Giethoorn Village, Netherlands
Are you planning a day trip to Giethoorn and wondering how to make the most of your time there?
Giethoorn Village, Netherlands is a perfect day trip from Amsterdam; you should definitely add it to your travel itinerary!
This picturesque village is settled among lakes, reed beds, and forests, with many handsome farms with thatched roofs and distinctive wooden bridges.
About Giethoorn
Giethoorn Village in the Netherlands, known as “Venice of the North,” is one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands.
Fun fact: Giethoorn Village was named after goats. The earliest residents of the village discovered a large number of goat horns, which they mistook for the first goats. The Dutch word for goat is “geit”; hence the village was named Geytenhorn, later changed to Giethoorn.
Travel tip: During the winter, the canals freeze, and you can ice skate on the canals, which can be an exciting experience!
The best time to visit Geithoorn Village
Located in the province of Overijssel, the historic and dreamy Giethoorn village is known for its romantic canals, ancient cottages and bridges, and friendly people. The village is simply magical all year round.
The best time to visit Giethroon village is from June to September when the weather is warm enough for a boat ride. If you want to avoid the crowds and peak season, October is an excellent time to travel, but be prepared for the cold weather.
How to get there
Getting there from Amsterdam is easy, with several options based on your budget and interests.
The fastest way from Amsterdam to Geithoorn: Private Transfer
The cheapest way from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: Train&Bus
The best for a day trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: Guided Day Tour
Join a Giethoorn Tour from Amsterdam
If you’re looking to spend two or more days in the area, I recommend going by public transport or a private transfer. However, if you’re looking to go on a day trip to Giethoorn, you might consider joining a tour.
Direct transportation is unavailable from Amsterdam, so booking a guided tour makes the whole experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
GetYourGuide offers plenty of tours from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, including a boat ride in the charming village.
Book a Private Transfer from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
The most convenient way to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam is by private car transfer. It’s a door-to-door service; the private car will pick you up from your address in the city.
Giethoorn is 120 km (75 miles) or an hour-and-a-half away, so getting as comfy as possible is essential.
From Amsterdam to Giethoorn by Train + Bus
The most common and perhaps most adventurous choice is by train&bus, although it is time-consuming and complicated. Yet, commuting will allow you to save some euros and soak in the raw beauty of the Netherlands.
Traveling anywhere in Europe can be more convenient with a Eurail Pass. If you have this, you wouldn’t need to pay for anything or make seat reservations.
Train to Steenwijk
To get from Amsterdam Centraal to Giethoorn, take a direct train to Steenwijk or one with a connecting train via Zwolle. Enjoy a scenic 90-minute journey.
NS operates all trains, and the first train leaves Amsterdam Central Station at around 6:00 am. If you are going for just a day trip and wish to make the most of your stay, leave as early as possible. But the last train leaves just after midnight for people who prefer traveling late.
Bus to Dominee Hylkemaweg
Once you get off in Steenwijk, go to the nearby bus station and take Bus number 70 for a 30-minute ride to the Dominee Hylkemaweg stop. From there, the enchanting medieval village is just a 10-minute walk away.
Even though it sounds relatively straightforward, the trip could take more than two hours.
Another train option
Another train option from Amsterdam Centraal is going to Meppel and on to Wolvega and Steenwijk. All of these destinations are just a few miles from Giethoorn itself. Of course, you’ll have to repeat the same process to get from Giethoorn to Amsterdam on your way back.
Note: There isn’t any direct Amsterdam to Giethoorn bus, so I recommend the train&bus option.
Rent a Car in Amsterdam
And there is always the option to rent a car and get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by car.
The distance from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is approximately 120 km (75 miles), and it should not take you more than two hours to get there. It will be a scenic and unforgettable drive, as the Netherlands is known for its natural beauty, and the roads are always great in the Netherlands. Leave early to avoid traffic when you travel to Giethoorn.
Note: You can’t drive into the village, as Giethoorn is known for being car-free, peaceful, and pollution-free. There is a specified parking area just outside the village.
