Read more about Giethoorn for a family getaway with the kids
Welcome to Giethoorn, a village where fairy tales come to life. Giethoorn is perfect for families looking for a peaceful retreat into a world where nature and charm blend seamlessly. With its picturesque canals, quaint bridges, and car-free paths, Giethoorn offers a safe and serene environment for a family vacation. Here’s how you can make the most out of your visit to this enchanting village.
Planning your visit to Giethoorn
Visiting Giethoorn with your family is an experience best enjoyed during the warmer months. From late spring to early autumn, the weather is pleasant, and the village is alive with lush greenery and blooming flowers. This time of year is ideal for outdoor activities and leisurely exploring the beautiful landscape that Giethoorn has to offer. Such as boat tours, cycling, walking along the canals, visiting museums and enjoying local cuisine.
Getting to Giethoorn and around the village
Giethoorn is accessible by car, but the charm of the village is its lack of roads in the center, making it a safe haven for families with children. The best way to explore Giethoorn is by boat or on foot. You can rent a whisper boat, which is easy to handle and doesn’t require a boating license, perfect for a family outing on the water. Alternatively, walking along the canals offers a more intimate glimpse into the village’s quaint corners and hidden treasures. For the kids, renting a boat is a fun and exciting way to navigate the canals and discover the village’s beauty.
For those traveling from Amsterdam, Giethoorn is about a 90-minute drive. Once you arrive, you can park in designated areas and start your adventure. There are also train options available, making it a convenient day trip. Take the train to Steenwijk, and from there, you can catch a bus to Giethoorn.
Attractions for the kids in Giethoorn
Boat Tours: Taking a guided boat tour is a must when visiting Giethoorn. These tours navigate through the extensive network of canals, providing an engaging way for kids to see the village and learn about its history. Many tours offer commentary in multiple languages, ensuring everyone can follow along.
Museum De Oude Aarde: This fascinating gem and mineral museum is perfect for curious kids. They’ll be captivated by the sparkling stones and fossils, and the interactive exhibits make learning fun. Check out the website for more information.
Stay at camping Chalet park Kroondomein Giethoorn: This family-friendly camping site offers a range of accommodations, from chalets to camping spots. Kids can enjoy the playground and other activities while parents relax in the peaceful surroundings. What makes this camping so great? You can sail with your own boat from the camping to the village.
Giethoorn’s historic farmhouses: Stroll through the village and explore the beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century farmhouses. These picturesque homes offer a glimpse into the past and provide plenty of photo opportunities.
Dining with kids in Giethoorn
Many restaurants in Giethoorn have terraces right on the water, ideal for a family meal with a view. Dutch pancakes, or "pannenkoeken," are a hit among children and can be found in many eateries throughout the village. Consider stopping at a local café for a delightful pancake breakfast or a mid-day treat. Check out the best restaurants in Giethoorn for a family-friendly dining experience:
1. Café-Restaurant Smit
Located in the heart of Giethoorn, Café-Restaurant Smit is popular for its delectable dishes such as chicken salad with feta cheese, pulled chicken with coleslaw, and smoked salmon with cream cheese.
As an added perk, Café-Restaurant Smit offers cozy cottages for rent, including a holiday farm that can accommodate eight people. The farm features spacious double bedrooms, a kitchen, TV, two shower cabins, two toilets, a large terrace with a lawn, and a gazebo in the garden.
2. De Eetkamer van Giethoorn
De Eetkamer van Giethoorn, also known as the “Dining Room,” is situated on the water just outside De Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Guests enjoy fine dining on the terrace, with dishes like crème brûlée, French toast with caramelized apples, baked bacon with banana ice cream, Italian specialties, and lemon cheesecake with strawberry yogurt ice cream and cherries.
3. De Grachthof Restaurant Bootverhuur
Located in the center of Giethoorn, De Grachthof Restaurant features a large lounge terrace that offers a lovely view of the village canals and its many bridges.
