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Things to do in Giethoorn
(even without boating)
Giethoorn is known worldwide for boating through its canals, but there is plenty to do without a boat too. The village and its surroundings offer peace and quiet, nature, culture, walking, cycling, museums and places to eat and drink by the water, also for visitors who would rather stay on dry land or want to vary their day.
Activities at a glance
In Giethoorn, without boating, you can walk past little bridges and farmhouses, visit museums, cycle through Weerribben-Wieden National Park, eat and drink by the water, look round the little shops and enjoy nature and quiet. There are also plenty of activities with children and in bad weather.
- Walking through the village centre
- Visiting museums
- Cycling in nature
- Eating by the water
Why there is more than boating
Giethoorn is known worldwide for boating through its canals, but there is plenty to do without a boat too. The village and its surroundings offer peace and quiet, nature, culture, walking, cycling, museums and places to eat and drink by the water. Here you can read what you can do without water activities, for example if you would rather stay on dry land or want to vary your day. You can visit Giethoorn in many different ways, by the way.
Choose your activity in Giethoorn
From sporty to relaxed: all the activities besides boating in and around Giethoorn.
Interactive gamesTreasure hunts & games
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E-chopperHire a chopper
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MuseumsMuseums in Giethoorn
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Kick bikeRide a kick bike
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CyclingHire a bike
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Mini golfPlay mini golf
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ShopsShopping
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Photo in traditional costumeTraditional costume photo
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Escape roomEscape room
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Walking through Giethoorn
Giethoorn is also a good place to explore on foot. Narrow footpaths run along the canals with views of thatched farmhouses, little bridges and gardens.
You can walk in a low-traffic setting, with historic village views, plenty of photo opportunities and quiet side paths outside the centre. Popular walking areas are the Binnenpad, the Noorderpad and the area around the village centre. Even just outside the busy part it is pleasantly quiet.
Cycling in and around Giethoorn
Giethoorn lies in the middle of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a vast nature reserve with cycling and walking routes. Even without a boat this is a lovely activity.
Cycling is popular here because of the flat landscape, the well-kept cycle paths and the views of lakes and reed beds. It is suitable for all ages and easy to combine with a walk or lunch in Giethoorn.
Activities for every moment
In and around Giethoorn there is something for everyone:
With children
Giethoorn is compact and quiet: short walking routes, museums with interactive elements, an ice cream or a pancake, and exploring nature. Because the village is largely car-free, children can move around relatively freely (under supervision).
In bad weather
Giethoorn is also pleasant in rain or cold: visit museums, eat somewhere cosy indoors, look round the little shops or walk a short route with an umbrella. That way you can visit Giethoorn all year round, not only in summer.
Peace & nature
Many visitors come to Giethoorn for the peace: experiencing silence along the footpaths, spotting birds, taking photos and escaping the crowds. Especially outside holidays and weekends, Giethoorn suits anyone looking to relax.
Practical information
- Accessibilitythe village centre is largely car-free
- Best timeall year round, also when it rains
- With childrensuitable, quiet and compact surroundings
- Parkingpossible near the village centre, see parking in Giethoorn
Frequently asked questions about activities in Giethoorn
Who offers activities in Giethoorn?
The activities, such as canal cruises, boat hire, museums and bike hire, are provided by local businesses. Giethoorn.com is the local platform that brings all these activities together. You choose your outing here and get in direct contact with the provider itself, without intermediaries. That way you book directly during your visit to our water village.
What are the most popular activities in Giethoorn?
Boating on a canal cruise boat or whisper boat, walking through the car-free village centre and along the historic canals, and cycling through Weerribben-Wieden National Park. The local museums and hiring an e-chopper or kick bike are also very popular. Giethoorn.com has an overview of all these outings, for young and old.
Where do I arrange a canal cruise or boat hire in Giethoorn?
Through Giethoorn.com you go straight to our booking pages for canal cruises and boat hire. There you hire whisper boats, canoes and sloops (electric boats) from local rental companies. You book directly with the provider, without hidden costs or intermediaries. That makes it easy to plan a boat trip through the canals or through the Weerribben-Wieden nature reserve.
What is there to do when it rains in Giethoorn?
Giethoorn.com has an overview of indoor activities, such as museums, interactive games and creative workshops. Instead of boating you can visit one of the small museums, try an escape game in the area or another indoor activity, or have pancakes indoors by the water. Archery can also be done indoors.
Where can I get personal advice about activities in Giethoorn?
You can get personal advice at the Giethoorn.com information point at Nering 10 in Giethoorn. Our local staff will help you there with questions about sights and routes. You can also call us every day on +31 521 360 099, in English, Dutch or German. You can also come to us for group packages and practical tips.