Giethoorn – The Venice Of The Netherlands

Have you ever heard of the Venice of the Netherlands? If not, you need to add it to your list of places to visit! Keep reading to find out more about this beautiful, peaceful, car-free village.

What Is Giethoorn in Holland?

Giethoorn is a beautiful village in Overijssel, Netherlands. With it’s thatched houses and boat-filled waterways, it is one of the most idyllic parts of the Netherlands.

The village is often called the “Venice of the Netherlands” because of its canals and bridges. The majority of the village cannot be accessed by car and can only be accessed via boat.

Does Giethoorn Have a Historic Backstory?

In 1230, a group of people from the nearby town of Steenwijk decided to move to an area that was less crowded and had more space. They settled in an area that is now known as Giethoorn.

The name “Giethoorn” comes from the Old Dutch word “gieten”, which means “to pour”. This is likely because the first settlers poured their belongings into canals in order to reach their new home.

The first residents of Giethoorn were farmers. They grew crops and raised animals. The canals served as a way to transport goods to and from the village.

In the early 1800s, peat was discovered in the area. This led to the development of a peat industry in Giethoorn. The canals were once again used to transport the peat.

The peat industry declined in the early 1900s. This caused many people to leave Giethoorn in search of work.

The village became a popular tourist destination in the 1960s. This is when the nickname “Venice of the Netherlands” was first used.

Today, Giethoorn is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its canals, bridges, and museums. There are also many restaurants and shops in the village.

Where Is Giethoorn Located?

Giethoorn is located in the Dutch province of Overijssel, a relatively unknown part of the Netherlands. Most tourists are aware of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, but maybe not Giethoorn, so if you’re looking for something to do in the Netherlands that’s a little different and a little less busy, we recommend a trip here.

How To Get to Giethoorn?

The nearest airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From there, you can take a train or bus to Steenwijk. From Steenwijk, you can take a bus or boat to Giethoorn.

If you are driving, you can take the A28 highway to Steenwijk. From Steenwijk, you will take the N334 road to Giethoorn.

Things to Do in Giethoorn

There are many things to do in Giethoorn. You can visit the museums, go on a boat tour, or walk around the village. There are also many restaurants and shops in Giethoorn, so you can pick up some souvenirs and grab a bite to eat.

Museums

– Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus: This museum is located in a farmhouse from the 18th century. It contains exhibits on the history of Giethoorn.

– Overijsselse Historische Vereniging Museum: This museum is located in a former school building. It contains exhibits on the history of Overijssel.

– Doolhof Giethoorn: This museum is located in a former peat factory. It contains exhibits on the history of the peat industry in Giethoorn.

Boat Tours

There are many boat tours available in Giethoorn. You can take a tour of the canals, go on a nature tour, or rent a boat and explore on your own.

We found this the best way to explore, we got a guided tour around the canals so we could learn about the area and the residents, and see the village in the best and most picturesque way possible.

Walking Tours

There are many walking tours available in Giethoorn. You can take a tour of the village, go on a nature walk, or walk along the canals.

Is There Accessible Parking Available When Visiting Giethoorn?

Yes, there are multiple car parks located around the area of Giethoorn, most are even free and a short walk of about 5-10 minutes.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Giethoorn?

Giethoorn, can look amazing all year round but personally, we would recommend going in the summer. The village can be appreciated most in the sunshine and warm weather, especially if you plan to take a boat trip.

Is It Considered Safe to Swim in Giethoorn?

Yes, you can absolutely swim in the lake, due to the depth being very shallow only 1 meter deep, throughout the summer you can find lots of people enjoying the cool lake water and even getting ice creams delivered by boat!

What language do they speak in Giethoorn?

As the small village of Giethoorn is located in the Netherlands all the people speak Dutch but as with most people in Holland, they will also speak English.

Final Thoughts

When most people think about going to the Netherlands, they most likely think of Amsterdam or Rotterdam, and maybe don’t know too much about Giethoorn.

We hope by reading this blog post that we can bring some attention to this quaint village in the Netherlands which we highly recommend a trip to.

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