Giethoorn

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Giethoorn
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Netherlands

Giethoorn

8
4.9/5
215 reviews
Giethoorn is a water village where canals replace roads. Because of its crisscrossing waterways and lush greenery, it is known as the "Venice of the North." The village's name comes from the large number of goat horns unearthed by early residents while digging for peat; "Geytenhoren" in Dutch means "goat horn," which was later simplified to Giethoorn. The lake district where the village is located is itself a mark left by centuries of peat extraction, with the excavated trenches gradually developing into today's canal network. A major scenic view in the village is the thatched-roof farmhouses built along the river—the roofs are covered with reeds, complemented by wooden exterior walls and meticulously maintained gardens, scattered along both banks of the canal and connected by numerous small wooden bridges. Boating along the canals is the core way to experience the village; traveling through the tranquil waterways by small boat allows you to enjoy the view of the thatched-roof houses and pastoral scenery from the water. In addition to the waterways, you can also cycle along the forest paths to experience the village's pastoral atmosphere from another perspective.Giethoorn · 2.2 km from downtown
Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus

Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus

4.1
5.0/5
8 reviews
Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus is located in Giethoorn, Overijssel, Netherlands, and is a unique place that showcases traditional Dutch farming life. The museum is situated in a picturesque rural setting, surrounded by typical Dutch canals and green spaces. Visitors can explore the lifestyle of Dutch farmers here and learn about traditional agricultural techniques and tools. The farm tools and household items on display in the museum vividly recreate past farming life, providing an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Dutch rural history. The exhibits range from ancient farm tools to traditional clothing, showcasing how Dutch farmers lived in harmony with nature. The museum also regularly hosts interactive activities and workshops, allowing visitors to experience traditional farming skills firsthand. Regarding transportation, Giethoorn is famous for its unique car-free streets, and visitors can easily reach the museum by walking or renting a bicycle. It is recommended that visitors check the museum's opening hours and plan their itinerary in advance to fully experience the surrounding natural beauty. The Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus in Giethoorn is not only a great place to learn about Dutch agricultural history but also an ideal location to enjoy a peaceful rural atmosphere, suitable for families and history enthusiasts.Giethoorn · 2.1 km from downtown
Smit Giethoorn

Smit Giethoorn

3.7
3.0/5
7 reviews
Giethoorn is located in a nature reserve called DeWieden in the northwest of the Netherlands, about 120 kilometers from Amsterdam. Known as the "Green Venice of the North", the town is like a fairy tale world, with blue sky, green grass, and trickling streams, attracting many tourists. It is said that a group of coal diggers settled here in the 18th century and dug many horns underground, hence the name. The residents of Giethoorn Village still maintain the traditional conical roofs, all woven from reeds. Most of these unique reed houses are located beside the river, and are connected to the opposite bank by small wooden bridges. Every house is like a well-designed work of art, not only the roof, windows, gates, but also every detail of the sculptures on the lawn are realistic. When you come to Giethoorn Village, in addition to walking slowly, you must enjoy the beauty of taking a boat tour of the village. When renting a boat, the store will give you a map of the waterway of Giethoorn Village. According to the flagpole marked with the number on the water, you can find the waterway mark on the map, and you can clearly find your location. You can also rent a bicycle to wander among the boulevards and enjoy the pleasures of life in a way that is close to nature.Giethoorn · 3.3 km from downtown
Bovenwijde

Bovenwijde

3.6
5.0/5
9 reviews
Located in Steenwijkerland Vannepoven in the province of Overijssel in the Netherlands, Bovenwijder Lake is a lake known for its natural beauty and rich outdoor activities. The lake area attracts nature lovers and leisure tourists with its tranquil environment and diverse ecosystem. There are many trails around the lake, which are perfect for hiking and cycling. Visitors can stroll along the lake and enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. For those who like water activities, Bovenwijder Lake offers opportunities for boating and fishing, which is a good way to experience life in the lake area. The lake area is also an ideal place for bird watching. Many birds live here, especially during the migration season, which attracts many bird watching enthusiasts. Visitors are advised to bring binoculars for better bird observation. Whether seeking natural beauty or outdoor activities, Bovenwijder Lake provides visitors with an ideal place to relax.Wanneperveen · 2.1 km from Giethoorn
De Weerribben-Wieden National Park

De Weerribben-Wieden National Park

3.4
Giethoornis a small village located within De Weerribben-Wieden National Park,and during the Ice Age, De Wieden was situated between two moraine zones, making its terrain lower than the surrounding areas. This resulted in poor soil and an abundance of peat bogs, where few plants grow besides reeds and sedges. However, it is precisely this that gives Giethoorn its unique landscape. The park was established in 1882 and has preserved its vegetation and wildlife well to this day. You can take a boat ride along the small canals to enjoy the scenic views—a truly relaxing experience.Giethoorn · 3.7 km from downtown
Pantropica

