Experience Giethoorn: 17 Unique Ways to Explore the “Venice of the Netherlands” in 2025

Picture a charming village where 200,000 tourists navigate four miles of scenic canals each year, and cars are nowhere in sight. This magical place is Giethoorn – affectionately called the “Venice of the North.”

The village has only 2,260 residents but brims with activities for visitors. You can rent a whisper boat and glide through the waterways for just 15 euros per hour. The local museums showcase everything from sparkling gemstones to classic cars. Peaceful walks along pedestrian-only paths add to its undeniable charm. Since it’s only two hours from Amsterdam, we found that there was this enchanting village that serves as a perfect day trip destination. I’m excited to share 17 exceptional experiences that you’ll find in this car-free wonderland.

Book a Private Boat Tour

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A private boat tour lets you discover Giethoorn’s waterways in an intimate setting. Your personal captain will welcome you aboard either a traditional punter or a luxury sloop based on what you prefer.

Private Tour Options

Giethoorn’s vessel selection gives you multiple choices. The traditional punter, a flat-bottomed boat built for shallow waters, fits up to 26 passengers comfortably. Luxury sloops work better for smaller groups and can carry 4 to 12 people. The boats are available for wheelchair users, and each vessel comes with soft cushions. Your skilled captain speaks several languages including English and German.

Tour Duration Choices

The morning cruises begin at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Afternoon slots run from noon until 4:00 PM. You should arrive 30 minutes before your morning departure to enjoy free coffee or tea. Each tour runs for one or two hours, which gives you plenty of time to take in the village’s charm.

Private Tour Prices

The morning tours cost less than afternoon trips. A one-hour morning cruise that fits up to 26 people costs €199, and each extra person pays €7.25. Afternoon prices go up to €249 for the same duration. Two-hour tours cost €390 in the morning and €450 in the afternoon. Kids under three can ride free, but regular rates apply to everyone else.

Visit the Doopsgezinde Gemeente Church

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The Doopsgezinde Gemeente Church, known as the “Vermaning,” proves Giethoorn’s rich religious heritage as it stands proudly along the scenic Binnenpad.

Church History

The Doopsgezinde Church ranks among the oldest Mennonite congregations in the Netherlands, with its origins dating back to the 17th century. The congregation, established in 1551, cherishes personal faith freedom and peaceful coexistence. The church stays true to its original principles and baptizes only adults who make their own conscious choice through self-written confessions.

Architecture Highlights

The church design embodies traditional Mennonite values of modesty and simplicity. White-plastered walls and a charming thatched roof define its character. Most Mennonite churches in the Netherlands remain hidden behind houses, but this one stands visible from every angle. The building features the unique waterstaatsstijl architecture, a 19th-century Dutch church design style that developed under national government supervision.

Visiting Information

Visitors can explore the church throughout the week. Sunday services remain a regular feature, and the venue hosts various cultural events such as:

• Concerts and lectures
• Community gatherings
• Cultural workshops

The church serves as an open community where people ask questions about faith and life. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the massive beech tree next to the Dorpsgracht that creates a perfect backdrop for the church’s timeless beauty.

Experience Kayaking Adventures

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Kayaking gives you a closer connection to Giethoorn’s waterways and lets you explore the village’s aquatic charm actively. You can rent single-person kayaks at €7.50 per hour, while two-person kayaks cost €10.00 per hour.

Kayak Rental Options

We included essential equipment like waterproof barrels and detailed maps in rental packages. Rental services run from morning until evening with hourly and full-day options available. The stable canoes can fit one to three people, which makes them perfect for families or small groups.

Best Kayaking Routes

The village canal creates an enchanting path that takes you past traditional farmhouses and under charming bridges. Paddlers can explore the stunning De Wieden nature reserve after entering the Bovenwiede. A 20-kilometer loop connects to the nearby town of Dwarsgracht, and experienced kayakers will find serene spots to stop along the canals.

