Would you rather be surprised and simply see where you end up? Then you do not need to read any further.
Where is Giethoorn?
Giethoorn is in the Netherlands in the province of Overijssel, well over thirty kilometres from Zwolle, the provincial capital. The municipality of Steenwijkerland, to which Giethoorn belongs, covers a large part of the ‘kop van Overijssel’, as this part of the province is also called.
Want to know how best to get to Giethoorn? Then read this article.
Weerribben-Wieden National Park
If you look at the map, you see straight away that Giethoorn lies in the middle of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. This area used to consist of two separate areas: the Weerribben and the Wieden, as it is still shown on many maps.
The similarity is also immediately clear: in both areas water dominates. Combined, the area consists of more than 10,000 hectares of continuous low-lying peat marshland. It consists of lakes, ditches and ponds, alternating with reed fields and hay meadows and a variety of characteristic plant and animal species.
In the area you can take boat trips, accompanied by a guide or in a whisper boat. You can also explore large parts of the area by canoe. You then reach spots where all you hear is the swaying of the reeds and birdsong.
Cycling around Giethoorn
You can also explore this nature reserve, in which Giethoorn lies, perfectly well by bike. While cycling you come to very different spots. If you want to know more about the area, you can visit the visitor centres of the Weerribben-Wieden nature reserve. In the original part, De Wieden, there are pleasant villages such as Wanneperveen, Vollenhove, Sint-Jansklooster and Belt-Schutsloot. In the other part, the Weerribben, are the villages of Oldemarkt, Ossenzijl and Kalenberg. Plan your cycling route via junctions here. The E-Chopper is also a fun option for exploring the area. With it you cruise silently through the Weerribben Wieden area.
Forests near Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a true water village, but it is also conveniently placed between a few attractive forest reserves. The Woldberg, Landgoed De Eese and Holtingherveld are good for walking and cycling. If you are staying in Giethoorn for a midweek, a week or longer, a bike ride in this area is a good tip. Bring your own bikes or rent a bike. The many existing routes take you past the attractive spots in the area. You can of course also plan a cycling route yourself or combine several.
There are also well-signposted walking routes. In the forests clear routes have been marked out and from the station in Steenwijk you can also walk the NS walk Woldberg, with a choice of three distances.
Days out in the region
There is always something new to do in the region, whether you are looking for an adrenaline kick, relaxation in nature or cultural events.
Waterloopbos (Marknesse, about 16 km)
In the Waterloopbos in the Noordoostpolder you walk past more than thirty hydraulic engineering models that were once built here for research. More about the Waterloopbos
Korenmolen Sterrenberg (Nijeveen, about 13 km)
An octagonal smock mill from 1786, rebuilt in Nijeveen in 1977 and fitted out as a corn mill. In the mill shop, flour ground on site is sold. More about Korenmolen Sterrenberg
Pantropica, formerly Orchideeën Hoeve (Luttelgeest, about 25 km)
The former Orchideeën Hoeve has been called Pantropica since 2024: a covered tropical world with jungle, butterfly garden and indoor playground. More about Pantropica
Taman Indonesia animal park (Kallenkote, about 16 km)
A small zoo where you get to know Indonesia, with animals, flora, Indonesian-Dutch culture and food. More about Taman Indonesia
Villa and Park Rams Woerthe (Steenwijk, about 10 km)
An art nouveau villa in Rams Woerthe park in Steenwijk, managed by Hendrick de Keyser Monumenten and open to visit as a museum. More about Villa Rams Woerthe
Visitor centre De Wieden (Sint Jansklooster, about 10 km)
From the Natuurmonumenten visitor centre you join a guide on a boat excursion, or explore this part of Weerribben-Wieden National Park by bike, on foot or by canoe. More about De Wieden
Giethoorn practicalities
At the tourist information in Giethoorn you can get information, plans and maps of Giethoorn and the surrounding area. The small building is within walking distance of the bus stop and also near a large central car park. Near the tourist information is also the only supermarket in Giethoorn (the Plus).
