Giethoorn is one of the most beautiful and unusual villages in the Netherlands. This famous water village in the province of Overijssel is often called the Venice of the Netherlands because of its canals, bridges, thatched-roof farmhouses and peaceful atmosphere. If you want to visit a place that feels very different from Amsterdam, Giethoorn is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam.
Amsterdam's highlights and hidden secrets
Amsterdam's highlights and hidden secrets
Giethoorn
Is Giethoorn, nicknamed the Venice of the Netherlands, worth a visit?
At ThingstodoinAmsterdam, we think Giethoorn is absolutely worth visiting if you are looking for a scenic, slower and more romantic contrast to the city. We would especially recommend it to couples, photographers, families and first-time visitors who want to see a different side of the Netherlands. The biggest downside is simple: getting there takes some planning. That is exactly why many travellers choose an organised tour from Amsterdam.
| Giethoorn from Amsterdam at a glance | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Best for | Couples, photographers, families, scenic day trips |
| Travel time by car | About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes one way |
| Travel time by public transport | Usually around 2 to 2.5 hours one way |
| Easiest option | Book a guided tour from Amsterdam |
| Top activity | Boat cruise or renting your own whisper boat |
| Worth it? | Yes, Giethoorn is definitely worth it. Therefore, it attracts many visitors. Try to plan your visit for a working day and use the Giethoorn app to avoid crowds! Alternatively, you can choose to explore nature reserve Weerribben by boat instead of the village of Giethoorn itself. |
Netherlands village on water
Giethoorn is still one of the most distinctive villages in the Netherlands. The old part of the village is famous for its canals, small footbridges and houses with traditional thatched roofs. Some parts feel almost car-free, which is exactly what gives Giethoorn its peaceful and charming character.
The village is small, but that is also part of the appeal. You do not come here for a packed sightseeing checklist. You come for a slow walk, a scenic boat ride and the feeling of escaping modern city life for a few hours.
Giethoorn from Amsterdam
Although we are convinced that visiting Giethoorn and taking a canal cruise is a highly memorable experience, it does take a bit of planning. Giethoorn is a small village at quite some distance from Amsterdam. By car, the trip takes roughly 75 to 90 minutes. By public transport, it usually takes more than 2 hours and involves at least one transfer from train to bus.
How should you visit Giethoorn from Amsterdam?
| Option | Best for | Travel time | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided tour | First-time visitors, low-stress travel | Full day trip | Easiest and smartest option for most travellers |
| Car | Couples, families, flexible travellers | 1.25-1.5 hours one way | Best if you want freedom and do not mind parking logistics |
| Public transport | Independent travellers | 2-2.5 hours one way | Doable, but only if you are comfortable with transfers |
Giethoorn tour
Want to visit Giethoorn from Amsterdam in the easiest possible way? Then we advise you to book an organised tour and simply sit back and relax. For most visitors, this is the most comfortable option, especially if you do not want to worry about train connections, bus transfers or parking.
Giethoorn Netherlands impression
Giethoorn is one of those places that looks almost too pretty to be real. The old village with its canals, bridges and beautifully kept houses is a dream for photographers and anyone who enjoys slow travel. There are plenty of places where you can rent your own quiet electric boat, so you can explore the village and surrounding waters at your own pace. If you prefer, you can also simply walk through the village and enjoy the atmosphere from the bridges and footpaths.
What to do in Giethoorn
Giethoorn is not a place with a huge checklist of famous sights. The charm is in the experience itself. These are the best things to do:
- Take a Giethoorn canal cruise
- Rent your own whisper boat
- Walk through the village and across the bridges
- Have lunch by the water
- Explore the surrounding nature reserve
Giethoorn canal cruise
Exploring the waterways is the highlight of any visit to Giethoorn. You can enjoy the canals from a guided tour boat, or you can rent your own whisper boat and steer it yourself. If you want to compare rental options, we recommend taking a look at Giethoornbootjehuren or Giethoorn-boat-rental.
Here are some boat rental services in Giethoorn:
Boat rental ‘t Zwaantje
Sail with a whisper boat and quietly cruise around Giethoorn’s magnificent waters. Boat rental ‘t Zwaantje is especially popular with visitors who want a calm and environmentally friendly way to explore the village and lake area. It is also a family-friendly option.