The ultimate itinerary for Giethoorn Village, Netherlands
Here are some things you can do in the village to help you make the most of your day in Giethoorn Village, Netherlands.
Explore the village
The best way to explore the village is by boat tour, and you will see all the beautiful houses and canals surrounding the village.
A boat ride around the canals will be included if you visit on a guided tour. If you’re visiting on your own, you can rent a boat as the boat is the primary transportation mode in the Giethoorn village.
Don’t worry; you can rent a boat in Giethoorn without a license. It’s pretty straightforward to drive it on your own, and it’s a lot of fun! If you’re not comfortable navigating it on your own, you can always hire a boat driver to take you around the village canals.
You can also get around on foot or by bike because the village is tiny.
Pro tip: If you have the chance, stay for golden hour. It’s an incredible sight!
Renting a boat
There are different types of boats you can rent:
- Whisper boats: You will see them everywhere; they’re called whisper boats because of their silent electric motors.
- Canoe: You can glide through the village’s canals with a canoe if you’re up for some traditional boating around the area.
- Cruise: This is perfect for individuals who want to sit back and not worry about driving a boat. 😉 Many types of cruises are available in the village, and you can choose the one that best fits your day in Giethoorn.
Visit Giethoorn's Incredible Museums
Even though most people come to Giethoorn to see the village architecture and how the homes are situated on top of the canals, there are museums you can visit. Museums are a great alternative to boat tours in case of lousy weather.
Museums you can visit:
- Het Olde Maat Uus museum will show you what a traditional farmhouse looks like and how it works. You will also learn the history of Giethoorn and what the village was like in the 20th century.
- Museum de Oude Aarde musuem is full of gemstones and minerals. Bask in all things shiny in the village by visiting this museum.
- Gloria Maris Schelpengalerie museum will show you shells, corals, and many more objects from the sea, plus you can also shop for ocean-inspired clothing, jewelry, and home goods. You will love this museum and gift shop if you like what the sea holds underneath the surface.
Have a drink by the Giethoorn Canals
There are many places along the canals in the village, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a drink, and a good meal on the water. Many of them have a beautiful terraces. These restaurants and cafes are perfect for spending time if you want to relax by the canals.
Many tourists visiting Giethoorn for a day have a great time lounging by the canals!
Have a picnic by the canal
Have you ever had a picnic on a boat? You can enjoy one in a lovely spot along the canal. Also, you can book a boat tour that includes a picnic.
Go on a hike along the Giethoorn walking route
Are you looking for an adventure? You can go on a hike in the village via the Giethoorn Walking Route, which is 15.3 km (9.5 miles). The hike will let you see the entire village as you walk along the many canals and beautiful farmhouses.
Additionally, you will cross many wooden bridges that will take you to scenic destinations, allowing you to make the most of your day trip to Giethoorn village.
The route will take you through the polder landscape and down to the water village of Dwarsgracht. You can go back to the village through the lake de Beulakerwijde.
Visit the National Park Weeribben-Wieden
Giethoorn is close to National Park Weerribben-Wieden, the largest fen wetland in North-West Europe. The park has a lot of lakes, ponds, and canals. If you have extra time, make sure you visit the park, as it’s one of the top things to do in the area.
Like Giethoorn, you can rent a boat in the park to explore the swamps. Also, you can hike the Silent Kiersche Wijde Route and witness beautiful nature.
Besides the beautiful swamps and nature, you can see animals here, such as otters and black terns. If you’re lucky, you might also see great cormorants and egrets.
Even if you only have one day, don’t worry 🙂 You can make it perfect by exploring the village by boat, checking out the museums, eating and drinking at the restaurants, and, if you have more time, exploring the National Park Weerribben-Wieden.
There is something for everyone in the Giethoorn village in the Netherlands, from relaxing activities to adventurous ones, you will never get bored. Plus, being in Holland’s Venice of the North is a beautiful experience that you shouldn’t pass up.
