Our most recommended things to do in Giethoorn

Giethoorn: Village & National Park Canal Cruise with Coffee

1. Giethoorn: Village & National Park Canal Cruise with Coffee

Join a cruise on an e-boat through Giethoorn to experience the tranquility of the village, and peek into Weerribben-Wieden National Park from the water. Get the most out of your trip with a tour guide, and enjoy drinks included onboard. Board the electric boat and set off through the labyrinth of Giethoorn's canal system. Hear about the history and traditions of the mostly car-free village from your local skipper, and admire the idyllic scenery on the route. Then, cruise along the Weerribben-Wieden National Park to take in the serene natural surroundings. Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or lemonade as you sit back and discover the charming area.

Amsterdam: Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Tour

2. Amsterdam: Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Tour

Experience an unforgettable adventure as you discover the enchanting beauty of Giethoorn and the iconic Zaanse Schans windmills. Immerse yourself in the peace and splendor of Giethoorn's picturesque waterways during a scenic canal cruise, where you can admire the charming thatched-roof farmhouses and elegant bridges that adorn this car-free village. In Zaanse Schans, witness the impressive windmills in action, paying tribute to the rich heritage of craftsmanship and innovation in the Netherlands. Throughout the tour, you'll be accompanied by a passionate local guide who shares captivating stories and insights about the history and culture of the region. Indulge your taste buds with a delicious stroopwafel, a typical Dutch treat, and stay hydrated with complimentary bottles of water. The tour provides live commentary on board, offering interesting facts and anecdotes as you travel in comfort. Immerse yourself in the charm of Giethoorn and the fascinating world of Zaanse Schans, creating lasting memories and developing a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders of the Netherlands. Get ready to explore, experience, and enjoy the best of these iconic destinations.

Amsterdam: Giethoorn & Enclosing Dike Day Trip w/ Boat Tour

3. Amsterdam: Giethoorn & Enclosing Dike Day Trip w/ Boat Tour

Climb aboard an air-conditioned coach and travel through a typical Dutch landscape for 1.5 hours en route to the picturesque town of Giethoorn. Experience how the Dutch people live with, and on, the water upon arrival, and set off to explore on foot and by boat. Enjoy the peace and quiet of a town where cars are forbidden and little has changed over the centuries. Admire the many types of boats in the town, from gondolas to punters and flat-bottom vessels used as transportation on the canals. Cruise past the skillfully restored farmhouses on a 1-hour boat trip, and get some free time for lunch and to explore on your own. Get tips from your guide on what to see and where to eat. Continue to the Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk), the 32-kilometer dike connecting the provinces of North Holland and Friesland. The Netherlands is famed the world over for the way it deals with water management. Admire the Afsluitdijk, built to tame what was formerly the Zuiderzee (now the Ijsselmeer lake), and a prime example of Dutch water prowess.

From Amsterdam: Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Tour w/ Boat Ride

4. From Amsterdam: Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Tour w/ Boat Ride

Explore Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum in the Netherlands on a day tour from Amsterdam. See the cheese farm, clog factory, and more before a cruise tour through Giethoorn. You will pass through the small canals, beautiful houses, and cobbled stone lanes of the Dutch village. Your experience begins as your guide meets you near Amsterdam's Central Station, from where you travel to the typical Dutch windmill village of Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum complete with a cheese farm, clog factory, diamond museum, bakery museum, and Kuiperij, where barrels were made to transport goods, green timber houses, traditional crafts, and windmills. Next, head to the unique Dutch village of Giethoorn, heading further north out of Amsterdam. As you travel, listen to learn about the history and significant elements in the Giethoorn region. The journey will take roughly 2 hours, with a break included ensuring a pleasant journey. Giethoorn is beautiful in all seasons and contains a simple beauty that hardly seems real. Discover this as you glide gently through its small canals, passing old but pretty thatched-roof farmhouses. Your captain will serve as a guide throughout this 1-hour boat trip around town. Get to know everything about Giethoorn, with extra time after your boat trip to walk or bike along a narrow footpath, or to learn how to operate the ''whisper boat'', an electric-motor boat. In the evening, arrive back in Amsterdam's center with the rest of your night to look forward to.