Safety Guidelines

You need to follow these safety measures:

• Wear properly fitted life jackets
• Keep communication devices in waterproof cases
• Stay away from central village routes during busy hours

The water stays shallow at about one meter throughout. Beginners should practice in calm waters and should not kayak when it’s windy or stormy. Sunglasses and plenty of water are essential to stay comfortable during summer months.

Join a Photography Workshop

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Local photographers in Giethoorn help photography enthusiasts improve their skills through specialized workshops. These experts teach you to capture the village’s unique waterfront architecture and natural beauty.

Workshop Programs

Professional photographers run both one-on-one and small group sessions. Individual workshops cost €350 per person and give you personal attention with custom instruction. Group workshops let up to eight people learn together while you retain individual guidance.

Photo Locations

The village’s scenic canals offer endless photo opportunities. Photographers can capture:

• Traditional thatched-roof houses with water reflections
• Historic farmhouses and their unique architectural details
• Sunrise and sunset views over waterways
• Wildlife in their natural habitat
• The village landscape through changing seasons

Workshop Booking

You can choose workshops from dawn until 2:00 PM or from 3:00 PM until sunset. This lets you pick your ideal lighting conditions. Each session comes with lunch at a local restaurant, refreshments, and expert guidance on camera settings and composition techniques. A €100 deposit books your spot. Photographers coming from outside the Netherlands can opt for weekend packages that combine multiple shooting locations with overnight stays.

Explore the Protestantse Gemeente

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The Protestantse Gemeente, one of two main churches in the enchanting village of North Giethoorn, sits at Beulakerweg 80.

Church Architecture

Built in 1645, this church replaced an older structure torn down in 1644. The building showcases a hall-church style with a three-sided closure. Anchor irons on the front facade display the year 1816. The church’s freestanding wooden bell tower contains a modern bell that Gebr. van Bergen cast in 1950, with a diameter of 126.9 cm.

Historical Significance

This 378-year-old Reformed Church houses remarkable historical treasures. The church’s interior features an oak pulpit from 1646 and a baptismal fence from the 17th century. Visitors can see preserved sections of the original oak pews from the 17th century. H. Knipscheer’s 1872 church organ stands as evidence of its rich musical heritage.

Visiting Hours

The church holds Sunday services at 10:00 AM from September through April. Services start at 9:30 AM during summer months from May to August. Visitors receive a warm welcome in this open and friendly congregation. This National Monument (registered as number 10493) serves as the life-blood of community activities and provides space for quiet reflection and cultural appreciation.

Try Traditional Fishing

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Fishing lovers enjoy Giethoorn’s peaceful waters where old-style fishing meets beautiful scenery. The village has many great spots that work well for beginners and experts alike.

Fishing Spots

Giethoorn’s waters are rich with fishing spots. Bovenwijde lake stands out with seven logged catches and mostly draws experienced anglers. The best spots also include:

• Brugjesgracht with four recorded catches
• Zwanendiep with five documented catches
• Noorddiep with six logged catches
• The peaceful Zuideindiger Wiede, perfect for quiet fishing

Equipment Rental

You don’t need to bring your own gear as a first-time visitor. Local shops rent fishing equipment at good prices. The Bodelaeke area has complete fishing packages with a weekly fishing pass for €15.00. On top of that, you can fish from private jetties or waterside spots in several locations.

Fishing Permits

A VISpas lets you fish in Giethoorn’s waters. This permit costs about €40 and stays valid for one calendar year. You can fish in 90% of Dutch waters with a VISpas. Here are your options:

The easiest way to get the permit is by joining an anglers association. You could also choose a Kleine VISpas (small fishing permit) if you don’t want to join an association. The permit has a complete list of approved fishing waters to keep your fishing adventure legal and worry-free.

Visit Local Art Galleries

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Art lovers will find a beautiful array of cultural art in Giethoorn’s galleries. These spaces showcase local and international creativity in unique ways.

