Where do I find information about the nature around Giethoorn?
Giethoorn lies in the middle of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest low-lying peat marsh in Western Europe. The landscape was created by peat extraction and is a maze of lakes, ditches, reed beds and marsh woodland. You can sail, walk and cycle there.
You can read more about the area, the plants and animals and the routes on our page about Weerribben-Wieden National Park. It also has practical tips for exploring the nature reserve yourself.
Which museums are there in Giethoorn and where can I learn more?
Giethoorn has several museums about the culture and history of the village. They tell you about life in the past, the old crafts and the geology of the region. For example, you can see the inside of an old farmhouse or view collections of minerals and fossils.
You will find an overview of all the museums, with what you can expect there, on our information page Museums in Giethoorn.
How do I discover the history and heritage of Giethoorn?
You see the history of Giethoorn everywhere. The village was shaped by peat diggers who cut peat and so turned the landscape into a watery area. The farmhouses on small islands, the many little wooden bridges and the traditional punters (traditional wooden boats) are all part of that heritage. If you want to know how Giethoorn became the ‘Venice of the North’, it helps to know that history.
Read the full story of the origin and development of the village on our page about the history of Giethoorn.
Overview: the source of information per topic
Nature and landscape
- Short description: Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a large watery nature reserve.
- Where do I find more information? Page ‘Weerribben-Wieden National Park’
Museums and culture
- Short description: Various museums about local history, old crafts and nature.
- Where do I find more information? Page ‘Museums in Giethoorn’
History and heritage
- Short description: The story of how Giethoorn came into being through peat extraction.
- Where do I find more information? Page ‘History of Giethoorn’
Where can I go for personal advice?
Do you have more questions or want personal advice from someone who knows the village? Then come to our information point in the centre of Giethoorn. We have known the area since 2001 and will gladly help you.
- Address: Nering 10, Giethoorn
- Telephone: +31 521 360 099
- Email: [email protected]
- Availability: Reachable daily
- Languages: Dutch, English and German
