The Netherlands is home to many beautiful villages, but Giethoorn stands out as a true fairyland. This small village situated in the Overijssel province, is often called the Venice of the Netherlands or the village with no roads. As you enter Giethoorn, it feels like stepping into a fantasy world where everything moves at a slower, more tranquil rhythm. The atmosphere is so quiet and serene that you might find yourself wanting to stay for a while and forget about everything else. With its narrow canals and exquisite gardens, the only sounds you’ll hear are the gentle splashes of water and the quacking of ducks—an experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
A Village With No Roads
In the tiny Dutch village of Giethoorn, the tranquility feel almost dreamy. That is, until you realize why- it’s because there are no cars. In fact, cars have no way of getting around here since there are no roads in the heart of the village. Instead, both locals and visitors move through whisper-quiet ways- by bike, boat, or on foot.
This little village is made up of small peat islands, all connected by over 180 charming wooden bridges. Life here is simple, with thatched-roof farmhouses, narrow canals, and a sense of calm solitude. Giethoorn has about 2,620 residents and is famous for its bridges, waterways, and traditional flat-bottomed boats called punts. Giethoorn is elongated and consists of three primary neighbourhoods that are connected to each other via waterways. Noordeinde in the north, Middenbuurt in the center, and Zuideinde in the south. The central waterway, known as the Dorpsgracht, runs through the village and eventually opens into a broader lake, Zuideindiger Wijde.
While Giethoorn is often called the village with no roads, it does have some roads and parking areas on the outskirts. However, the central part of the village is only accessible by footpath or canal (which is where the boat comes in). If you’ve seen photos of Giethoorn, they were most likely taken along the main walking strip, where canal-side cafés, shops, and restaurants line the water. This is also the spot where visitors can rent whisper boats to explore the canals. Some of Giethoorn’s residents would only be able to access their house by canal too. but yes, there are roads, so you can still arrive by car, park for free, and walk along the canals to enjoy the picturesque scenery without renting a boat. The Holland water village, remains one of the few places in the world still only fully accessible by boat and most famous for the name ‘Venice of the Netherlands’.
How Was Giethoorn Created? A Look Into Its Fascinating History
Giethoorn was created over 800 years ago when early settlers began manually searching for peat. As these excavations progressed, they created deep holes that eventually filled with water, leading to the canals that characterize the village today.
The village’s name has an interesting story as well. It is said that after a massive flood in 1170, settlers found large number of goat horns in the area. This discovery led them to name the village “Geytenhorn,” which translates to “goat horn” in Dutch. Over the years, this name transformed into Giethoorn.
Initially, the canals served the purpose of transporting peat, but they eventually became the village’s most distinctive feature. To facilitate movement, bridges were constructed to link the small islands, and thatched-roof homes were built. Interestingly, these thatched roofs, which were once seen as a sign of poverty, have now come to represent tradition and luxury. Many homeowners continue to replace their roofs every 40 years to maintain the historical appearance of their homes.
How to Get to Giethoorn?
Reaching Giethoorn from Amsterdam can be quite a hassle, but the experience is well worth it. The village is located about 75 minutes away by car, making driving the most convenient option. However, for those relying on public transport, the journey can take over two hours, requiring transfers from train to bus.
To get there by train and bus, travelers can take a train from Amsterdam to Steenwijk or Zwolle, which takes about 1.5 hours. From there, a transfer to Bus 70 is needed, which goes directly to Giethoorn.
Although the trip requires some planning, a visit to Giethoorn- especially a canal cruise- is an unforgettable experience. Whether by car or public transport, this charming water village is worth the journey! For the latest travel information, check out the official Giethoorn website.
Things to Do in Giethoorn
The main attraction in Giethoorn is simply to experience the village’s beauty, but there are plenty of things to do to make a visit more memorable.
1. Go on a boat cruise
- Rent a whisper boat and navigate the canals at your own pace.
- Join a guided canal tour to learn about the village’s history and culture
- Take a covered boat tour, which is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.
2. Visit Local Museums
- ‘t Olde Maat Uus Museum – A small museum showcasing the history and traditions of Giethoorn.
- De Oude Aarde – A museum featuring an impressive collection of gemstones and fossils.
3. Enjoy Local Cuisine
- Stop by a canal-side café for traditional Dutch pancakes or fresh seafood.
- Visit the Dutch cheese shop for a taste of local specialties.
- Enjoy a picnic along the canal for a more relaxed experience.
4. Walk Around and Take Pictures
brown and white house near lake during daytime. Photo Credit – Tamar Gogua
- Explore the picturesque bridges, gardens, and cottages on foot.
- Visit local artisan shops and support small businesses.
5. Stay Overnight in Giethoorn
- You can even spend the night in Giethoorn, for average prices that are normal in the Netherlands. There are hotels, campsites, hostels, and camper pitches available for visitors who want to stay longer and experience the village in the early morning or late evening when the crowds are gone.
Important Visitor Etiquette
Visitors to Giethoorn should be mindful of the local etiquette to help maintain the village’s peaceful atmosphere. Signs are posted throughout the area, and it is important to respect them. If a sign says “Private, do not enter,” it means exactly that, so staying out is expected. Bridges with chains or gates should not be crossed, as they indicate restricted access. Keeping the noise down is also important, as many of the houses are permanently occupied by residents who appreciate the quiet. After all, there’s no need for loud voices or shouting enjoying the natural sounds of birds and water splashing against the boats is part of the charm.
