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Why visit Giethoorn?

Giethoorn is a village in the province of Overijssel in the northeast of the Netherlands, often called the Venice of the North. Instead of streets, much of the old village is linked by narrow canals, footpaths and small wooden bridges, and many of its old farmhouses with thatched roofs stand on their own little islands among gardens and water. It grew up on land shaped by peat digging, which left behind the lakes and waterways that give it its special character.

The best way to see Giethoorn is from the water: rent a quiet electric boat, called a whisper boat, or a canoe and glide past the houses, or join a guided canal tour. You can also explore on foot or by bike along the paths. A small museum farm shows how people lived here in the past. Around the village lies Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a large area of lakes, reed beds and fens where you can paddle, cycle and watch birds in peace. Giethoorn is very popular and can be extremely crowded on summer days, so come early in the morning or stay overnight. The nearest railway station is Steenwijk, with buses to the village. The best time to visit is April to June or September.

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