Giethoorn
Village Of Thatched Farmhouses On Canals And Footbridges, Reached Mostly By Boat And Footpath, Beside The Weerribben Wieden Wetlands · Giethoorn, Overijssel
Giethoorn is a village of thatched farmhouses on small islands, joined by canals and wooden footbridges, in the north-west of Overijssel beside the wetlands of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. There is no road through the old village: people get about on foot, by bike and above all by boat, and that is what draws visitors from around the world - often called the Venice of the Netherlands. The canals and lakes were dug by peat cutters centuries ago, and the name is said to come from goat horns early settlers found in the ground. You can rent a quiet electric whisper boat and steer it yourself, paddle a canoe, or take a guided boat with a skipper, then explore the reedlands, lakes and villages beyond. The honest caveat: Giethoorn is small and very busy. In summer day-trip coaches pack the main canal, beginner boaters jam the waterways, and most of what you see is private homes and gardens. Come at dawn, late in the day or out of season, and head out into the national park, where the crowds thin fast.
Giethoorn village, Steenwijkerland municipality, on the edge of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Giethoorn, Overijssel, Netherlands
The village is open at all hours; boat and canoe rentals, guided boat trips and most cafes run roughly 09:00-18:00 from spring to autumn, with reduced hours or winter closures - confirm. Small museums open seasonally. No cars in the old village; park at the paid car parks on the edge. By public transport, take the train to Steenwijk and a bus of about 15-20 minutes (check 9292). Book boats ahead for summer weekends.