Which tourist services are available in Giethoorn?
On Giethoorn.com you find a complete overview of what you can do in and around the village: a clear offer, with local partners, centred on the water and the nature. Boating is central. The old centre is low-traffic and you see the village best from the water, along canals, wooden bridges and reed edges. We also help you with activities, eating & drinking and accommodation, so that you put your day trip or weekend together as one plan.
Which kinds of boat tour are there in Giethoorn?
Roughly, you choose from three ways of “boating in Giethoorn”, each with its own level of comfort and freedom:
- Boat tour with a skipper/guide: you step on, sit back and get commentary along the way. Handy if you want to see a lot in a short time or like to hear about the village and the surroundings.
- Sailing yourselves in a whisper boat: the classic for those who want to sail quietly and silently through the canals. Whisper boats are electric and suit the peaceful character of Giethoorn.
- More active boating, such as canoeing: especially good if you want to get into nature, for example towards Weerribben-Wieden National Park. In a canoe you reach quiet spots with mainly reeds, water and birdsong.
Want to see availability straight away? In our booking system you compare and reserve boats: Reserve your boat here.
What does a boat trip in Giethoorn cost?
The price of a boat trip depends mainly on the type of boat (whisper boat, sloop (electric boat), canoe), the duration (short or a long trip), the party (the two of you or a family/group) and whether you choose to sail yourselves or take an organised boat tour. With a boat tour with a skipper/guide, guidance and route are taken care of. Sailing yourselves gives more freedom, but then you navigate yourselves and have to allow for crowds and mooring spots.
The offer and seasonal prices can vary, so current prices and availability are in our reservation module. There you see straight away what it costs for your date and duration, without having to call. Tip: on busy days (weekends, holidays) you have more choice if you reserve early.
Which hotels offer special packages for visitors to Giethoorn?
For accommodation you can turn to us for hotels, apartments and other types of stay, if you want to stay an extra day in Giethoorn. With a package everything fits together: overnight stay, boating and, if you like, extras such as a route or activity.
The packages are on our packages site, with options for different groups (couples, families, companies) and variants such as interactive games or workshops. You can also book there straight away: View packages.
Why would I use tourist services in Giethoorn?
You can visit Giethoorn on the spur of the moment, but you get more out of it if you make the main choices in advance: how will you sail, when, and will you combine it with dining and an overnight stay? A boat tour, rental boat or package mainly gives you peace of mind and certainty.
What are the advantages of an organised tour in Giethoorn?
On an organised boat tour you do not have to think about the route, mooring rules or where it is busy. You step on and sail along. If you have little time, or are travelling with grandparents or children, that is often the most relaxed option.
How can a guide enrich my visit to Giethoorn?
Giethoorn has a story too. The village came into being through peat extraction: where peat was dug, ponds and waterways appeared, which were later connected into the canals of today. A guide or skipper tells you such things along the way: why the centre is low-traffic, what you see in the little bridges and waterways, and how Giethoorn grew from a farming community into an international destination.
What do local providers in Giethoorn offer?
We put guests in touch with local businesses. That means that with us you can combine sailing through the village with the nature of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, choose an activity on the water or book a package for your family, group of friends or team.
Which tourist services suit my wishes?
What suits depends on your party, your pace and what you want to do.
Which boat tour suits a family with children?
- Choose ease: a boat tour with a skipper/guide is often the most relaxed, because you do not have to steer and keep an eye on the children at the same time.
- Choose quiet: if you want to sail yourselves, a whisper boat is the obvious choice, because it is silent and sails gently.
- Keep it short: choose a manageable duration and then plan a break on shore (walking along canals and little bridges often goes well).
Look in advance at what is available on your day and reserve straight away through all the boats.
What are the options for a romantic weekend in Giethoorn?
- Go for quiet and atmosphere: sailing yourselves in a whisper boat gives you privacy and a gentle pace through the canals.
- Combine village & nature: Giethoorn lies right next to Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a watery area with reed beds and lakes. A longer trip, or some canoeing as well, makes the weekend a little different.
- Book a package: then overnight stay and activities are arranged in one go. Start with our packages.
How do I choose the right accommodation in Giethoorn?
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do you mainly want to sail or mainly want peace and quiet? If boating is central, a stay close to the canals is handy. If you are looking for quiet, a place towards the nature reserve is often pleasant.
- Do you want hotel comfort or more space? A hotel is easy if you want service; an apartment or another type of stay suits better if you stay longer or want more privacy.
- Do you want to arrange everything in one go? Then choose a package, so that overnight stay and activities fit together.
Next step: decide whether you want a day trip or a weekend, choose how you want to sail and reserve in good time. You reserve boats through our boat reservation; for complete weekend and group options start with our packages.
Conclusion
In Giethoorn you choose from boat tours with a skipper/guide, sailing yourselves in a whisper boat or getting onto the water actively, for example by canoe towards Weerribben-Wieden. The costs depend on boat type, duration and season; you see them fastest in our current availability. If you want to make it easy for yourself, choose a package with an overnight stay and activities. Want to orient yourself further? Read the overview article: Where do you find reliable information about Giethoorn? and then plan your boat or package.
