Giethoorn: The Venice of the Netherlands

Last Updated on August 21, 2024

Umesh Ramaswamy, traveler and PR consultant from Bangalore, INDIA, is touring through the Netherlands and Europe, and just submitted an article to Gamana News readers. His write-up highlights the enchanting canals, serene boat rides, and charming car-free streets of Giethoorn, showcasing why this village is a must-visit destination.

The backlands are an expressive look into history and culture, as well as the life of the people there. This may be the case with many places around the world, but one place in particular, Giethoorn, in The Netherlands, will never be forgotten by those who visit. This magical place not only attracts the wonder of tourists worldwide but also encourages rural tourism as a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Giethoorn attracts over 1 million tourists annually and ranks among the top 10 attractions in The Netherlands. Often referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands,” “Little Venice,” or “Dutch Venice” (Dutch: Hollands Venetië), this village is notable for its absence of roads.

A Car-Free Village

There are no roads in the town square of Giethoorn. Residents and visitors alike must park outside the village in designated parking areas. From here, the journey begins with a delightful canal ride, complemented by walking and cycling paths that showcase the area’s natural beauty and tranquility.

Unique Features and Attractions

Giethoorn is known as the Venice of the Netherlands for its beautiful canals, delightful wooden bridges, and old farmhouses with thatched roofs. The majority of the village is only accessible by boat, there are 176 bridges throughout the islands and to the mainland. The Binnenpad walking and cycling path traverses the area, offering scenic views of traditional Dutch houses, restaurants, and shops.

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Exploring Giethoorn

There are many different types of tours they offer, boat tours, walking tours, bike tours, or a combination of the three. There are more than 25 boat rental places that do hourly, canal cruises, and private tours. In winter, the frozen waterways provide opportunities for ice skating. There is also a 15 kilometer path for hikers and bikers through the village and surrounding countryside.

A Memorable Adventure in Giethoorn

Our family had a memorable day outing at Giethoorn, which included a boat ride for 3 hours. The climate was just perfect, with moderate sunshine and occasional drizzle. Experiencing nature through a boat ride was a thrill. Our family would like to visit the place again and stay at the destination for a couple of nights. For all the nature lovers out there, Venice of the Netherlands needs to be on the itinerary.

Nearby Attractions

Tourists can also embark on canoe trips in the adjacent Weerribben-Wieden National Park or trek along the Silent Kiersche Wijde Route. For indoor activities, there is a Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus which provides information about the history and culture of Giethoorn, but if that doesn’t interest you, there is also Museum de Oude Aarde which has lots of fossils and minerals. There are potters all over the lanes of the village selling their hand-made pottery and ceramics.

Dining and Accommodation

Giethoorn has many different kinds of restaurants that serve lunch, high tea, dinner, and drinks. It has waterfront seating, which makes for a very special time with the family and friends. There are small hotels, B&B’s, suites, and even vacation rentals for overnight stays.

Plan Your Visit

Since Giethoorn becomes more and more crowded every year, it is recommended to reserve boats and hotels beforehand. For updated information, check the local community website before planning your visit.

(This article is written by Umesh Ramaswamy, a passionate nature lover, avid traveler, and PR consultant from Bangalore, India. Umesh is in the Netherlands and other parts of Europe right now, so in the next few days he’ll have some more interesting tales of his journeys.)

Pictures Credit: Umesh Ramaswamy