The village of Giethoorn, known for its beautiful, roadless canals, offers a unique experience with activities such as boat tours and enchanting iceskating.
Giethoorn, a small village in the Netherlands, has attracted many tourists due to its stunning beauty and serene atmosphere.
Known as the “Venice of the Netherlands” for its picturesque canals, the village is also called the “Fairytale Village” for its fairytale-like scenery.
With its rich history and uniqueness, Giethoorn is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a different experience. Here are 10 interesting facts about Giethoorn that will make you even more enchanted by its charm.
1. Main Means of Transportation: Boat
One of the most unique things that sets Giethoorn apart from other villages is the fact that there is no main road running through the village center.
Without roads, of course there are no motorized vehicles in this village. Instead, boats have become the main means of transportation used by locals and tourists. The canals surrounding the village allow every house to have direct access to water.
Visitors who come usually have to park their vehicles outside the village and continue the journey by boat. This provides a very unique experience, where you can explore the village in a very different way, floating on calm water.
2. Like a Fairy Tale
Giethoorn is often nicknamed “Fairytale Village”. This is because of its stunning beauty, with houses situated along canals, neat yards with colorful flowers, and a very peaceful rural atmosphere.
Many of the houses in Giethoorn have traditional thatched roofs built in the 18th and 19th centuries, adding to the village’s quaint and classic feel.
The view presented truly looks like a scene from a fairy tale, providing a very captivating visual experience for anyone who visits this village.
3. Nickname “Venice of the Netherlands”
Because of the canals that surround it, Giethoorn is often referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands”.
Just like the city of Venice in Italy which is famous for its canals, Giethoorn also offers similar views, but with a more peaceful atmosphere and away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
These canals not only provide visual beauty but also become part of the daily life of the locals who use them for transportation and other activities.
4. Popular Tourist Destinations
The beauty of Giethoorn has attracted more than one million tourists every year. This village, located about 119 kilometers from Amsterdam, is a very popular tourist destination, both among local and foreign tourists.
Tourists come to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, explore the canals by boat, and enjoy the natural beauty that is still very natural. Even though this village is small, its captivating charm makes it always busy with visitors.
5. Interesting Activities in Giethoorn
Giethoorn offers a variety of interesting activities that tourists can enjoy. One of the main activities is touring the village by boat, gondola, or canoe.
There are many boat rental options, with rates starting from 15 euros per hour for a small boat that can accommodate 2-4 people, to 110 euros per hour for a large boat that can accommodate up to 12 people.
In addition, tourists can also walk or cycle along the Binnenpad, a special path for pedestrians and cyclists that stretches along the canal. Traveling in this way provides an opportunity to get closer to the calming atmosphere of the village.
6. Iceskating in Winter
One of the activities that can only be done in Giethoorn is iceskating. In winter, the canals surrounding the village can freeze, creating a layer of ice that allows residents and visitors to skate on.
This activity is very popular among tourists who come during the winter, and is a special attraction in Giethoorn.
Ice skating around the village is a unique way to enjoy the beauty of the frozen canals, providing an unforgettable winter experience.
7. Houses with Thatched Roofs
One of the characteristics of Giethoorn is the houses with traditional thatched roofs. These houses were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and are still well maintained despite being hundreds of years old.
The thatched roofs used on these houses give a very strong natural and traditional impression. These houses are also equipped with green gardens filled with colorful flowers, adding to the beauty of the already charming village.
8. Access to Giethoorn
Giethoorn can be reached from Amsterdam in about 1 hour and 22 minutes by car. Although access to the village is quite limited, the experience makes the journey worthwhile.
Visitors must park their vehicles outside the village and then continue the journey on foot for about five minutes. Although vehicle access is limited, this adds to the uniqueness of Giethoorn, making it a place far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
9. Giethoorn Culinary Tour
After walking around the village and enjoying various exciting activities, tourists can enjoy typical Dutch cuisine at various cafes and restaurants along the canal.
Some of these restaurants offer delicious traditional Dutch dishes, such as soto, bakso, and various other local foods. Enjoying a meal with a beautiful canal as a backdrop is an unforgettable culinary experience.
10. Quiet and Peaceful Life
Giethoorn offers a very different atmosphere compared to the big city. Here, life goes on very quietly. There is no air pollution or noise that is usually found in big cities.
This village provides an opportunity for tourists to experience peace and tranquility that is hard to find anywhere else. Without motorized vehicles, the atmosphere in Giethoorn is very quiet, providing a refreshing and peaceful holiday experience.
Giethoorn is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty, traditional culture and an extraordinary peaceful atmosphere.
With its charming canals, traditional thatched-roof houses, and exciting activities such as boating or ice skating in the winter, this village offers a different and unforgettable experience.
For travelers seeking tranquility or wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Chefchaouen is the perfect place to spend some time. The natural beauty and simpler life of this village are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.