What to do in Giethoorn
Do you finally have a day off and really want to get away for a bit? Are you looking for that one place where you can leave the daily hustle and bustle behind you? It’s a familiar feeling. You want peace and quiet, but also to experience something. You want to enjoy the outdoors, but also soak up some culture.
The question “What to do in Giethoorn?” is therefore a very logical start to your search. This village in the north of Overijssel attracts many visitors every year, and that is not without reason. Here you will find a special mix of nature, history, and pure relaxation. Whether you come with your partner for a romantic afternoon or set off with the whole family, there is plenty to discover.
Rent your own boat and become a captain
When you’re in this village, you really can’t avoid the water. It’s the lifeblood of the place. The best way to see everything is to take the helm yourself. You can easily rent a boat from us. Think, for example, of an electric boat. These boats have an electric motor. They are quiet and easy to steer. You don’t need a boating license. That makes it accessible to everyone.
Sailing through the narrow canals gives you a unique perspective. For young people, it’s a fun adventure to steer themselves. For the older generation, it’s mainly a comfortable way to see much of the surroundings without having to walk far. Don’t forget to lie still for a moment now and then on the Bovenwijde. That’s the large lake near the village. Here you feel the wind; it’s the ultimate way to relax.
The charm of the many wooden bridges
Besides boating, walking is an absolute must. The village is known for its many wooden arched bridges. There are more than 170 of them in the area. Each bridge has its own character. Some are narrow and steep, others a bit wider. When you walk along the footpath beside the village canal, you come across them constantly. It’s the perfect spot for a beautiful photo.
Walking across these little bridges gives you the chance to view the architecture up close. The farmhouses have a hump-backed roof. You can see the details in the thatchwork and the colourful flowers on the windowsills. The pace here is slow. That’s nice. There’s no need to rush. For children, it’s an expedition along the various paths. For older visitors, there are plenty of benches along the way to sit for a moment and enjoy the view. It’s a living painting that you stand in the middle of.
A glimpse into the past at the local museums
Do you want to know how people here lived in the past? Then you should definitely pay a visit to the museums. Museum farm ‘t Olde Maat Uus is a place where time seems to have stood still. Here you really step inside an old farmhouse. You can see the box beds, the traditional costumes, and the tools of the past. It tells the story of the peat cutters and the farmers who shaped this landscape.
Another special place is the shop-farm “In den Coop’ren Duikhelm.” This gift and souvenir shop at Binnenpad 62 in Giethoorn is housed in a former farmhouse. In the past, the family lived in the front house and the stable was located in the rear house. After the farming business stopped, the stable was no longer needed. It has been converted into a large shop. From inside the shop, you can still look up at the open thatched roof. This creates an authentic atmosphere during your visit. Come and experience the atmosphere and see for yourself how unique this shop is!
Relax at the best cafés and restaurants
After a few hours of sailing or walking, you’ll naturally start to feel hungry. Fortunately, there are countless places where you can settle down. Most restaurants and terraces are located right on the water. There you can enjoy watching the boats sailing by. It’s a spectacle that never gets boring. Order a cup of coffee with a piece of local apple pie or opt for an extensive lunch. Did you know that our sister company Koppers Giethoorn has an ice cream parlour with delicious, freshly made ice cream? It can be found at Hylkemaweg 10a in Giethoorn. During the season, the ice cream parlour is open on weekends and holidays when the weather is sunny.
The atmosphere on the terraces is relaxed. You see groups of friends laughing and couples calmly planning their day. The staff are often used to visitors from all over the world, but the Giethoorn hospitality remains palpable. It’s a moment to recharge. The combination of the sun on your face and the rippling water in the background completes the picture. It doesn’t have to be complicated to have a great day.
Explore the vast nature reserves around the village
Many people stay in the centre of the village, but the surrounding area has much more to offer. Giethoorn lies in the middle of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. This is the largest lowland peat bog in Northwestern Europe. If you sail a little further with your rented boat, you leave the built-up area behind. You then enter a world of reed beds, water lilies, and rare birds.
It’s remarkably quiet here. You only hear the sounds of nature. For birdwatchers, this is a paradise. With a bit of luck, you might just spot a purple heron, a great egret, a bittern, or an otter. The area is also very suitable for longer bike rides. There are good cycle paths that lead you through the surrounding villages and along vast lakes. It gives you a sense of freedom. The open space you experience here is a beautiful contrast to the narrow path in the village itself.
Useful things to arrange in advance
Good preparation is half the work. Because the village is very popular, it can get busy on sunny days. It’s wise to reserve your boat in advance via our website. That way you can be sure that a boat or electric boat is ready and waiting for you on arrival. There’s nothing more annoying than having to wait a long time when you’re eager to get out on the water.
Also keep parking options in mind. The centre is car-free. You therefore have to park your car in one of the designated car parks on the edge of the village. From there it’s only a short walk to the canals. Are you coming by public transport? Buses run from the stations in Steenwijk and Meppel. It’s all well organised. Always bring an extra jacket or some sunscreen too. On the water, the weather can sometimes feel just a little different than on the shore.
Fun for the whole family and every generation
What makes Giethoorn truly unique is that it appeals to everyone. Children love sitting in a boat. They feel like a real captain. For young adults, it’s a relaxed setting to chill out together with friends. And for the older generation, the village offers a nostalgic glimpse of the Dutch countryside, with all the conveniences of today.
It’s a place where memories are made. You’ll talk for a long time afterwards about that one bridge you just barely fit under, or that time you almost took the wrong turn in the reed beds. The village forces you to slow down. In an age when everything has to be fast, that’s a breath of fresh air. You’re away from the screens for a while and truly together with your company. That may well be the best thing you can do here. So, when are you coming to experience it for yourself?