Magical village of Giethoorn in Holland: The place where I left my soul

There is a belief that for every person on Earth, there is a place that they don’t know yet but can see in their dreams. If someone manages to find this place, they will be happy for the rest of their days. I found mine… The image of this very village of Giethoorn in Holland, often appeared in my childhood dreams. Today, I want to share a million photos and inspire you to visit this place because I really want you to see this village with your own eyes. It is truly fantastic, and I wish for everyone to experience the same storm of emotions from the beauty here that I did.

So, if you find yourself in Holland, make sure to stop by here for at least a day, but it’s even better to book a hotel (I’ve listed the best ones below) and spend a full weekend here. You’ll be delighted! Being so small and secluded, this place is very quiet. You can hear any sound and yet, nothing but silence at the same time. It’s truly a wonderful feeling!

When I first heard about Giethoorn, I was captivated by the idea of a village where roads were replaced by canals and cars by boats. Known as the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn is a picturesque village nestled in the Dutch province of Overijssel, where life seems to flow at the gentle pace of its waterways.

Giethoorn – my heaven on earth.

As I was traveling here, I already knew that something new, extraordinary, magical, and so familiar was waiting for me. The anticipation itself was beautiful…

I wonder, if Heaven were on Earth, what would it look like? My paradise would certainly include clean green grass to walk barefoot on; the scents of spring flowers, cherries, and apples; the murmur of water in streams; boats gliding by, gingerbread fairytale houses, and mesmerizing landscapes that make any eyes happy. In that case, all of this is found in the Dutch village of Giethoorn.

Where the name came from.

Giethoorn is an ancient village that has been around since 1230. It was discovered by refugees from the south of the Netherlands, who found goat horns left after a great flood. These goat horns caught their attention, and now this place is called Giethoorn – Goat Horn.

People settled down, gave the name a slightly different meaning and found peat deposits here. Peat was dug and dug until huge pits appeared, which were later filled with water. Today, these lakes have merged into one channel, attracting travelers like a magnet.

What made Giethoorn famous.

The village of Giethoorn in Holland became popular thanks to director Bert Haanstra, who featured it in his film. (Visit the Grand Cafe Fanfare, named after the film).

Later, travelers who visited the village dubbed it the “Dutch Venice” because it is built on a long water canal. There are no streets in the usual sense of the word. You could say Giethoorn is one long street stretching 7 kilometers along the canal.

There are no cars or roads here, and people get around either on foot along paths, on bicycles, or in flat-bottomed boats (as the locals call them). The boats are quiet and don’t disturb the harmony and tranquility of the village in any way.

Looking at Giethoorn, you might think there is no place quieter or more peaceful than this village. All the houses are lined up on small islands connected by wooden arched bridges.

Each house is more beautiful than the last, with locals loving to tend to their gardens, decorating them with everything imaginable. They plant flowering trees, put rose pots in the windows, decorate fences with figurines, and keep ducks and chickens. Even the most ordinary ducks here seem especially beautiful.

Each garden is carefully tended by the owner: working in the garden, watering hydrangeas, trimming hedges. Keeping the house beautiful and clean is the main goal in this village. And in the evenings, the owners drink tea on the verandas overlooking the canal. They never think of moving elsewhere. It’s so quiet here, you can only hear the chirping of grasshoppers and the whistling of crickets.

Do you love quiet villages as much as I do? Then I have something to interest you! Check out my post about another of the most beautiful villages in Holland – the Mill Village of Kinderdijk.

In the village of Giethoorn in Holland, 2,500 people live, and they all believe that the main value of the village is not the canal but the coziness, silence, and complete relaxation. Everything here is steeped in the calm and unhurried way of life of an 18th-century village.

Almost all the houses in the village have thatched roofs – the marshy area provides plenty of reeds. Only the wealthy could afford tiles, which is why there are so many thatched roofs here. Today, however, such a roof costs a fortune.

Giethoorn delights in being a true Dutch village, not a tourist attraction like Zaanse Schans. There’s no entrance fee here unless you want to rent a boat, and even that’s optional.

We walked through the entire village on foot, stopping at each house, peeking into gardens, and taking tons of photos. You want to photograph every house, every window, every flower here.

In spring, swallows flock here – they love this village so much. They build nests here and return again and again. Walking along the canal, you might see a heron that, after boldly looking at you, will ask for a fish treat.

And in the evening, peace and tranquility descend over Giethoorn. The silence is broken only by the songs of a relentless cricket and the flapping wings of a passing owl. And the harmonious chorus of frogs sees off travelers to their doorstep and wishes them a good night.

Sometimes, for happiness, all you need is to find your little piece of land, where there is a house with a light always burning in the window, radiating a warm, homely feeling.

No matter where you are, you will always fondly remember the place that gave you strength, the best moments, and endless inspiration.

When I recall my trip to the village of Giethoorn in Holland, I get a slight chill. I want to return to this fairy tale, but already in winter, to rent a cottage by the canal, with a fireplace, red socks and presents under the Christmas tree.

If you have some free time while traveling through Holland, don’t forget to visit other magical locations like the most beautiful flower park in Europe, Keukenhof, and the lovely Haarlem. You can also check out the full list of the most magical places in Holland to expand your route through the country. Luckily, all the places are relatively close, making the trip very convenient and comfortable.