Address:
Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 1 8355 CD Giethoorn
Gemeente Steenwijkerland, Overijssel
Restaurant de Rietstulp
Explore Giethoorn’s waterways and enjoy a relaxing boat trip through the village, across the lake and into the nearby nature reserve De Wieden. Restaurant de Rietstulp offers shorter and longer routes, which is useful if you want a flexible visit.
Address:
Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 15 8355 CE Giethoorn
Gemeente Steenwijkerland, Overijssel
Boot Huren Giethoorn
For those who would rather rent a boat and steer it themselves, Boot Huren Giethoorn is a strong option. Located in the village centre, it gives you direct access to both the nostalgic canal area and the surrounding nature. They also rent luxury boats, whisper boats, canoes and kayaks.
Address and contact:
Binnenpad 42
8355 BS Giethoorn
+31(0)521-361954
Cycling in Giethoorn
If you enjoy cycling, the area around Giethoorn offers varied landscapes with water, reeds, forest and quiet countryside roads. This makes cycling a very nice extra if you want to turn your Giethoorn day trip into a slightly longer outdoor experience.
Check local bike rental options if you want to combine boating with a cycle route in the area.
Swimming in Giethoorn
In warm weather, you can swim in open water at the Bovenwijde, the lake to the east of Giethoorn. It is accessible by boat and can be a fun extra stop during your visit, especially on a summer day.
Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus
Want to see what life in Giethoorn used to look like? Then Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus is one of the most interesting places to visit. Through personal stories, local customs and historic buildings, it gives you more context behind the village you are seeing today.
This museum also gives visitors a better feel for how Giethoorn developed over time, which makes it a worthwhile stop if you want more than just the photogenic side of the village.
Things to see in Giethoorn
Besides the canals, Giethoorn also has a few small museums and nearby natural areas that are worth a look. If the village centre feels busy, heading a little beyond the main canal zone can be a smart move.
Museum De Oude Aarde
Museum De Oude Aarde is dedicated to minerals, gems and fossils. It is one of the more unusual attractions in Giethoorn and works well as a short indoor stop, especially if the weather changes or you want to break up your day.
Schelpengalerie Gloria Maris
Schelpengalerie Gloria Maris is a museum dedicated to shells, corals and decorative objects from marine life.
- Discover shells and corals in many shapes and colours
- View the shell ‘Gloria Maris’, from which the gallery takes its name
- Admire jewellery made of coral, pearls and shells
- See a changing exhibition inspired by the sea
- Browse decorative marine-themed objects
Tours from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
As stated above, getting from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport is quite a trip. That is why guided day trips are such a popular option. They save time, reduce stress and let you focus on the experience rather than the logistics. For private guided tours, you can also reach out to Giethoornvillage.com.
What is usually included?
- Transport from Amsterdam and back
- Live guide in English, Spanish and German
- Boat tour in Giethoorn
Typical departure: morning departure from Amsterdam.
Typical duration: around 9 hours total.
Check-in: usually around 30 minutes before departure.
Our tip: always check the latest departure days, times and inclusions before booking, as these can change by season.
Hotels and accommodations in and around Giethoorn
As Giethoorn can be a long day trip from Amsterdam, some visitors prefer to stay overnight in the area. That can be a great idea if you want to experience the village early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when it often feels calmer than in the middle of the day. Do keep in mind that Giethoorn is a small place, so accommodation options are limited and often book up early.
How to get to Giethoorn
Giethoorn is located in the province of Overijssel, approximately 30 km from Zwolle. There is no direct public transport connection from Amsterdam, so a visit requires some planning. By public transport, it usually takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to reach the village by train and bus. By car, the trip can be completed in approximately 1.5 hours, but especially during high season you will need to think about parking. Make sure to head to one of the designated P parking areas and avoid driving into the prettiest village zone expecting central parking. Alternatively, you can take a completely organised tour and avoid all of the logistics.
Giethoorn by public transport
If you want to visit Giethoorn by public transport, our advice is to plan your trip carefully and leave early. Getting there from Amsterdam usually takes at least two hours, and sometimes longer if connections are not ideal.
A commonly used route is to travel by train from Amsterdam to Steenwijk and then continue by bus to Giethoorn. Connections can vary, so we strongly advise using 9292.nl for live travel advice. In most cases, public transport is best suited to travellers who do not mind transfers and want to travel independently.
In terms of cost, public transport can be a surprisingly expensive option for a return day trip, so compare it with tour pricing before deciding. Also note that in the Netherlands you can generally travel using OVpay with a contactless bank card or phone, in addition to the OV-chipkaart. Check out the following page for more information on traveling by public transport.
