1. Take Photos of the Thatched-Roof Farmhouses

It’s not every day you see houses with thatched roofs. In Giethoorn, these houses are even more magical because they sit on pieces of greenery floating above water connected by bridges – it truly feels like a village from a fairy tale. As you navigate through the village, you can enjoy the beautiful houses and farms along the way. After every bridge, you’ll encounter a new gem. If you want to capture one of these gems in a photo, it’s advisable to go out before or after the crowds. During holidays, it can get busy, and you may have to wait a bit before snapping that Instagram-worthy picture. If you’re here during the summer vacation, try to wake up early and go out. You’ll see few people and have the village all to yourself! And don’t forget to post the photos on social media and tag Giethoorn.com 

2. Visit the Museums

Really, no one ever talks about the museums in the village, but there are a few museums worth exploring here. First, there’s Het Olde Maat Uus, a traditional museum in a farmhouse that tells the story of the village. Here, you can see what life was like in the village in the 20th century. Another museum you can visit is the Museum de Oude Aarde. Even if you’re not a fan of gemstones and minerals, seeing these shiny objects will take your breath away. Finally, the Schelpengalerie Gloria Maris is another museum you should explore from the inside. Here, you’ll find shells of all sizes, corals, and much more. You’ll see the beautiful treasures of the ocean here. More information about the museums can be found here.

3. Rent an E-Chopper

If you want an unforgettable experience, be sure to rent an electric scooter. An electric scooter or E-chopper is a scooter with fat tires and a great look and feel.

You can rent a chopper for half a day, a few hours or a full day, and with these scooters, you can explore the small villages near Giethoorn. Think of Sint-Jansklooster, Blokzijl, Kalenberg, and Steenwijk.

4. Eat and Drink by the Canals

One of the best things you can do in the village is to eat and drink at one of the restaurants by the canal. The canals in the village are lined with cafes and restaurants with spacious terraces where people can spend their time.

This is a great place to relax and enjoy one of the many dishes available at each restaurant. Restaurant de Grachthof & Restaurant 141 are examples of restaurants along the village canal.

5. Go Picnicking

If you think the only activity you can do in Giethoorn is to take a boat through the village, you’re mistaken. An option is to have a picnic in the village. When you have little money to spend, this can be a smart solution to save money.

You can pack a picnic bag yourself or order one from places like Restaurant De Rietstulp or Restaurant De Fanfare. Additionally, you can visit the supermarket in the village. Besides a picnic, you can also order a High Tea to take away.

6. Go Hiking

You can go for a nice walk in the village. If you want a more adventurous activity, take the Giethoorn Hiking Route, which is 15.3 km long. The starting point is at Eendrachtsplein, and from there, you just need to follow the green route. You can extend the route by 2.1 km if you wish by following the red route. Additionally, you can find various hiking routes in the Giethoorn.com app.