Giethoorn: Sightseeing Boat Tour

5. Giethoorn: Sightseeing Boat Tour

Embark on an enchanting canal cruise through the picturesque waterways of Giethoorn, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Netherlands. This Giethoorn canal cruise offers a unique and unforgettable experience, immersing you in the tranquillity and natural beauty of this charming village. As you glide along the serene canals, you'll be captivated by the idyllic surroundings. Giethoorn is famously known as the "Venice of the Netherlands" due to its intricate network of canals, quaint wooden bridges, and thatched-roof farmhouses. The pristine waterways wind their way through lush green landscapes, dotted with colorful flowers and tranquil gardens, creating a postcard-perfect setting. During the cruise, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about Giethoorn's rich history, culture, and traditions. Learn about the village's origins and how it evolved into a haven of peace and beauty. Discover intriguing anecdotes and legends that add a touch of mystique to the experience, giving you a deeper appreciation for this magical place. Sit back and relax as you soak in the serene ambiance and let the gentle rhythm of the boat lull you into a state of pure bliss. Feel the stress melt away as you admire the captivating views, appreciating the simplicity and harmony of life in Giethoorn.

Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Volendam, and Zaanse Schans Tour

6. Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Volendam, and Zaanse Schans Tour

See three different regions of the Netherlands with pickup and drop-off from Hotel ibis Amsterdam Centre. Sample local cheeses, enjoy lunch, dress up and take pictures, and take a cruise in Giethoorn. First, start with a visit to the 17th-century village, Zaanse Schans. See windmills from the country's industrial background, and stroll among the green residences. Then visit a factory that makes the popular clogs in this region of the Netherlands.  Before continuing to Volendam, stop at Catharina Hoeve Farm, where you can sample cheese and learn how its made. In Volendam, see brightly-painted wooden buildings and residents dressed in vibrant regional clothing. Your guide will lead you on a brief stroll around Volendam harbor.  Pick up souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home, and take photographs in traditional Dutch costumes. Stop for a local lunch, then continue to Giethoorn in the northeastern Netherlands, known as the "Venice of the North". See the numerous canals and lack of motorways in Giethroon. During a 1-hour guided boat trip, you'll learn about this fairy-tale village with less than 3,000 residents. Next, stroll through the preserved village.  Finally, explore the village's small footpaths to find hundreds of bridges and take in the tranquil ambiance before returning to Amsterdam.

From Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip by Bus and Electric Boat

7. From Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip by Bus and Electric Boat

Explore Giethoorn on a guided day tour from Amsterdam by bus and electric boat. Admire the charming canals and traditional homes as you cruise along the water. Wander along the narrow footpaths and bridges and get a sense of local life as you explore. Depart Amsterdam and travel to the enchanting village of Giethoorn in the north of the Netherlands. Explore a village notable for its many canals and complete lack of roads. Upon arrival, explore the fairy-tale village, where only 2,700 people live, on a 1-hour guided boat tour in English. Experience the idyllic scenery from a unique perspective on a leisurely trip through the canals. Watch people punt the traditional flat-bottom boats over the canals as you go. Although most transport in the village is by water, there is also now a cycling path. So, after your boat tour, explore the beautifully preserved village by bike or on foot. See how each farmhouse is built on a small man-made island. Wander the narrow footpaths to discover more than 180 bridges, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village. 