Guests love the spicy Indonesian chicken, pulled pork, and smoked salmon, as well as the salads, burgers, sandwiches, and soups. De Grachthof also offers boat rentals and guided tours, adding an extra dimension to your dining experience.
4. De Landije van Giethoorn
Considered one of Giethoorn’s best-kept secrets, De Landije van Giethoorn is known for its delicious pastries and fresh home-grown vegetables. Situated near the Olde Maat Uus Museum and De Oude Aarde Museum, guests enjoy dining under a charming old pear tree.
Favorite dishes include Gieters lamb, Vechtdal beef, locally caught fish, and skin-baked pike-perch fillet with fresh wild garlic mousse from the Beulake. De Landije also offers whisper boats for rent.
5. De Lindenhof
De Lindenhof is one of the most popular restaurants in Giethoorn, featuring a hotel and lodge. The restaurant is renowned for its dishes prepared by two Michelin-starred chef Martin Kruithof.
Signature offerings include the 4-course Lindenhof menu, 8-course Martin’s Soul & Bliss, and 12-course Chef’s Parade. Highlights also include lobster, crab, salmon, eel, beef, lamb, and a wonderful wine list. Desserts are equally delightful with options like cheese, ice cream, warm fruits, soufflés, and chocolates.
6. Grand Café Fanfare
This cozy and modern restaurant is known for its excellent lunch options, salads, ice cream, and coffee. Located in the center of the village, it is surrounded by beautiful farms, canals, bridges, and nature. Guests can enjoy dining while watching a Fanfare movie.
Popular dishes include truffle fries with Parmesan cheese, fries Rendang (Indonesian), and the cheese plate Fanfare. The restaurant also offers group packages and boat rentals to enhance your Giethoorn experience.
7. Het Wapen van Giethoorn
Het Wapen van Giethoorn, or the “Coat of Arms of Giethoorn,” is a charming café-restaurant and boutique shop. The boutique sells souvenirs and the latest fashion in tops, pants, dresses, shirts, shoes, and bags.
Visitors come for the shopping and stay for the delicious coffees, cakes, wines, and special beers. Located behind one of Giethoorn’s lovely canals, it offers a perfect spot for relaxation and indulgence.
For a picnic, you can pick up fresh local produce and snacks from nearby markets. Enjoy your meal by the canals, where you can watch boats glide by and take in the serene surroundings.
Accommodations in Giethoorn
For a truly immersive experience, consider staying overnight in Giethoorn. The village offers a range of accommodations, from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels. Many options provide direct access to the canals, making it easy to start your adventures from your doorstep.
1. Hotel de Harmonie
Hotel de Harmonie is a family-run hotel located in the heart of Giethoorn. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet each morning and relax in the hotel’s garden or on the terrace overlooking the water.
2. Hotel Giethoorn
Hotel Giethoorn is a charming hotel situated on the edge of the village. The hotel features cozy rooms with traditional Dutch décor and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning and relax in the hotel’s garden or on the terrace. The hotel also offers boat rentals, allowing guests to explore the canals at their leisure.
3. Hotel de Pergola
Hotel de Pergola is a family-friendly hotel located in the center of Giethoorn. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning and relax in the hotel’s garden or on the terrace overlooking the water.
4. Chalet park Kroondomein Giethoorn
Chalet park Kroondomein Giethoorn is a family-friendly camping site located on the outskirts of the village. The camping site offers a range of accommodations, from chalets to camping spots. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including boat rentals, cycling, and hiking. The camping site also features a playground for children and a restaurant serving traditional Dutch cuisine.
5. Bed & Breakfast Giethoorn
Bed & Breakfast Giethoorn is a charming guesthouse located in the heart of the village. The guesthouse offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning and relax in the guesthouse’s garden or on the terrace overlooking the water.
Looking for more family-friendly activities in the Netherlands?
If you’re planning a family vacation in the Netherlands, there are plenty of other destinations to explore. From the bustling city of Amsterdam to the historic town of Utrecht, there’s something for everyone in this diverse country. Check out our tours for family-friendly activities in the Netherlands and start planning your next adventure today!
