Giethoorn has about 2,400 inhabitants and about 1,100 houses. There are some 500-600 boats and 167 bridges here. The residents live along the waterways and use boats for their daily activities, which is why Giethoorn is also known as the “Venice of the Netherlands.”
Explore Giethoorn by boat
Tourists can rent a boat and sail through Giethoorn. Three types of boat are available for hire. You can rent an electric whisper boat and steer it yourself. Canoeing or kayaking is also an option. More traditional is a punter (traditional wooden boat), where you push the boat along with a pole, without a motor.
Fossils and minerals at De Oude Aarde
Museum De Oude Aarde in Giethoorn has a collection of minerals, gemstones and fossils. The museum also has a replica of a giant amethyst geode.
The exhibitions suit children and adults and are about geology and the earth. That is especially interesting for anyone who likes science and nature.
Exploring Giethoorn on foot or by bike
You can explore Giethoorn and the surroundings both on foot and by bike. We offer bike hire for part of a day, a whole day or several days. With a rental bike you reach the area faster. Within an hour you are in places such as Kalenberg, Wanneperveen and Dwarsgracht, with the peace that Giethoorn used to have as well. The cycle path is clearly marked with white and green signs, so getting lost is hard.
Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus
Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus is a museum about the history and culture of Giethoorn. The museum is in a historic building and shows scenes from the past, including old farmhouse kitchens and traditional living rooms.
You can also learn more there about local crafts, the peat industry and transport by punter. The museum also tells about the peat landscape and the local flora and fauna.
Dining at one of the canal restaurants
You can picnic by the water or eat in one of the restaurants in Giethoorn. Book in advance, especially in high season, to avoid long waits. There are options for every budget.
For anyone who wants to taste specific Dutch dishes, there are restaurants such as Restaurant De Grachthof and Restaurant 141. Fish lovers can go to Vishandel Gerrits en De Boer. If you fancy a small snack instead, you can go to De Geythorn.
