Escape the bustling city streets and gain an entirely fresh perspective of the Netherlands as you explore the tiny Dutch village of roadless Giethoorn. Famous for its maze of canals and wooden footbridges connecting the mass of lands, this charming village offers a dreamlike holiday for both seasoned and first-time visitors to the province of Overijssel. From its lush nature preserves and historic museums to the quiet neighborhood that is surrounded by colorful gardens, you will never have boring days even with its slow-paced lifestyle. Here is a pick of the best things to do in Giethoorn, the Netherlands, to add to your itinerary on your visit to The Land of Tulips.
1. Enjoy sunset boating in the water village of Weerribben Giethoorn
Catch the magical golden hour, which happens shortly before sunset. It looks ethereally beautiful in pictures, much more so when you are in a water village such as Weerribben Giethoorn. This nature-park-slash-village is such an interesting scenery to explore. You don’t just get to walk, jog, or bike here, but also languidly cruise through its waterways as you explore the community filled with historic thatched-roof residences. Boating with a special someone at Weerribben Giethoorn as the sun sets also makes for a romantic escapade. Access is free, although boat rentals come with a fee.
Weerribben Giethoorn
Address: Beulakerweg 56, 8655 AJ Giethoorn, Netherlands
Website: Weerribben Giethoorn
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Engage in a fun laser game at Histomobil
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Histomobil is your family’s perfect day-out destination. It offers fun indoor and outdoor activities, such as laser games, glowing golf, escape room, and paintball. If you want the mentally stimulating effect of solving riddles, puzzles, and mysteries, take any of the escape rooms. If the kids crave a physically exhilarating combative game, engage in an exciting laser game. If you are curious how blacklights-laden golf is played, then Histomobil’s epic glowing golf is your game. If none of those action-packed venture suits your preference, you can always sit back and relax on a boat ride at Histomobil. Prices depend on your choice of activity.
Histomobil
Address: Cornelisgracht 42, 8355 CH Giethoorn, Netherlands
Website: Histomobil
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 1pm - 6pm; Sat: 1pm - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: From 12 EUR (14 USD)
3. Say your prayers at the beautiful Stg. Beh. Bez. Doopsgezinde Gemeente Giethoorn
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Light up a candle or two at a historic Giethoorn church. Praying in an idyllic location like Stg. Beh. Bez. Doopsgezinde Gemeente Giethoorn, an old church surrounded by grassy fields and waterways, leaves a profound effect on people. Spend quiet hours in this quaint church, sit with your thoughts, and connect to the universe. Your vacation should also be mentally and spiritually refreshing, and this serenely beautiful place might just be the refuge for your troubling thoughts.
Stg. Beh. Bez. Doopsgezinde Gemeente Giethoorn
Address: Binnenpad 50, 8355 BT Giethoorn, The Netherlands
Website: Stg. Beh. Bez. Doopsgezinde Gemeente Giethoorn
Price: Free
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4. Have a romantic dinner at the multi-awarded De Lindenhof
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Restaurant de Lindenhof on Friday, May 23, 2014
Dine at the multi-awarded De Lindenhof in Giethoorn. This restaurant has received the coveted 2 Michelin stars since 2005 and has been awarded 18 out of 20 points by the prestigious restaurant critic, GaultMillau. It features exquisite sleeping accommodations as well, great for overnight stayers. If you’re looking for that perfect anniversary destination, search no further. Unlike upscale restaurants, De Lindenhof exudes that quaint, rustic charm and heartwarming ambiance you can’t resist. Here, you will feel comfortable and, of course, full in the stomach every day of your stay.
De Lindenhof
Address: Beulakerweg 77, 8355 AC Giethoorn, Netherlands
Website: De Lindenhof
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
5. Get active and paddle through De Weerribben-Wieden National Park
Get your arms ready for some long hours of paddling as you explore the waterways of the endearing Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Well, you always have the choice to choose electric boats. However, if you want a taste of Giethoorn’s boating life as well as remain physically active and fit, then you can paddle half-way through the park. Its 100-sq km (39-sq mi) area is filled with canals, lakes, and ponds combined with wetlands, forests, and reed beds. You will never run out of ways to paddle through in this national park, considered the largest bog in Northwestern Europe.
De Weerribben-Wieden National Park
Address: Weerribben, 8302 KW Emmeloord, Netherlands
Website: De Weerribben-Wieden National Park
6. Treat your dog to a gelato at the lovely La Piccola Venezia Restaurant
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Are you in need of a quick pasta fix? Head on to this popular Italian-inspired restaurant, La Piccola Venezia. Once you tasted its spaghetti or lasagna, you will keep coming back for more. Besides the sumptuous food, guests love its staff friendliness, serene ambiance fronting a waterway, and above all, its dog-friendly policy. La Piccola Venezia Restaurant maintains a diverse selection of meals and snacks, including wraps and desserts, either for takeaway or dine-in. For dessert, tiramisu or gelato for share with your husky would be lovely.
