Giethoorn, Netherlands

Giethoorn

A car-free village of thatched farmhouses linked by canals and footbridges.

  • Apr–Sep
  • Best by car
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Giethoorn

Day 1

  1. MorningRent a whisper boat early and glide through the canals before the tour groups.
  2. AfternoonWalk the footpaths and visit the Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus.
  3. EveningHave dinner on a canal-side terrace.

Day 2

Canoe or cycle through the Weerribben-Wieden National Park.

What to eat

Smoked eel and a local beer.

Local tips

Make the most of Giethoorn

Beat the crowds

Summer afternoons and weekends are very busy on the canals. Come early in the morning or on a weekday in spring or autumn.

Best photo spot

The thatched farmhouses and wooden bridges along the quieter canals away from the village centre.

Getting there

Giethoorn is best reached by car. By public transport, take the train to Steenwijk and a bus from there.

Don't miss nearby

The Weerribben-Wieden national park around the village, with reed lands and quiet waterways.

Good to know

Most visitors explore by boat; electric 'whisper boats' are easy to steer without a licence. Respect the residents' gardens: people live here.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Giethoorn

Our most hidden places around Giethoorn: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Giethoorn to take with you.

23 km away
53 km away
54 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Giethoorn

Getting there

  • Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ)55 km away
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)100 km away
  • Groningen65 km away
  • Amsterdam90 km away

A car is the easiest way to get here and to see the area around it. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Sep
TypePopular town
Good forNature
Getting thereBest by car
Stay1 night
CountryNetherlands

Questions

Giethoorn: good to know

Is Giethoorn worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. A car-free village of thatched farmhouses linked by canals and footbridges.

How many days do you need in Giethoorn?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Giethoorn?

The best time to visit is Apr to Sep. Summer afternoons and weekends are very busy on the canals. Come early in the morning or on a weekday in spring or autumn.

How do you get to Giethoorn?

The nearest airport is Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ), about 55 km away. Giethoorn is best reached by car. By public transport, take the train to Steenwijk and a bus from there.

What is there to see near Giethoorn?

Nearby hidden places include Groningen (63 km), Hoorn (69 km) and Edam & Volendam (74 km).

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