Giethoorn – The Best Boat Tour from Amsterdam

Giethoorn - A charming village in the Netherlands

Giethoorn is a picturesque village in the province of Overijssel, located in the north of the Netherlands. Known for its many canals, thatched-roof houses, and beautiful gardens, Giethoorn is a popular tourist destination. The village is often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous waterways and the absence of roads. The main form of transportation in Giethoorn is by boat, making it a unique and charming place to visit.

The history of Giethoorn

Giethoorn has a beautiful history linked to the peat industry. In the 13th century, monks started digging canals to extract peat, leading to the formation of its characteristic waterways. Without the usual streets and roads, the waterways became the primary mode of transportation, with boats as the main vehicle due to the abundance of canals. Giethoorn's charm, much like Venice, is attributed to its many canals and the absence of streets, with most houses accessible only by boat. Making Giethoorn a unique and idyllic village to visit.

A nice boat trip through Giethoorn

Giethoorn is best explored by boat, allowing you to navigate the many canals and waterways that crisscross the village. A boat trip through Giethoorn offers a unique perspective of the village, allowing you to see the thatched-roof houses, beautiful gardens, and picturesque bridges up close. The tranquility of the waterways, the sound of the birds, and the beauty of the surroundings make for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. A boat trip through Giethoorn is a must-do activity when visiting this charming village.

Join our bus journey to the Netherlands' most charming village, Giethoorn, where travel by car or bike is replaced by serene boat trips and a network of 176 bridges linking quaint island homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Navigate the narrow channels, enjoy the beauty of colorful gardens and cross picturesque bridges. The best way to discover Giethoorn.

What does the Giethoorn tour from Amsterdam look like?

During our 1.5-hour drive from Amsterdam, enjoy the typical Dutch landscape, passing tulip fields during the months of April and May. Upon arrival in Giethoorn, we board a luxurious boat (a sloop) appropriate for the size of our group. Our guide will navigate and share fascinating insights about the village Giethoorn. After a 1.5-hour boat ride, we will stop for some lunch. After lunch there is time for exploring the village by foot. There are many charming shops, including a cheese shop and a souvenir store stocked with Giethoorn delights.

On the way back, we'll visit a historic, inhabited windmill, a highlight for our tourists during the tour. You'll return to Amsterdam around 4 PM, with a collection of wonderful photos to remember this beautiful day.

What's included in this day trip to Giethoorn?

A full-day tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam includes:

• Stroll through the village, admiring the beautiful houses and canals
• Uncover hidden gems of Giethoorn accessible only by boat
• Enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant
• Visit a traditional Dutch windmill and peek inside

Interested in a private tour? We can arrange a private tour for you and your group. We have a variety of boats available for hire. Please contact mike@tuliptoursholland.com or call +31857925355 for arrangements.

Fun facts about Tulip Tours to Giethoorn

1. Did you know that we are the only tour company that goes to Giethoorn twice a week by a small boat? That's why we can offer the best service and the best price.
2. We have a very experienced guide who knows everything about the village and the surroundings. He will tell you all the ins and outs of the village.
3. We know a great place for lunch. Reservations are required for the best spots to lunch with a view. And we have them!
4. We are well organized, that's why we are always on time and no one has to wait for the group.

Important information about the Giethoorn tour

The day trip to the village of Giethoorn starts in Amsterdam. The tour exists of max. 16 people divided into 2 groups.

• The address of the boarding place is: Termini 27, 1025 XM in Amsterdam. The location is called Market 27.
• Departure is at 9:00 AM. If you arrive earlier, there is a toilet and you can get a cup of coffee.
• The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, we will arrive back in Amsterdam around 4:00 PM.
• The tour is available in English and Dutch.
• The price of the tour is €84,50 per person, including transportation, a boat trip, lunch, and a visit to a windmill.

I want to rent a boat in Giethoorn myself. Is that possible?

Are you looking to visit Giethoorn with a group? Or would you prefer to sail on your own instead of with the group? Perhaps you’re interested in a Private Tour to Giethoorn? A private tour is certainly possible; we have a variety of boats available for hire. You can join us from Amsterdam to this beautiful village of Giethoorn. Upon arrival, you can choose one of the boats available for hire and sail through the village at your own pace. There are two types of boats available:

• Luxury Sloop for 6 to 8 people, available all day from €179.95
• Small sloop for 2 to 6 people, available all day from €159.95
• You can also rent the sloop for just 1.5 hours for €72.95

When is it high season in Giethoorn?

The high season in Giethoorn is from May till August. In this period it is important to plan ahead a make reservations. The busiest weekends are:

• Easter weekend
• May holiday (April 27 through May 5)
• Ascension Day

The boating season in Giethoorn is from April through October; the winter period is often cold and wet, which makes boating less enjoyable. On some days it is certainly possible, but it would also be necessary to make a reservation.

Giethoorn-village introduces boating app.

Giethoorn-Village now has its own boating route app. On the website giethoornvillage.com you can scan a QR code, which includes the most common boating routes of the village. The app is brand new and very user-friendly. Using the app does not involve any additional costs.

Can I also walk around giethoorn myself?

Yes, you can explore Giethoorn on foot after lunch. We will sail the boat to a specific point where everyone can reboard. The beauty of this small village is that you won't get lost due to the limited number of pathways. Most farmhouses and bridges, some adorned with flowers, can be found along the long, narrow canal where we will sail after lunch.

Interesting facts about Giethoorn:

Read all about the interesting facts about Giethoorn, the village without roads, and the Venice of the North:

• Bridges: Giethoorn has 179 bridges that span the many waterways in the village. Most houses are only accessible by boat.
• Village without roads: Giethoorn is known as the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous canals and the absence of roads. The village is largely car-free, and the main form of transportation is by boat.
• Thatched-roof houses: Giethoorn has 2,600 inhabitants, many traditional houses in Giethoorn have thatched roofs, contributing to the village’s picturesque appearance.
• Punting: Punting is the traditional way of boating in Giethoorn. A "punter" is a flat-bottom boat that is propelled with a long pole.
• Gardens: Giethoorn boasts beautiful gardens and green banks along the canals, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers.
• Pieterpad: Giethoorn is situated on the walking trail that runs from the north to the south of the Netherlands, attracting thousands of hikers annually to this long-distance walking path.
• Nature reserve De Wieden: The village is located near the nature reserve De Wieden, which is known for its wetlands, marshes, and various gardens.