Punter
The traditional means of transport in Giethoorn. A punter has no motor: you push the boat forward with a long punting pole. This way you sail the old-fashioned way along the little canals and under the bridges.
Broer Botenverhuur
punters and sailing punters on the Binnenpad
Broer Botenverhuur is on the Binnenpad in the centre of Giethoorn and is the second location of Recreatiebedrijf Geythorn. The large black boat shed holds wooden punters (traditional wooden boats) and sailing punters, and you can also hire whisper boats, canoes and kayaks.
Punters, sailing punters and whisper boats
For centuries the punter was the means of transport in Giethoorn. At Broer you step into such a traditional wooden boat and punt yourself along the little canals and under the bridges. If you want to sail, you hire a sailing punter: via post 2 and the Smitsvaart you sail straight from the boat shed onto the lake to hoist the sails. For anyone who prefers to sail quietly and without a punting pole, there are whisper boats.
- Punter for up to 6 people
- Sailing punter for up to 4 people
- Sailing punter with electric motor, also as a luxury version with cushions
- Whisper boat for up to 4 or 7 people
- Canadian canoe for 2 or 3 people and kayak for 1 person
- No boating licence needed
At Broer Botenverhuur you can go punting, sail in a sailing punter, hire a whisper boat and go canoeing or kayaking.
You can eat and drink 200 metres further on at the snack bar and restaurant of Recreatiebedrijf Geythorn, at Binnenpad 42.
The Broer boats
The punters and sailing punters are made of wood. Together with Geythorn, Broer has a fleet of 22 punters. There are also whisper boats, canoes and kayaks.
Sailing punter
You punt through the village, and on the Bovenwijde you hoist the sail. This boat has no motor either. Via post 2 and the Smitsvaart you are straight onto the lake from the boat shed.
Sailing punter with electric motor
A sailing punter with an electric motor, so you sail quietly through the village and can sail on the large lakes. There is also a luxury version with cushions, which can be extended with a jib.
Whisper boat
A stable boat with a flat bottom and a quiet electric motor, easy to steer. There are a small and a large version. On a full battery you can sail for about eight hours.
Canoe and kayak
A Canadian canoe for 2 or 3 people or a kayak for 1 person, to explore the village or the nature reserve by paddle. You hire them by the day or for several days.
How it works
Instructions, route map and extras
Before you set off you always get an explanation of the boat and the route, and you are given a route map. With it you sail through the village, across the Bovenwijde or towards the De Wieden nature reserve. Along the way you can moor at a terrace, a restaurant or a museum.
If you reserve online, check the address on your reservation: Geythorn hires out boats from two places on the Binnenpad, Broer at number 16 and Geythorn at number 42. The water is about one metre deep and children without a swimming certificate always get a life jacket. A pram or buggy fits in the boat.
- Food and drinks can be added to your boat booking
- Life jackets and a cushion set for hire
- Punters, sailing punters, canoes and kayaks also for several days, on request
How to find Broer Botenverhuur
Broer is in the pedestrian zone of the Binnenpad. You cannot drive right up to the door; you park at the start of the Binnenpad and walk the last stretch.
From the direction of Steenwijk
Follow the Beulakerweg (N334) past the Giethoorn-Noord turning and after about a kilometre take the Giethoorn-Middenbuurt turning (de Deukten). At the end turn right onto the narrow Kerkweg and drive slowly to the end, where there is a wooden bridge one metre wide. The large car park is on the right. Walk back to the bridge, cross it and follow the Binnenpad; after about 50 metres you will see the large black boat shed on the right.
From the centre
Walk along the Ds. Hylkemaweg to behind the church, cross the footbridge and walk round the church. Go over the high bridge and follow the village canal. After the second high bridge you first pass Recreatiebedrijf Geythorn at number 42. Walk on for another 200 metres or so, past museum De Oude Aarde on the other side of the water; then you will see Broer on the left.
If you come by bike, you can leave it at Broer and at Geythorn. Geythorn is also an official ANWB charging point for electric bikes.
Practical information
- AddressBinnenpad 16, 8355 BR Giethoorn, in the large black boat shed
- Main locationRecreatiebedrijf Geythorn, Binnenpad 42, 0521 36 19 54, with sloops, snack bar and restaurant
- Parkingcar park at Binnenpad 14, 8355 BP, about 50 metres’ walk
- To the lakevia post 2 and the Smitsvaart straight onto the Bovenwijde
- Reservationsyou can reserve in advance; for questions and multi-day hire call 0521 36 13 37
- Childrenlife jacket for children without a swimming certificate; a pram or buggy can come in the boat
Frequently asked questions about Broer Botenverhuur
Do you need a boating licence at Broer Botenverhuur?
No. You do not need a boating licence for any of the boats at Broer Botenverhuur. Before you set off you get an explanation of the boat and the route, and you are given a route map.
How do you sail a punter?
A punter has no motor. You push the boat forward with a long wooden punting pole, which you place on the bottom. The water is about one metre deep. If you want to stop for a moment, you plant the pole on the bottom and hold on to it.
Can you also sail at Broer?
Yes. With a sailing punter you punt through the village and sail on the Bovenwijde. From the boat shed you sail via post 2 and the Smitsvaart straight onto the lake. There is also a sailing punter with an electric motor, also as a luxury version with cushions.
How do you get to Broer Botenverhuur?
Park in the car park at Binnenpad 14 (8355 BP). Walk back to the wooden bridge by the village canal, cross it and follow the Binnenpad. After about 50 metres you will see a large black boat shed on the right: that is Broer Botenverhuur.
What is the difference between Broer and Recreatiebedrijf Geythorn?
Broer Botenverhuur is the second location of Recreatiebedrijf Geythorn. At Broer you find the punters and sailing punters; at Geythorn, 200 metres further on at Binnenpad 42, you find the sloops and the snack bar with restaurant. Your reservation shows which location your boat is waiting at.
Is a punter or whisper boat suitable for children?
Yes. The canals are shallow and children without a swimming certificate always get a life jacket. A pram or buggy fits in the boat.
Can you cancel a reservation?
Cancelling follows the terms of the rental company. If you have questions about your reservation, call Broer Botenverhuur on 0521 36 13 37.