Giethoorn

Authentic, loyal, and local

Discover Giethoorn, a village shaped by water and time, located in the heart of Weerribben-Wieden National Park the largest contiguous fenland area in North-West Europe. This unique landscape of lakes, canals, reed beds, peatlands and forests has been formed through centuries of living and working with water.

Giethoorn’s character is deeply rooted in this relationship with its surroundings. Thatched farmhouses lie scattered along the waterways, connected by small bridges and set within a landscape that still follows the rhythm of nature. What you see today is not a recreation, but a living village where heritage, agriculture and craftsmanship remain visible and meaningful.

Giethoorn invites visitors of all ages to slow down and experience the landscape as it is meant to be: quietly, respectfully and close to nature. Whether on foot, by boat or simply sitting by the water, this is a place where authenticity is not a promise, but a daily reality.

Full History

2885 inhabitants
Most residents live on private islands 
Geytenhorn old name 

1958 movie fanfare 
Loudest sound: duck 
World Heritage Canal Towns Cooperation 

Main transport: boat 
177 bridges 
Top 20 Tourist town

Part of Weerribben Wieden National park which is over 10.000 ha
World edition monopoly

What about the name of the village?

The first inhabitants of the Giethoorn area were refugees from the Mediterranean regions. They settled here around 1200 and began to cultivate the virgin land. In doing so, they found large quantities of the horns of wild goats, which had drowned in the St. All Saints's flood of 1170 (Allerheiligenvloed). They called their settlement 'Geytenhoren' (Goathorns), which gradually evolved to 'Geythorn' and 'Giethoorn. In our Giethoorn symbol and flag, you can still see the goathorns. 

Punting, 'whisper' boating, canoeing, tour cruising...

In the past, boats were used to transport peat. Although peat is now no longer dug, the boat is still a common form of transport in this region, especially for reed. But they also carry cattle to and from the meadows and bring in hay for the winter. Perhaps the most characteristic vessel in the village is the Giethoorn 'sailing' punt. We are very lucky in Giethoorn to have the two last authentic punt builders of the Netherlands called Wildeboer and Scheur Punt yard. In the canals, the punting-pole is used to push this open boat along. On the lakes and stretches of water, the mast and sails can be fitted for sailing the punt. There are not only the punts that make boating in Giethoorn a unique experience. You can also take a 'whisper'boat, an open boat driven by an easily-operating environmentally friendly, silent electric motor. Giethoorn is also an excellent starting point for canoe tours through the environment. Or, if you prefer, you can take a guided tour in a (covered) boat.

Sights, museums, and galleries

Giethoorn has always been a big inspiration for many poets, moviemakers, and painters. The canals of the village are lined with 18th and 19th century thatched farms and peat diggers cottages, nestling between lovely gardens and high wooden bridges, a paradise for professional and amateur photographers alike. Even in the peak holiday season, Giethoorn is still maintaining its peaceful and quite nature with the lake and canal side houses. But the village is also a bustling, cheerful place with a number of unusual museums that are certainly worth a visit.

There is De Oude Aarde where you can admire beautiful crystals and semi-precious stones. Shell Gallery Gloria Maris displays seashells, coral and decorative, hand-made gifts. You can even walk through an authentically furnished Giethoorn farm, built around 1800: 't Olde Maat Uus (Giethoorn Museum). If you’re an art lover, check out the many galleries in the village. When you want to experience Giethoorn in 1958, see how Dutch filmmaker Bert Haanstra made his famous comedy Film Fanfare and got inspired by the locals.

Staying in Giethoorn

Whether it’s a campground, group accommodation, summer house, apartment, hotel or a Bed & Breakfast address you’re looking for, Giethoorn offers a wealth of options. It is therefore easy to combine a stay in Giethoorn with visits to the surrounding areas. Some of the interesting and attractive locations that are worth a visits are the old Zuider Zee towns of Vollenhove and Blokzijl, the villages of Belt-Schutsloot and Wanneperveen and the shopping towns of Steenwijk and Meppel. The beauty and variety offered from the area is amazing!

During the summer

You can arrange your stay to coincide with our special events. In July and August, national music festivals are held on or near local lakes and canals. They have something for everyone: rock & roll, pop and blues. On the first and last Saturdays in August, the canals in Dwarsgracht and Giethoorn are literally transformed into a fairy tale book come alive. On these evenings, you can admire the famous Gondelvaart (gondola procession) and an unforgettable parade of lighted, decorated floats.

In the winter

Giethoorn and the wetlands are one of the Netherlands' most beautiful skating areas, with unique spots you wouldn't otherwise find anywhere else. And so you see, there are plenty of reasons to visit Giethoorn, so why aren't you doing it now?