore the canals
A visit to Giethoorn isn’t complete without gliding through its enchanting waterways. Rent an electric whisper boat (fluisterboot) and enjoy a peaceful ride past historic houses, charming gardens, and wooden bridges. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a canoe or paddleboard! You can rent the boats everywhere and even online. In my opinion the best spot to start is Smits Giethoorn (parking at P2 Zuid or P3 Zuid), they also offer boat rental.
The main canal and paths around the Zuiderpad are a starting point for exploring Giethoorn on foot or by rental boat. Parts of the historic centre are free of cars, but not the entire village. Narrow paths and arched bridges can make access awkward with a stroller or wheelchair, so check your route in advance.
Local tip: Rent a boat early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday crowds. I recommend arriving before 11:30. My videos below show the difference before and after that time.
#2 Visit Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus
Want to learn more about Giethoorn’s history? The Giethoorn ‘T Olde museum showcases traditional farm life, peat digging, and how the village developed over the centuries. Step inside a 19th-century farmhouse and see how families once lived here. Next to the museum is a nice restaurant called Grachthof where you have a nice view on the busy canals.
Did you know? Giethoorn was originally a settlement for peat diggers, which is why there are so many canals!
#3 Walk or bike through the village
If boating isn’t your thing, walking or biking along the scenic paths is just as rewarding. Giethoorn has beautiful walking trails that let you take in the canals, bridges, and traditional houses at a relaxed pace.
Local tip: Biking here is an amazing experience, but be careful on narrow paths locals are pros at maneuvering!
#4 Explore De Weerribben-Wieden National Park
Right next to Giethoorn lies one of the Netherlands most stunning nature reserves. De Weerribben-Wieden is a paradise for birdwatchers, kayakers, and nature lovers. With its wetlands, lakes, and unique wildlife, it’s a great place to escape the crowds. It is one of the great National Parks of The Netherlands.
#5 Have lunch at a waterside restaurant
From Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken) to fresh fish dishes, Giethoorn offers great local Dutch food. Many restaurants have beautiful terraces right by the water, so you can watch boats drift by as you dine.
Recommended spots:
- Grand Café Fanfare – Named after the Dutch film “Fanfare,” which put Giethoorn on the map.
- De Lindenhof – A Michelin-starred restaurant for a luxurious dining experience.
#6 Go punting like a local
Instead of renting a motorized boat, try punting navigating the canals using a long pole like a true local, much like in Venice. It’s a bit tricky at first but a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. If it doesn’t work out you can always use the pole for fierljeppen!
#7 Discover the lesser-known Noordeinde
Most tourists stay in the central part of Giethoorn, but the Noordeinde area offers a quieter, more authentic experience. Here, you’ll find hidden waterways, fewer crowds, and even more beautiful nature.
#8 Visit the Shell Gallery or Edelstenen museum (both for kids)
Shell Gallery is small but a fascinating museum showcases a unique collection of shells and coral from around the world. It’s a quirky stop that adds something different to your visit. Less into shells and mor into minerals? Go for the Edelstenen museum De Oude Aarde, both places are super fun for kids. Mine loved it!
#9 Experience Giethoorn in winter
While most people visit in summer, Giethoorn is just as magical in winter. When the canals freeze (not that often anymore), they turn into natural ice-skating rinks, and the village takes on a fairytale-like appearance. In the summer you can also do some speed skating on the endless cycling roads.
#10 Stay overnight in a cozy thatched-roof farmhouse
To truly soak up the atmosphere, book a stay in one of Giethoorn’s charming accommodations. Waking up to the peaceful sound of water and ducks is an unforgettable experience. We can recommend staying in Plompeblad Guesthouse Giethoorn or the more budget The Black Sheep Hostel. Another great option is Je B&B Giethoorn as you get free bikes during your stay!
Food and local specialties
Giethoorn’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the surrounding nature but also a bit touristy to be fair. Be sure to try some local favorites like:
- Pannenkoeken – Dutch-style pancakes, often served with syrup or bacon.
- Zwarte kersen – Black cherries, a local specialty often used in desserts.
- Smoked eel – A traditional Dutch delicacy, delicious on fresh bread.
Events and festivals
- Gieterse Punterdagen (August) – A traditional boat festival featuring races, live music, and local food.
- Giethoorn Light Festival (December-January) – The village is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical winter atmosphere.
Living in Giethoorn
Giethoorn offers a peaceful lifestyle, making it attractive for retirees or remote workers looking for a scenic escape. The most sought-after homes are traditional farmhouses along the canals, but these can be expensive. Especially compared to the area. Houses in Giethoorn start around 800k and can easily run up into the millions. Check out Funda for real estate that is for sale in the village.
The surrounding areas of Steenwijk and Meppel offer more affordable housing options while still being close to Giethoorn. You can find more information about the city on Giethoorn.com.
A bit of history
Giethoorn was founded in the 13th century by fugitives from the Mediterranean region. They discovered goat horns in the marshy lands (likely from long-deceased wild goats), which led to the village’s name: Giet- (goat) hoorn (horn).
The canals were originally dug by peat diggers, creating a unique landscape that remains unchanged to this day. You can still see the rectangle shaped man made islands everywhere.
5x Fun facts about Giethoorn
- No roads? No problem! Most of Giethoorn is car-free, and even the mail is delivered by boat. The locals use poles to manoeuvre their boats, like the gondolas do in Venice.
- Famous in China – Giethoorn became widely known in China after being featured in travel guides. Many Chinese tourists consider it a dream honeymoon destination. You will see a lot of people taking wedding photos on clear days.
- Hollywood moment – The village inspired the setting of the video game Minecraft. It feels unreal even to a native Dutch to be honest.
- Floating gardens – Many houses have gardens on small islands, only accessible by bridges or boats. This is a result of the peat digging.
- Underwater mail delivery? In the past, letters sometimes fell into the canals locals had to fish them out!
Whats next and near Giethoorn?
If you have extra time, explore these nearby destinations:
- Urk (30 min) – Unique town in the Netherlands and one of the highlights.
- Assen (30 min) – Famous for the TT Assen (race circuit).
- Zwolle (30 min) – A vibrant city with museums, shopping, and fantastic dining.
- Sneek (30 min) – A short ride to another iconic city in the Netherlands, especially fun during Sneekweek.