From Amsterdam: Private Tour to Giethoorn with Canal Cruise

8. From Amsterdam: Private Tour to Giethoorn with Canal Cruise

Explore Giethoorn, called the “Little Venice of the Netherlands”, on this 6-hour private sightseeing tour. Begin with a convenient pickup at your hotel in Amsterdam and head to Giethoorn, a village in the north of the country.  This town is full of thatched-roof farms that are connected by more than 170 wooden bridges. Explore this unique townscape either by sailing a boat yourself or joining a canal cruise. On the water, your guide will share information about the history and culture of Giethoorn. After taking in the sights, you can take a seat in one of the town’s many restaurants for lunch.

Amsterdam: Giethoorn Guided Tour with Cruise & Cheeseplatter

9. Amsterdam: Giethoorn Guided Tour with Cruise & Cheeseplatter

Welcome to Giethoorn, the enchanting village often called the Venice of the Netherlands! Nestled in the heart of the country, this picturesque destination is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its charming canals, quaint thatched-roof cottages, and lush greenery, Giethoorn offers a unique and captivating experience. Join our guided tour and let us unveil the beauty and secrets of this idyllic village, ensuring an unforgettable adventure filled with as scenic boat cruise, a delightful cheese platter, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Our journey begins in Amsterdam, where you'll meet our guide at our conveniently located departure point. From there, we'll board a comfortable coach that will serve as our transportation for the day. After a pleasant 1.5-hour drive, we'll arrive in the charming village of Giethoorn. Take a moment to grab a cup of coffee to go before we set off on a delightful 1-hour cruise with live commentary. As we navigate the scenic canals, you'll be treated to a delectable cheese platter, immersing yourself in the flavors of the region. Witness firsthand why Giethoorn has earned its reputation as the Venice of the Netherlands, as you cruise alongside the picturesque canals that define this truly unique destination. Following the tour, you will have the freedom to explore the town at your leisure. Take your time to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the charming cafés or restaurants, indulge in a selection of your favorite cheeses at the renowned Willig Cheese Shop, or simply take a stroll alongside the enchanting canals, admiring the numerous bridges that dot the landscape. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and charm of Giethoorn at your own pace.

Giethoorn Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam

10. Giethoorn Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam

After being picked up from Amsterdam in a luxury Mercedes sedan or minivan by a professional driver, travel to one of the most beautiful villages in Holland, Giethoorn. Take a lovely canal cruise through the village, known as the Dutch Venice. The elongated village is located in one of the largest areas of continuous fenland in northern Europe. The village is an excellent starting point to make a canoe trip through the area and there are a number of special museums and art galleries to discover.  After exploring Giethoorn, you are transferred back to Amsterdam.

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What people are saying about Giethoorn

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,388 reviews

My husband & I would recommend this trip to absolutely everyone visiting, or even living in the Netherlands. Cherry is the most amazing guide. She’s an all-round special human being. Kind, friendly, thoughtful and gentle, yet confident in her approach to working with people. She is well informed & very knowledgeable beyond the 2 places visited. Her passion for travel is infectious. We were a small group of 7 - an ideal number. Cherry’s approach is so wonderful, you can’t help but feel like you’re among old friends. Even though it was low season & cold, the beauty and charm of these 2 places was in no way compromised. Cherry Travel(we booked through Get Your Guide) is incredibly professional, very reliable, communicative at ALL times. Turnaround time for queries is fast. Our next visit to Europe will definitely include another trip booked with Cherry Travel.

Such a cute fairytale like village!! Definitely 100% recommend!! This is a once in a lifetime experience and should be on every bucket list, it is one of the cutest places I’ve ever been!! Ig: @ cassieofearth for pics and YouTube : Cassandra Beatrice for video :)

Cherry is the best tour guide we could ask for! She tried her best to make sure we have the best day and even go beyond given the weather was cold and raining. Highly recommend for everyone!

It's worth the money! Eldos was very helpful and knowledgeable about the history of the Netherlands! We really enjoyed every stop and enjoyed Eldos company!

This tour was very interesting and my family truly enjoyed our time in Giethoorn. It is worth the day trip out of Amsterdam.