Pantropica

4.3
Pantropica, located in Luttelgeest, Flevoland, the Netherlands, is a large indoor tropical plant and animal attraction. Established over 100 years ago, it has grown from a flower farm into one of the largest tropical attractions in Europe. The park's environment mimics a tropical rainforest, featuring waterfalls, streams, suspension bridges, and dense forest paths, making visitors feel as if they have stepped into a real jungle. The park is home to a variety of tropical plants, with orchids being particularly eye-catching, and features a large indoor butterfly garden, "Vlinder Vallei" (Butterfly Valley), which is one of the largest butterfly exhibits in Europe. The animal section is also diverse, where visitors can see white-eared marmosets, red-bellied tamarins, flamingos, lorikeets, ring-tailed lemurs, and other small animals. The park is well-equipped, child-friendly, and suitable for family outings, with areas for rest such as animal feeding shows, jungle-themed exhibitions, cafes, and the "Sky Garden" restaurant.Luttelgeest · 16.5 km from Giethoorn
Giethoorn Center

Giethoorn Center

3.2
Giethoorn · 2.3 km from downtown
De Oude Aarde

De Oude Aarde

3.1
Giethoorn · 1.9 km from downtown
Van Gogh Museum
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Van Gogh Museum

10
4.8/5
2.1k reviews
•The Van Gogh Museum houses over 200 classic oil paintings, 580 sketches, 4 sketchbooks, and approx. 750 letters Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo •Revisit the arduous journey of this master artist's lifelong pursuit of painting techniques and his passion for art and literature •The two halls, old and new, each have their own distinctive features, yet blend into one harmonious whole △The old building was completed and opened to the public in 1973, designed by Dutch De Stijl designer Rietveld; the Van Gogh Museum's new wing was designed by a Japanese architect and completed in 1999, primarily used for temporary exhibitions. △The first-floor exhibition hall, titled "Heart-to-heart with the great artist Van Gogh," guides visitors through the artist's lifelong dedication to painting via a series of works and materials. The second-floor hall houses Van Gogh's works created between 1883 and 1889. The third floor displays letters exchanged between Van Gogh and his brother Theo, while the fourth floor showcases works produced during lucid intervals between Van Gogh's recurrent mental illness episodes from 1889 to 1890.Amsterdam · 91.4 km from Giethoorn
Taman Indonesia Zoo

Taman Indonesia Zoo

3.1
Kallenkote · 10.2 km from Giethoorn

Experiences you can't miss in Giethoorn

Featured Day tours in Giethoorn

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Amsterdam, Netherlands: Zaanse Schans Windmill Village and Giethoorn day tour with free boat transfer
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4.9/5
· 185 reviews· 1.1k booked
Duration: 10.4 hrs
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1-day tour to Giethoorn with luxury bus, ample free time and 1-hour cruise
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 60 booked
Duration: 6 hrs
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FromNZD 134.30
Amsterdam Windmill Village + Legoland + Giethoorn Day Trip [Lunch and Boat Tour Included]
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4.7/5
· 505 reviews· 206 booked
Duration: 9.6 hrs
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48 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 210.43
From Amsterdam: Giethoorn 1-day tour (includes 1-hour round-trip cruise)
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4.0/5
· 2 reviews· 47 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
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FromNZD 116.52
Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up in Amsterdam [Daily Departure]
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4.9/5
· 355 reviews· 1.8k booked
Duration: 7.7 hrs
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100 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 199.88
1-day tour in the Netherlands | 1-day tour to Giethoorn, windmill village and Legoland
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5.0/5
· 21 reviews· 163 booked
Duration: 9.1 hrs
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21 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 210.67
Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk and Zaanse Schans Day Tour  [Including Hotel Pick-Up]
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4.9/5
· 146 reviews· 125 booked
Duration: 8.6 hrs
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97.3% of travelers recommend
FromNZD 210.43
Netherlands Giethoorn 1-day tour [Small group of 8 people/Chinese/English options + cruise experience]
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4.6/5
· 17 reviews· 141 booked
Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
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150 travelers saved
FromNZD 155.00

Featured Cultural experiences in Giethoorn

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Amsterdam Giethoorn Day Tour: Schmidt Wharf + Bovenwijde + Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus
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Duration: 9.5 hrs
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FromNZD 1,526.78
Van Gogh Museum + Rijksmuseum + Madame Tussauds Amsterdam + Giethoorn
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Duration: 10 hrs
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FromNZD 1,497.78
Amsterdam City Card - I amsterdam City Card
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4.7/5
· 12 reviews· 242 booked
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FromNZD 120.04
Heineken Experience: Entry Ticket
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3.7/5
· 6 reviews· 113 booked
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FromNZD 49.28
Red Light Secrets Museum: Entry Ticket
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 63 booked
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FromNZD 28.64
Zaanse Schans windmill village + cheese factory + clogs making showcase , half-day tour from Amsterdam
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews· 51 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
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FromNZD 44.44