Gallery Locations

Art Pottery Giethoorn Floramics sits in a century-old farmhouse along the famous “Dorpsgracht”. Kunstgalerie Afrika serves as the life-blood of African art with its large collection. The village’s art scene also features Gloria Maris Schelpengalerie and Galerie Kyra van Puffelen.

Featured Artists

Floramics’ ceramic artist Inge van Doornik creates unique handthrown pieces with bright Dutch flower designs. The galleries feature both local and international artists. Their work ranges from traditional sculptures to modern masterpieces. The art scene has:

• Pottery and ceramic exhibitions
• African sculptural collections
• Shell art displays
• Contemporary paintings

Exhibition Information

The galleries welcome visitors from February 15th through November 1st. Throughout the season, these spaces host events and hands-on workshops. Kunstgalerie Afrika’s educational programs help visitors learn about African art history and its cultural importance. The gallery’s knowledgeable staff gives explanations about the pieces on display. This helps people better understand different art forms and cultural stories.

Take a Bike Tour

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Cycling through Giethoorn’s scenic landscapes gives you a fresh viewpoint of this enchanting village. The flat terrain and well-laid-out paths make bikes the perfect way to discover areas beyond the canals.

Bike Rental Options

Local rental shops have different bikes to match how you like to ride. The standard hybrid bikes come with 24-speed gears and hand brakes, weighing approximately 16.5 kg. E-bikes with small electric engines make your ride easier, though they weigh around 25 kg. Kids over 120 cm tall can use special children’s bikes.

Cycling Routes

Weerribben-Wieden National Park’s cycling paths are a treat to explore. The route through Steenwijk has charming spots where you can grab refreshments. You can ride through Ossenzijl to reach Kalenberg and Muggenbeet. Many cyclists enjoy the peaceful Zuiderzee Route that passes through Zwartsluis and Genemuiden.

Guided Tours

Tour packages blend cycling with other activities. A popular choice starts with a morning boat cruise and ends with an afternoon bike ride. Each rental bike comes with these essential items:

• Front and rear lights with automatic darkness sensors
• Defender lock with plug-in chain
• One pannier (20 liters) for storage

Helmets cost €10 to rent, but you don’t need to wear them in the Netherlands. Bike breakdown insurance runs €4 per bicycle per day and gives you roadside assistance throughout your experience.

Join a Painting Workshop

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Artists looking for creative outlets can find amazing painting workshops in Giethoorn. These range from traditional Dutch themes to modern experiences.

Workshop Types

The village has a variety of painting experiences to choose from. The “Goats and stuff” workshop lets you create your own artful goat or animal on canvas with acrylic paint in A3 format. You can also try ceramic painting workshops to paint decorative figures. Paint and sip workshops make a great social activity for groups of 4 to 16 people.

Materials Provided

Each workshop has everything participants need:

• Paint brushes and specialized paints
• Canvas or ceramic pieces
• Templates for guidance
• Professional instruction materials

Booking Information

Workshop prices change based on style and duration. Ceramic painting sessions start at USD 33.87 per person, while paint and sip experiences cost about USD 43.66. Most workshops last 2-3 hours, and you can schedule them throughout the week. Private sessions are also available to accommodate special requests and group bookings.

You can cancel your reservation free of charge up to 24 hours before the event. Expert instructors guide you through each session, so everyone can create their own masterpiece, whatever their skill level. The workshops take place in cozy venues that are available to wheelchair users.

Visit Local Farms

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The Henri Willig cheese farm stands beyond Giethoorn’s canals and cottages. We focused our authentic Dutch agricultural experiences around this renowned cheese-making facility.

Farm Tours

Visitors can experience traditional demonstrations at the Henri Willig cheese farm in a genuine Dutch setting. The core team wears traditional costumes and explains the detailed cheese-making process. Daily tours run regularly and are a great way to get knowledge about eco-friendly farming and regional value creation.

