Passengers in a tour boat sailing past thatched farmhouses and a wooden bridge in Giethoorn

Boating

Where can I book a boat tour in Giethoorn?

With us you can easily book a boat tour in Giethoorn, the Venice of the North. Through Giethoorn.com you choose from a classic 1-hour village tour, a 2-hour nature trip through Weerribben-Wieden National Park or a private boat tour per boat. You book online per person or per boat, and your boarding point and practical information arrive by email straight away. For each topic you can click through to an article with more details.

What exactly does a boat tour in Giethoorn involve?

A boat tour shows you the main sights of Giethoorn in a short time. You sail in a covered boat with windows that can be opened in good weather. The skipper takes you along the village canals, past bridges and thatched farmhouses, and across Lake Bovenwiede. Depending on the tour, you even sail into the Weerribben-Wieden nature reserve. Boat tours last 1 to 2 hours on average and suit all ages, including people with limited mobility. Pets are welcome and you do not have to steer yourself. Read the complete overview of boat tours in Giethoorn

Which boat tours and packages are available?

With us you can choose from several boat tour packages. The standard 1-hour village tour goes through the historic centre and across the lake. The 2-hour Giethoorn & Weerribben-Wieden tour takes in both the village and the nature reserve. If you want to sail only with your own party, you book a private boat tour per boat. View all boat tour options

Visitors in a punter being poled along a canal in Giethoorn
Sailing along the canals of Giethoorn.

In which situations do people choose a boat tour?

Visitors often choose a boat tour when they visit Giethoorn for the first time or have little time but still want to see everything. Families with children, seniors and groups often choose it because you sit dry in a covered boat, the skipper tells you about the village and you do not have to sail yourself. Nature lovers like to book the 2-hour nature trip. And if you plan to hire a boat yourself later, a boat tour already gives you a good picture of the village. Read why others choose a boat tour

What does a boat tour look like in practice?

After your online booking you receive the exact boarding point and time by email. On site you step aboard and find a seat. The skipper welcomes you, briefly explains the route and then sails through the canals, under bridges and across the lake. Along the way he tells you about the history, the sights and the nature. Read the complete step-by-step guide to a boat tour

Wide waterway with farms on the water near Giethoorn
Outside the village the water opens up towards the surrounding landscape.

Where and how do you book a boat tour in Giethoorn?

The easiest way to book a boat tour is through our online booking page. There you choose the type of tour, date, time and number of people. After payment you receive a confirmation straight away with all the details, including the exact departure point in Giethoorn. Because we work with a network of local boat operators, there is always a suitable boarding location, whether you come alone, with your family or with a group. Groups of 10 or more can request a tailor-made boat tour via the form, with a stop in the centre or extras. Find all the information you need to book your boat tour

How do you book your boat tour step by step?

First decide which type of tour suits you: a short introduction, a longer trip into nature, an all-in-one or a private tour. Then choose a time slot online and enter the details of your party. Once you have paid, you receive your ticket, the boarding location and practical tips by email, such as arrival time, parking options and what to bring. If you book early, you are sure of a place, and that matters most at weekends and in the holidays. Get started with your booking

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Giethoorn from the water

See all the ways to get out on the water: boat tours, whisper boats, sloops (electric boats) and punters (traditional wooden boats).

Go to Boating in Giethoorn

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of boat tours can I book through Giethoorn.com?

You can choose the classic 1-hour village tour, past the historic centre and across the lake, or the 2-hour nature trip through Weerribben-Wieden National Park. If you want to sail only with your own party, you book a private boat tour per boat. You book all these tours in Giethoorn, the ‘Venice of the North’, directly online, and you receive the practical information by email.

How do I book a boat tour with Giethoorn.com?

Booking is done entirely online. On our booking page you choose the type of tour, the date, the time and the number of people. After payment you receive a confirmation by email straight away, with your ticket, the exact boarding point in Giethoorn and tips for your visit, such as arrival time and parking options. Because we work with an extensive network of local boat operators, we guarantee every traveller a suitable boarding location, whether you come alone, with family or in a group.

What can I expect during a boat tour through Giethoorn?

You sail in a covered boat with windows that can be opened in good weather. The experienced skipper takes you along the village canals, under the wooden bridges and across Lake Bovenwiede, and tells you about the history, the sights and the nature around Giethoorn along the way. The tours suit all ages, including guests with limited mobility, and pets are welcome. You do not have to sail yourself, so you can simply look around.

Which sights and nature areas can I see during a boat tour in Giethoorn?

The route goes through the village canals, under the wooden bridges and past the traditional thatched farmhouses. After that you sail across Lake Bovenwiede, with calm water and wide views. Depending on the tour, you also sail through parts of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a peat landscape with plenty of plants and wildlife.

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