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Giethoorn is a Dutch town, in the province of Overijssel, home to no more than 3,000 people. Now, if you're into big, vibrant and hectic cities like London, Paris or Berlin, then it won't be the one for you. However, if you love venturing around small, almost unknown towns that meet you with surprises every time you turn a corner, then Giethoorn is absolutely worth your time.
Let us tell you why it's one of Europe's best hidden gems and why you should visit Giethoorn as soon as you get the chance.
Giethoorn Netherlands Guide
The village of Giethoorn was nicknamed the Venice of the Netherlands due to the thousands of scenic wooden bridges and almost unlimited number of canals and waterways. There are no roads, therefore you won’t see any cars within the town at all. It is famously known as the Netherlands village with no cars by those who forget its name, as it is one of its most recognisable characteristics. This is obviously a great thing, as the town can lower its carbon footprint, but as tourists, our first thoughts are, how are we going to get there?
Personally I would recommend going by train from larger Dutch cities, which for one takes out the problem of not being able to drive there and also allows you to see some of the most beautiful Dutch villages and countryside. Amsterdam to Giethoorn takes about 3.5 hours by train which may sound a lot but it will honestly fly by once you start to take in the country’s natural beauty, as well as the excitement you will hold when thinking about stepping into the 'Venice of the Netherlands'. It is also accessible by boat, with most locals and tourists opting to use a 'whisper boat' or by taking a gentle canal cruise.
I predict that Giethoorn tourism numbers will skyrocket after the pandemic, due to its 'Instagram fame' and its undeniable beauty. Therefore, I would highly recommend you to take a trip there before it becomes too busy. A day or two is all you need here, and if you find yourself short of things to do in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven then its absolutely worth taking a trip over to the village.
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