Things to do and see in the village of Giethoorn in Holland.

Wander through the village: The best way to experience Giethoorn is by simply wandering through its charming lanes and over its arched wooden bridges. The village is a photographer’s dream, with thatched-roof cottages, lush gardens, and serene canals creating a fairytale atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to explore the small museums scattered throughout the village, such as the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, which offers a glimpse into the area’s history and traditional way of life.

Rent a boat and explore the canals: Village of Giethoorn in Holland is all about the water, so renting a boat is a must. You can choose from a variety of options, including whisper boats (electric boats that are easy to operate), canoes, or guided boat tours. If you’re new to boating, I recommend starting with a whisper boat; it’s simple to maneuver, and you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Cruising through the canals, you’ll pass by charming homes, and gardens, and even glide under some of the 170 bridges that give Giethoorn its unique character. You can rent a boat in the village here. The cost of renting a boat varies, averaging 12-15 euros per hour.

Visit De Weerribben-Wieden National Park: Just outside Giethoorn lies De Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a stunning natural reserve where you can immerse yourself in the Dutch landscape. The park is perfect for a day of cycling or hiking, with well-marked trails leading you through wetlands, meadows, and forests. If you’re up for more boating, you can also paddle through the park’s many waterways, spotting wildlife such as otters, herons, and even the elusive kingfisher.

Enjoy the local cuisine: After a day of exploring, you’ll want to refuel at one of Giethoorn’s cozy restaurants. For a taste of local cuisine, try De Lindenhof, a Michelin-starred restaurant where you can indulge in gourmet dishes with a Dutch twist. If you’re looking for something more casual, De Grachthof offers delicious pancakes and other traditional Dutch fare in a relaxed setting right by the water. For a memorable dining experience, consider eating on a terrace overlooking the canals—you’ll be treated to beautiful views as you savor your meal.

For those interested in buying property in this village, a house here will cost from 400,000 euros.

How to get to Giethoorn village from Amsterdam.

Giethoorn is easily accessible from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht (don’t forget to read about these cities too, there are places to walk there too). You can take a train from Amsterdam to Steenwijk station, then transfer to bus No. 70. Or take a train to Zwolle, then transfer to bus No. 70. Get off at Bushalte Dominee Hylkemaweg.

The journey time is 2.5 hours. Keep in mind that buses to the village of Giethoorn in Holland don’t run very often. The interval can be 50 minutes.

If you’re traveling by car, it’s about a 90-minute drive from Amsterdam. I highly recommend traveling by car, as it’s the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here. Once you’re there, the village is best explored on foot or by boat—cars are few and far between.

Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Amsterdam if you’re planning a trip from another country.

Useful tips for visiting Giethoorn.

Visit during the week: Giethoorn can get quite busy on weekends, especially in the summer. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday to enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Pack a picnic: There are plenty of beautiful spots to stop for a picnic, whether by the canals or in the nearby national park. Bring along some local cheese, bread, and perhaps a bottle of wine for a leisurely meal.

Mind the weather: Dutch weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket or umbrella, just in case. On the bright side, even a rainy day can add to the charm of Giethoorn’s misty canals and cozy cafés.

The coziest hotels in the village of Giethoorn in Holland.

Nestled in the serene canals and lush greenery of Giethoorn, lie some of the coziest hotels that make the village feel like a dream. I recently had the pleasure of exploring this tranquil village, and I’m excited to share with you the most charming hotels where you can fully immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of Giethoorn.

Hotel de Harmonie: One of the most enchanting places I stayed in was Hotel de Harmonie. This delightful hotel is right by the water, and I was instantly captivated by its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are tastefully decorated, combining traditional Dutch charm with modern comforts. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and I could gaze out at the passing boats and the swans gliding across the canals. Breakfast was a real treat, with a spread of local cheeses, fresh bread, and pastries. After a day of exploring, there was nothing better than sitting on the terrace with a cup of coffee, watching the world drift by.

De Dames Van De Jonge Hotel Restaurant: For a more intimate stay, De Dames Van De Jonge Hotel Restaurant was another cozy retreat that stole my heart. The hotel is family-run, and the personal touches are evident in every corner. My room felt like a home away from home, with soft linens, wooden beams, and a view of the picturesque garden. The restaurant is also a highlight, serving traditional Dutch dishes with a modern twist. I still remember the delightful dinner I had, made with fresh, local ingredients and accompanied by a glass of crisp white wine. The peaceful surroundings made it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the village.

Hotel B&B d’Olde Smidse: If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, Hotel B&B d’Olde Smidse is a charming option that offers a taste of the countryside. The hotel is set in a historic building that used to be a blacksmith’s workshop, and it has been lovingly restored while retaining its original character. My room was simple but cozy, with a comfortable bed and a view of the surrounding fields. The real highlight, however, was the breakfast – a hearty spread of homemade bread, jams, and cheeses, served in a quaint dining room with wooden tables and vintage décor. It was the perfect start to a day of cycling through the peaceful countryside and exploring the hidden corners of Giethoorn.

Staying in Giethoorn is like stepping into a postcard, and these hotels only add to the village’s charm. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay by the water, a family-run retreat, or a rustic B&B, Giethoorn has something for everyone. Each of these cozy hotels offers a unique experience, making your visit to this idyllic village even more special.

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