Explore the tranquil canals of Giethoorn village, a hidden gem in the Netherlands. If you're looking for a unique and picturesque destination, look no further than Giethoorn. This charming village in the Netherlands is known for its network of canals, which have earned it the nickname "the Venice of the North." With no cars allowed, visitors can explore the village by boat or on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and quaint architecture. Plan your visit to Giethoorn today and experience its enchanting beauty for yourself.
Where is Giethoorn?
Giethoorn is a village in the Netherlands located north-east of Amsterdam. This is a unique place that you must see when visiting the Netherlands. It is not without reason that this place is called the Venice of the North (or the Venice of the Netherlands). There are no roads in the old part of it. There are only paths for pedestrians and bicycles (although it is much better to walk). But the main routes to individual homes are through the canals. There is a total of about 7.5 km of them, so it is not a big place, but it is full of charm. Just like in Venice in Italy. Ok, almost like in Venice. If you have to compare Giethoorn with any place on earth, it most closely resembles Venice in … California, USA 😊.
Village of Giethoorn
The village of Giethoorn was founded around 1230 by a group of refugees from Mediterranean countries. Initially, it was called Geytenhorn, which means horn of goats. There were a lot of them at that time. The first settlers discovered goat horns buried in the mud. Each farm is built on a small artificial island and access to the village center is only by boat. Originally the village was covered with peat. The settlers dug up peat and spread it over the neighboring areas to let it dry. However, this resulted in the formation of deep ditches, and over time, led to the formation of lakes (mainly due to two large floods that hit the region in 1776 and 1825). The canals at Giethoorn were created to connect these peat ditches.
Over time, the village became a thriving community of farmers and peat harvesters. The abundance of peat in the surrounding marshlands became the primary source of income for the villagers until the 20th century when coal replaced peat as the primary source of fuel. Today, Giethoorn is a peaceful village that attracts tourists from all over the world. The village has managed to retain much of its traditional architecture, with thatched-roof farmhouses, wooden bridges, and beautifully tended gardens. You can learn about the village's history and culture by visiting its museums and historic landmarks, such as the Giethoorn Museum and the Old Town Hall. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating history and culture of this charming village.
What to see in Giethoorn?
Giethoorn is a village unlike any other, with its network of canals replacing traditional roads and boats serving as the primary mode of transportation. Located in the Netherlands, this charming village has earned the nickname "the Venice of the North" for its picturesque waterways and quaint architecture. The best way to explore Giethoorn is by boat. There are numerous boat rental companies in the village that offer both electric and traditional boats. And don’t worry, you don’t have to have any kind of license to rent a boat here. The boats are slow and if you hit other tourists’ boats it will be an opportunity to laugh. Everyone treats this attraction like playing with cars in an amusement park. On the other hand, sometimes there are traffic jams on these canals, so there will be an opportunity to take a few photos. No wonder. After all, about a million tourists visit this small village every year. As you navigate the canals, you'll be greeted with stunning views of the village and its surroundings. Along the way, you can stop at one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the canals to enjoy a meal or a drink.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails that wind through the village and surrounding countryside. Giethoorn is a wonderful idyllic place where time has stood still for a moment. You don’t have to rush here. Here you will forget about your everyday worries. It is a place that allows you to seize the day!
Discover the best activities and attractions in Giethoorn.
Giethoorn offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular things to do is to take a boat tour of the canals, which allows you to see the village from a unique perspective. You can also rent a boat or canoe and explore the canals on your own. Other popular activities include cycling, hiking, and visiting the local museums and galleries. Don't forget to try some of the local cuisine, such as smoked eel and Dutch pancakes, at one of the village's many restaurants and cafes.
To make the most of your trip to Giethoorn, consider staying overnight in one of the village's charming bed and breakfasts or vacation rentals. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the canals without the crowds of day-trippers. Additionally, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture the picturesque scenery. Finally, don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations on the best places to eat and things to do – they are always happy to share their love for their village with others.
Giethoorn village – place where people actually live
Giethoorn is a peaceful and tranquil village, and you are expected to respect the village's way of life. The village is small, and you should be mindful of noise levels, particularly when boating. You should also take care when navigating the canals and follow the rules of the waterway. Some of the bridges across the canals are closed because they lead to the cottages where people normally live. Please respect their privacy. Being there, remember that this is not a deserted village, an open-air museum open to tourists, but a place where life goes on. Children go to a nearby school, people go to the church by the canal, and the path behind it leads to the grocery store. About 2,600 people live here. On the other hand, many of these houses can be rented during the holiday season, so maybe this is a chance for you to spend some time in a that lovely place.
In the summer months, Giethoorn can become quite busy with tourists, so you should plan accordingly. It's worth noting that many of the shops and restaurants close during the winter months, so if you're planning a visit during this time, you may want to check ahead to ensure that everything is open.
