P1 Purple
Car park on the Zuideinde, at the departure point of the boat tours.
Parking in Giethoorn
all car parks by zone
The centre of Giethoorn is car-free. You park at the edge, in one of the areas of the parking route, almost always at a local business. Book your boat trip in advance and you know for certain there is a place on the water for you, and you are told straight away where to park closest.
Three zones, numbered areas, and almost everywhere a business on the water.
How the parking route works
Along the Beulakerweg (N334) there are signs reading “P-route Giethoorn”. They divide the village into three zones: South (purple), Centre (green) and Middle (yellow). Each zone has numbered areas: P1, P2 and so on. You choose the zone where your destination is and park at the number on the sign.
Coming from the south, from Zwolle or Meppel, you enter Zone South first. Coming from Steenwijk, you first drive through the north of the village (Noordeinde), which is not part of the P-route, and then reach Zone Middle. Zone Centre lies between Middle and South, around the Dorpsgracht. Prefer to come without a car? See public transport to Giethoorn.
- Follow the P-route. On the Beulakerweg the blue signs point to the three zones.
- Choose your zone. Know which rental company or restaurant you are heading for? Below you can see at which area you park.
- Park at your activity. You step out of the car right where your boat, table or room is waiting.
Car parks
All car parks of the P-route
For each zone you see the areas and the businesses you reach from there. Click a name for that business’s page, including the booking option.
Zone South (purple sign)
Zone South
Zone South runs along the Beulakerweg on the southern side of the village. Coming from Zwolle or Meppel, this is the first zone you reach. The areas are located at the businesses themselves.
P2 Purple
Car park at Smit Giethoorn, right on the water.
P3 Purple
Second car park at Smit Giethoorn.
P4 Purple
Car park at De Witte Hoeve, which belongs to De Fanfare.
P5 Purple
Car park at Arendshorst.
P6 Purple
Car park at Boatrental Giethoorn.
P7 Purple
Car park at Hollands Venetië, a restaurant with boat rental.
P8 Purple
Car park at De Olde Smidse.
Zone Centre (green sign)
Zone Centre
Zone Centre lies around the Dorpsgracht, in the middle of the village. From these areas you walk straight into the car-free part.
P1 Green
Public area, also for guests of Hotel Pergola. From here you reach, among others:
P2 Green
Area at Restaurant De Grachthof, also for general use. From here you reach, among others:
P3 Green
Paid area. From here you reach, among others:
Zone Middle (yellow sign)
Zone Middle
Zone Middle is the Middenbuurt, on the northern side of the village around the Binnenpad. Coming from Steenwijk, this is the first zone with P-route signs you reach, after the Noordeinde.
P1 Yellow
Area at Restaurant 't Vonder. From here you reach, among others:
P2 Yellow
Public area in the Middenbuurt.
P3 Yellow
The northernmost car park of the P-route. From here you reach, among others:
Quiet parking
Parking in old Giethoorn
Two rental companies are located in the old part of Giethoorn, with their own car park where you park in peace. From here all of Giethoorn is within reach, by water and on foot.
Own spacious car park in old Giethoorn. You park quietly and step into a punt or whisper boat; all of Giethoorn lies ahead of you.
Own car park in old Giethoorn. Quiet parking, straight onto the water and all of Giethoorn within reach.
Not on the signs
Businesses with their own car park
A number of businesses have their own car park that is not part of the P-route. If you are their guest, you simply park at the business itself.
Book in advance
Book first, then park
You cannot reserve a single parking space in Giethoorn. What you can do, and what solves the parking question at once, is book your boat trip in advance. You then know for certain that a boat is ready for you, even on busy days, and at the time of booking you are told at which area you park. You drive straight to the right spot, step out and head for the water.
On arrival the provider welcomes you and gets you on your way.
Whisper boats
Sloops
Boat tour or boat with skipper
A village that works together
The areas are spread across the whole village, at businesses that combine their car park with boating, dining, shopping or staying overnight. This spreads the crowds and keeps the car-free part quiet.
Staying overnight or dining?
If you book a hotel, bed & breakfast or holiday home, there is usually a car park for guests. At restaurants you can mention when booking that you are coming by car. Ask when booking how it is arranged.
Self-drive
Boat rental Giethoorn
Choose a whisper boat, sloop or punt and book online. You see the availability straight away.
Boat tour
Boat tour Giethoorn
Rather sail with a skipper who knows the village? Book a seat on the boat tour.
Frequently asked questions about parking in Giethoorn
Where can I park in Giethoorn?
You park at the edge of the car-free part, in one of the areas of the parking route. The route is divided into three zones: South, Centre and Middle. The "P-route Giethoorn" signs along the Beulakerweg show you the way. Almost all areas are located at a business, such as a boat rental company, restaurant or hotel.
Which car park is closest to the centre?
The areas in Zone Centre lie around the Dorpsgracht. From P1 and P2 in that zone you walk straight into the car-free part. The village is long and narrow, so from Zone South and Zone Middle you are also at the water within a short walk.
Can I reserve a parking space in Giethoorn?
You cannot reserve a single parking space. What you can do is book your activity in advance, such as a boat tour, a whisper boat or a sloop. You then know for certain that there is a place on the water for you, and at the time of booking you are told at which area you park closest.
Why is booking in advance useful for parking?
On busy days the boats and the car parks at the popular departure points fill up quickly. With a booking your boat is ready and you drive straight to the area of that provider. You do not have to search and you start your day right where your activity begins.
How does the parking route in Giethoorn work?
On the Beulakerweg (N334) there are signs reading "P-route Giethoorn" with the three zones. Each zone has numbered areas, P1, P2 and so on. You follow the sign of the zone where your activity or destination is located and park at the number shown.
Is parking in Giethoorn difficult in high season?
Usually not. Because the areas are spread across the whole village, the crowds are distributed. If you book your activity in advance, you know where to go and the provider is expecting you.