Giethoorn is a tranquil village located in Overijssel, a province in the eastern part of the Netherlands.
The village comprises of thousands of thatched farms spread all over the area and connected by hundreds of bridges. The picturesque water village is accessible by boat or foot with only a few roads leading up to the village.
Although the town is small in size, it is a tourist destination visited by thousands of people from all over the world. Most times, it attracts visitors throughout the year and has managed to become a leading destination in Europe.
Weather in Giethoorn
The weather in Giethoorn is lovely all year round, but it is advisable to visit during summer to get the best out of your trip.
Summer in the village is from June to September with temperatures averaging at 21 degrees Celsius. The beautiful weather allows you to enjoy boat rides on the various canals and also lots of water sports.
Giethoorn the Netherlands Water Village Giethoorn the Netherlands Water Village
Spring season which begins in March and goes till May is another great time to visit Giethoorn. The season is characterized by high temperatures which make it possible to explore the town alone or with a group.
If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in October, which can be a bit chilly but still worth the visit.
Tourism in Giethoorn
As mentioned earlier, the Netherlands water village receives visitors throughout the year because of interesting history, engaging activities, and a welcoming setting.
The tourism industry in the town is well developed and offers travelers accommodation, several attractions, and guided tours to ensure they have an enjoyable trip.
The thousands of travelers that make their way to Giethoorn come from far off lands with tourists from Asia topping the list.
Transportation in Giethoorn
Transportation to Giethoorn is available by bus or train from Amsterdam which is about 120 Km away.
The trip which lasts about two and a half hours is the beginning of your exploration of the popular yet quaint little village that allows you to step back in time.
Alternatively, you can decide to book a car hire service and drive to Giethoorn using the official routes. Using a personal car gives you a chance to explore parts of the village that are not accessible by public transport. Also, the town has parking lots in areas such as Bartus Warnersweg at no cost.
Upon arrival, travelers have the option of using boats on the various waterways to reach different parts of the village.
Walking along the footpaths in the small town is also another way of exploring “Dutch Venice”, which is another name given to Giethoorn by visitors and industry players.
Accommodation in the Water Village
Finding a place to stay in Giethoorn is easy to do online, with a majority of tourists booking their accommodation in advance. The accommodation options vary with the most common being hotels, hostels and Airbnb’s which host a large percentage of travelers.
The majority of hotels provide breakfast as part of the package, but guests can request a customized package that matches their needs.
The cost of accommodation depends on the time of the year with the summer season being the most expensive time to rent a room in the town.
The hotels from the beginning of June to September are priced at a higher rate because of the large number of visitors. If you want to get a good deal on hotel prices, consider traveling in the winter months from October to February.
The chilly weather is considered off-season resulting in fewer tourists, resulting in lower accommodation costs.
Whether you have enough funds to book the best hotel in Giethoorn or are traveling on a budget, you will find accommodation that meets your needs.
Things to do in Giethoorn
When visiting Giethoorn, tourists feel like they have traveled back in time because of the tiny thatched homes and crisscrossing footpaths.
The Netherlands water village has a lot of activities that have been designed to give visitors an unforgettable time. Whether you are traveling to the town for a few days or an extended period, there is always some activities you can engage in.
Some of the “must-do” things in Giethoorn are highlighted below.
Go boating
Boating is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Giethoorn, with most visitors booking canal cruises or renting canoes.
Booking a canal cruise is a great way to explore the village through the numerous canals crisscrossing the area. The cruises are popular and are limited to a few departures daily.
It is therefore important to book in advance to avoid missing out on the chance of a lifetime exploring the town. Local guides are part of the trip and do their best to point out important attractions in the village.
Alternatively, talking to a boat rental company in advance to book canoes referred to as “whisper boats” is a great way to get around the village.
The boats are easy to operate and require minimum technical skills to move from one location to another. The electric motored boat can accommodate two or three people, making it possible to travel as a family or group of friends.
Visit museums
The history of Giethoorn can be seen at the local museums that play host to different types of artifacts.
The two major museums in the town are Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus and Museum De Oude Aarde.
The Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus is located in an old Gieterse farmhouse which gives visitors a glimpse of the simple life the inhabitants of the village lead as well as their special customs.
On the other hand, the Museum De Oude Aarde is home to gemstones and other shiny objects that are appealing to travelers. Visitors to the museum get an opportunity to see large collections of fossils, minerals, and gemstones.
Go hiking
Giethoorn is located in a natural reserve near the De Weerribben-Wieden National Park.
The park is home to unique vegetation such as swamps and reed beds that host a variety of animals. Some of the animals that live in the area include otters, great cormorants, egrets, and black terns.
If you are an adventure lover, hiking along the vegetation paths to connect with nature is a great way to engage all your senses in a tranquil environment.
Sample local cuisine
The best way to experience the culture of an area is to consume local food.
The village of Giethoorn has several eateries that make Dutch pancakes and other local dishes.
Restaurants at the side of the canal are a great place to eat local food prepared by renowned chefs. Besides, local food, they also serve international cuisine for visitors from different countries.
Most of the best local restaurants in Giethoorn have a great vibe and tasty food, like the ones we’ve mentioned.
Attend events
The energy in the Netherlands water village during festivals reflects the culture of the town.
The festivals which are held annually are a huge attraction to tourists planning to visit the area. To ensure you enjoy your trip, research on various upcoming events and buy tickets in advance if possible.
Some of the popular events in Giethoorn include the Gondola Tour that takes place every August.
Overall, visiting Giethoorn can be a great way to relax and enjoy quiet time while on vacation.
