Giethoorn Travel Guide

A detailed travel guide to Giethoorn, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Giethoorn

Giethoorn, a picturesque village in the province of Overijssel in the eastern part of the Netherlands, is famous for its idyllic waterways, quaint bridges, and charming thatched-roof houses. Nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North,’ it’s a popular tourist destination that offers a unique glimpse into Dutch rural life.

List of Places to Visit in Giethoorn

Here are the top places to visit in Giethoorn:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus: A cultural history museum showcasing the traditional lifestyle and customs of Giethoorn.
  • De Oude Aarde: A museum renowned for its display of rare gems, minerals, and crystals from around the world.
  • Gereformeerde Kerk: A historic church built in the 18th century that still holds regular services for the local community.

Natural Attractions of Giethoorn: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • De Wieden National Park: A vast protected wetland area comprising forests, reed beds, and marshes that’s home to a diverse range of wildlife, including otters and rare birds.
  • Giethoornse Meer: A beautiful lake ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing.
  • Bovenwijde Lake: Another stunning lake that’s perfect for kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Giethoorn

Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Giethoorn:

  • Dwarsgracht: A scenic trail that winds through the village of Dwarsgracht and its surrounding countryside.
  • Weerribben-Wieden National Park: A well-known nature reserve that boasts over 23 hiking trails, each with its unique charm and level of difficulty.
  • Bovenwijde Round Tour: A picturesque bike route around Bovenwijde Lake, from which you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Giethoorn: Activities and Tours

Giethoorn offers a wide range of activities and tours to suit any taste, including:

  • Boat Tour: Take a boat ride through the narrow waterways of Giethoorn and discover its hidden gems.
  • Canoeing/Kayaking: Paddle your way through the tranquil waters of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park.
  • Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the beautiful countryside at your own leisure.
  • Fishing: Grab your fishing gear and head to one of the many lakes in and around Giethoorn, where you can catch different types of freshwater fish.
  • Cheese Tasting: Try the local artisanal cheeses at Henri Willig Cheese Farm.

Week-Long Itinerary for Giethoorn

If you’re planning to spend a week in Giethoorn, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in Giethoorn and go on a boat tour
Day 2 Explore Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus
Day 3 Rent a bike and explore Weerribben-Wieden NP
Day 4 Take a day trip to nearby Zwolle
Day 5 Go canoeing or kayaking in the National Park
Day 6 Do some shopping for local souvenirs
Day 7 Relax by the lakeshore

Food and Drink Scene of Giethoorn

The local cuisine in Giethoorn is simple, hearty, and delicious. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot: A classic Dutch dish that consists of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and served with a juicy sausage.
  • Zwartsluizer Botterjenever: A locally-produced gin that’s made from Dutch jenever and flavored with special herbs.
  • Pannenkoek: A traditional Dutch pancake, typically served with powdered sugar and a variety of toppings, such as bacon and maple syrup.

Local Beverages

  • Giethoornse Koffie: A coffee drink that’s mixed with brandy and whipped cream, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
  • Gueuze Boon: A Belgian beer that’s a popular choice among the locals.

Where to Stay in Giethoorn: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Giethoorn offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes, including:

  • Hotel Giethoorn: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of the village, offering stunning views of the waterways and surrounding landscape.
  • Guest House Giethoorn: A cozy guesthouse with comfortable rooms, breakfast included, and a nice garden.
  • Hostel de Groene Lantaarn: A budget-friendly hostel with dorms or private rooms, close to the Museum Giethoorn.

What to Buy in Giethoorn: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the souvenirs and local products that you might want to buy in Giethoorn:

  • Dutch cheese: The Netherlands is famous for its cheese, so why not bring home some Gouda or Edam to share with your friends and family?
  • Candles: The local candle factory makes beautiful, handcrafted candles that come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
  • Wooden clogs: A traditional Dutch souvenir that comes in all kinds of colors and designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Giethoorn

The people of Giethoorn are renowned for their kindness and hospitality. They take pride in their traditions and customs, and you’ll often see residents wearing traditional Dutch clothing, such as clogs and bonnets.

Best Time to Visit Giethoorn

The best time to visit Giethoorn is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny, and the waterways are at their busiest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Giethoorn

Do:

  • Be respectful of the locals and their customs.
  • Rent a boat or bike to explore the waterways and countryside.
  • Try the local cuisine, including stamppot and pannenkoek.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Be loud or disruptive in residential areas.
  • Drive a car in the village center as it’s pedestrian-only.

Safety and Health

Safety in Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a safe and peaceful destination. However, it’s always a good idea to take common-sense precautions, such as locking your valuables and being mindful of your surroundings.

Health in Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a modern destination with good healthcare facilities, including clinics and pharmacies. It’s also recommended that you have travel insurance before embarking on a trip.

Getting to Giethoorn: Transportation Options and Logistics

Giethoorn is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Giethoorn

  • Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam: It’s the closest international airport (144km) with frequent train connections and car rental services.
  • Groningen Airport Eelde: A regional airport (91 km) that offers direct bus connections to Giethoorn.

Bus Stations Near Giethoorn

There are a few bus stations serving Giethoorn, including:

  • Steenwijk Railway Station: The closest train station to Giethoorn (15 min by bus).
  • Zwolle Bus Station: A larger transportation center (45 min by bus) with more frequent connections.
  • Meppel Bus Station: Another option (20 min by bus), especially if you’re coming from the northern part of the Netherlands.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Renting a car is a great option if you want to explore the surrounding region at your own pace.
  • Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike from various rental shops in Giethoorn, and it’s an excellent way to appreciate the Dutch countryside.

How to Get Around in Giethoorn

The best way to get around Giethoorn is on foot, bike, or boat! The village center is pedestrian-only, and renting a bike or boat is a great way to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Giethoorn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Giethoorn is ideally located for exploring other nearby destinations in the Netherlands, including:

  • Amsterdam: The vibrant Dutch capital is only two hours away by car or train.
  • Rotterdam: One of the largest ports in Europe (215 km).
  • Utrecht: The charming city of Utrecht is a great option for a day trip (120 km).

Conclusion

Giethoorn is a charming and unique destination that offers visitors a glimpse into Dutch rural life. With its picturesque waterways, quaint bridges, and thatched-roof houses, it’s no wonder that it’s become such a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, there’s something for everyone in Giethoorn.

Bridge in Giethoorn Bridge in Giethoorn Bultrugboerderij in Noordeinde Bultrugboerderij in Noordeinde A willow at the Bovewijde lake A willow at the Bovewijde lake