La Piccola Venezia Restaurant
Address: Binnenpad 1B, 8355 BP Giethoorn, Netherlands
Opening hours: 12pm - 9:30pm (daily)
7. Cruise along the waterways and see Giethoorn's best sights
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With almost no cars to pollute this little piece of heaven, a boat ride tour is no doubt, the best way to experience everything Giethoorn has to offer. Famously known as the ‘Venice of the North’, start your day of exploring this enchanting town by enjoying a scenic boat ride along the beautiful canals of the village that usually takes an hour or two. Expect a panoramic journey as you glide along the waterways serving as thoroughfares between centuries-old thatched-roof houses, quaint buildings, and nature parks. Jammed waterways is an obvious scene when tourists are out during the peak season, but be sure to look for the small yet postcard-worthy footbridges to snap some pictures before or after the boat pass under it.
Giethoorn and Flevoland Day Tour from Amsterdam (Small Group) - Klook Philippines
Duration: 8hrsDuration
8. Explore the tranquil village of Giethoorn (from USD 84.45)
Explore Giethoorn your way and indulge in its incredibly tranquil atmosphere that is oozing with calmness at any time of the day. Take selfies with thatched roof cottages, luscious gardens, and polite locals as you leisurely walk on the wooden footbridges and the car-less road early in the morning. Enjoy a smooth boat ride and grab a sumptuous lunch in a nice restaurant by the riverside offering picturesque views of the canals with ducks in the water. Before the day ends, rent a bike to enjoy the fresh air touching your face as you visit some of the unique museums to have a deeper learning about this Dutch village.
Giethoorn and Enclosing Dike Day Tour Philippines
Duration: 9hrsDuration
9. Focus on history at Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus
Step back in time and see how life used to be in Giethoorn as you wander inside this museum located in an original historic farmhouse. Get to see how the inhabitants from a hundred years ago, cut out and dried peat for fuel or build punts, to survive in this water-rich village. Take advantage of the personal tour from some volunteers or take the multi-language audio tour for free to learn more about the past, before or after watching the film about Giethoorn. Don’t forget to drop by in the self-service coffee corner to experience the authentic atmosphere of the museum farm while drinking a cup of hot coffee or tea that you can also access free of charge.
Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus
Address: Binnenpad 52, 8355 BT Giethoorn, Netherlands
Website: Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus
Opening hours: Sat - Mon: 11am - 5pm (closed on Tue - Fri)
Price: 7.28 USD (6.50 EUR)
10. Explore a shell gallery at Museum Gloria Maris
Nog even.....
Posted by Gloria Maris Schelpen & Sieradengalerie on Thursday, 7 March 2019
Take time to visit this lovely museum located in the center of Giethoorn to see the beauty of the products made from the natural water resources. Drop by the annually changing exhibits to learn a thing or two about Giethoorn, the underwater world, the handling of products that can be found around the museum, and the rarest and most precious shells in the world, the Gloria Maris. Spoil yourself while admiring the unique collection of jewelry made from pearls, red corals, and seashells that come in different colors and shapes. Find a nice gift for that special someone or for your friends back home among the unique items in the gift shop that varies from fashion clothing to decorative items, and accessories inspired from the sea.
Museum Gloria Maris
Address: Binnenpad 115, 8355 BV Giethoorn, Netherlands
Website: Museum Gloria Maris
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Be one with nature at De Weerribben-Wieden National Park (from USD 311.0)
Go the extra mile and have a peaceful dose of nature in this national park located just a stone throw away from the village of Giethoorn. It is a quiet place away from loads of tourists and jammed waterways. Consisting of two areas, De Weerribben and De Wieden, you will surely have a day surrounded by a wide variety of flora and fauna, including otter, black tern, and meadows full of flowers. To reach the park, visit one of the three visitor centers, where you can join a boat trip that usually departs daily from April to October. Don’t forget to have some protection from the scorching heat of the sun and bring something to eat and drink to truly enjoy your nature trip with kids.
Private Sightseeing Tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam
Duration: 6 hours
12. Explore the ancient minerals at De Oude Aarde Museum
De Oude Aarde, 7 dagen in de week geopend! #deoudeaarde #giethoorn #voorjaarsvakantie
Posted by De Oude Aarde Giethoorn on Monday, 29 February 2016
Surround yourself with precious gemstones, jewelry, and fossil minerals in this unique museum dedicated to showcasing the beautiful and natural treasures from all around the world. Embark on a fascinating journey while touring around the scarcely lit exhibit of raw and polished stones and decorative pieces that come in wonderful shapes, illuminating colors, and different sizes. Experience opening a Mexican crystal ball that will reveal beautiful smaller crystals after cracking it with a special pair of pliers that even kids will surely enjoy. Make sure to drop by the store that is arranged not just for an extended museum, but also a place where you can buy souvenirs or gifts available from expensive gems to budget ornamental stones.
De Oude Aarde Museum
Address: Binnenpad 43, 8355 BR Giethoorn, Netherlands
Website: De Oude Aarde Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon - Tue)
Price: 4.37 USD (3.90 EUR)
Escape to the calming paradise of Giethoorn
Have a relaxing and picturesque bonding moment with your favorite people in this little Dutch village, which is just about an hour and a half drive from Amsterdam. Get to see those Instagram-worthy spots that can be easily reached, whether you’re wandering by a boat ride with a group, paddling a canoe by yourself, or taking the wooden bridges for a leisurely walk. Be impressed by the idyllic and serene beauty of this Little Venice as you discover the best things to do in Giethoorn, Netherlands, that will surely let you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
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