Featured Food & drink in Giethoorn

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Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop
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4.8/5
· 166 reviews
Duration: 1.5–2 hrs
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39 consecutive positive reviews
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FromNZD 64.73NZD 68.14
Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam
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Amsterdam Ciel Bleu viral restaurant reservation service
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Amsterdam Bakers & Roasters restaurant reservation service
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Amsterdam Winkel 43 popular restaurant reservation service
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Heineken Experience: Entry Ticket + Rooftop Bar
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FromNZD 59.15

Featured Outdoor experiences in Giethoorn

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Amsterdam Zaanse Schans + Giethoorn + Bovenwijde day tour in the Netherlands
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Duration: 10 hrs
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Amsterdam round-trip Giethoorn & Dutch polder 1-day tour
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FromNZD 295.05
Giethoorn: Sightseeing Boat Tour
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4.7/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
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Amsterdam: Canals at night and the golden age
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Duration: 1.4 hrs
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Zaanse Schans + Scheveningen strand + Paintmill De Kat
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Duration: 10 hrs
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FromNZD 1,500.15
From Amsterdam to Giethoorn Day Trip & Guided Canal Cruise
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4.8/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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FromNZD 110.69NZD 116.52
Amsterdam: Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Small Group Day Trip
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5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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FromNZD 168.85NZD 177.74
Amsterdam: Waterland District Countryside Villages Bike Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 3.5 hrs
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FromNZD 84.42NZD 88.87

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What travelers say about Giethoorn

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YoYo_0T9A3B0LMay 1, 2026
5.0
Giethoorn truly resembles a fairytale town, with more waterways than roads, and small boats moored in front of every house. Low houses with reed-roofed roofs line the waterways, their gardens meticulously manicured. Renting a boat and rowing yourself is the most relaxing way to experience it, slowly gliding under small bridges, with meadows and wild ducks on either side. The main street is somewhat commercialized, but turning into the side streets brings tranquility, with only the sound of oars paddling through the water. It's best to visit on a sunny day; the slippery roads can be quite inconvenient on rainy days.

Giethoorn

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大姐小露開心果February 14, 2020
5.0
Every small building in Giethoorn All have their own unique style or reed roof or a window frame shaped like an eye Some have beards Some have extra eyelashes ⋯ In such a fairy tale atmosphere Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at all It's like a journey through time and space Before closing time Visited the farm museum It is said This is the richest place in Giethoorn It is also the home of the last farmer in the spacious hall Place many old daily utensils clothing flora of the area animal ⋯ Tells the history of the city and community development trajectories Because there is a Chinese tour guide So it’s very clear and vivid But the fee is a little high local grandparents Sitting outdoors in traditional clothes Make fresh waffles Although a little expensive You still have to show your support~ Travel information: Giethoorn in the Netherlands was originally a coal mining area Coal miners discovered large quantities of sheep horns during mining operations centuries ago Therefore it is named after it Two hours from Amsterdam by train It is recommended to leave directly from the airport after getting off the plane. You can buy a one-day ticket When you arrive at Steenwijk, exit the station and go right. Transfer to bus 70 About 15 minutes' drive If you have money and leisure It is recommended to stay one night in Giethoorn next day Then get ready and head to Holland Central Station

Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus

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BulubuluchululuFebruary 13, 2022
5.0
You can see many different boats getting on and off here! There are locals there too!

Smit Giethoorn

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coo***anSeptember 15, 2019
5.0
There are several ways to visit Bowen Wilder Lake. Rowing is one of them. There are also hand-paddled and electric boats. Hand-paddled boats can also be paddled to the more residential river channel, which is quite interesting. The water is very calm and clear, very beautiful~

Bovenwijde

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Anonymous userOctober 21, 2026
5.0
The museum was beautiful and very interesting. I really enjoyed the visit and loved the overall experience. Highly recommended!

Van Gogh Museum

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Giethoorn?

Don't miss these attractions in Giethoorn: Giethoorn, Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus, and Smit Giethoorn. If you like Day tours, try Amsterdam, Netherlands: Zaanse Schans Windmill Village and Giethoorn day tour with free boat transfer. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Amsterdam Giethoorn Day Tour: Schmidt Wharf + Bovenwijde + Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus.

You can give Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop and Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Amsterdam, Netherlands: Zaanse Schans Windmill Village and Giethoorn day tour with free boat transfer, 1-day tour to Giethoorn with luxury bus, ample free time and 1-hour cruise, and Amsterdam Windmill Village + Legoland + Giethoorn Day Trip [Lunch and Boat Tour Included]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 23, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Giethoorn is around NZD 116.52 – NZD 210.67. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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