Animal Encounters

The farm’s philosophy is simple – great cheese comes from happy, healthy animals. Guests can watch dairy cows in their natural habitat and see how proper animal care leads to better cheese. The farm’s strict animal care standards have ended up showing in their product quality.

Farm Products

Henri Willig’s shop sits in Giethoorn’s heart with an impressive cheese collection. Their selection has:

• Traditional Dutch varieties
• Organic cheese options
• Exclusive Henri Willig specialties

The farm’s restaurant is Giethoorn’s largest dining spot with 200 seats inside and outside. Guests can also enjoy cheese tastings during boat tours where local skippers blend sightseeing with food experiences. The farm’s commitment to eco-friendly production and smart resource use helps maintain high-quality products while keeping local traditions alive.

Experience Canal-Side Picnicking

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A meal along Giethoorn’s waterways is one of the most budget-friendly ways to experience village life.

Best Picnic Spots

Canal banks make prime spots to spread your blanket and watch boats drift by. The main village area has great spots, but Bovenwijde Lake attracts locals who swim and sunbathe. You could also moor a boat in quiet areas away from water traffic to enjoy a floating picnic.

Picnic Supplies

You have several ways to put together a great picnic:

• Restaurant De Rietstulp and Restaurant De Fanfare’s takeaway picnic packages
• SPAR Supermarket on the village outskirts stocks fresh supplies
• Local cheese shops provide traditional Dutch delicacies

A High Tea to go adds a unique twist to your outdoor dining experience. The village supermarket stocks fresh orange juice and refreshments that work great outdoors.

Picnic Tips

Early birds catch the best spots before day-trippers fill the village. Sunrise and sunset offer magical moments as crowds thin out. Waterway benches provide comfortable seating options. Note that keeping the area clean helps preserve its beauty. Bringing your own supplies costs nowhere near what you’d spend at canal-side restaurants.

Join a Cultural Workshop

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Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus offers hands-on cultural workshops that bring local heritage to life.

Workshop Types

The museum specializes in traditional Dutch crafts and local history workshops. Visitors can join various activities that showcase the village’s rich cultural heritage:

• Traditional craft demonstrations
• Local history storytelling sessions
• Heritage preservation workshops
• Interactive artifact exploration
• Cultural photography sessions

Local Traditions

The museum’s exhibits showcase the rise of transportation and traditional lifestyle of Giethoorn’s residents. Local artisans demonstrate how waterways shaped the community’s way of life and influenced local customs and traditions. These workshops feature detailed exhibits of traditional crafts that give participants a genuine look into the village’s past.

Booking Details

Visitors can book workshops at the museum’s reception desk or through their online platform. The museum welcomes individuals and groups with detailed cultural programs running throughout the year. A charming gift shop on the premises sells local handicrafts where visitors can find authentic souvenirs. The museum can arrange specialized workshops about specific Dutch heritage aspects when booked in advance.

Visit Historic Farmhouses

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Time stands still in Giethoorn where historic farmhouses serve as living museums. Their well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture adds charm to the village’s waterways.

Architectural Features

Traditional dwellings in the village feature distinctive thatched roofs made from local reeds. These roofs blend beauty with function and protect houses from summer heat and winter cold. The exceptional craftsmanship of these structures reflects techniques we rarely see today. Homeowners must renew their thatched roofs every 40 years to keep them authentic.

Historical Background

Peat cutting in the 14th century shaped Giethoorn’s landscape. The village got its name “Geytenhoren” when early farmers found goat horns buried in the ground. Today, 180 bridges connect various pieces of land, while houses with thatched roofs date back to the 18th century.

Guided Tours

Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus sits in a traditional farmhouse and helps visitors learn about the village’s past. Boat tours led by expert skippers are another great way to explore these homes. These guides share fascinating stories about how Giethoorn’s intricate waterway network developed. The village has no motorized vehicles, which lets tourists experience it just as people did centuries ago.

Try Dutch Games

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Dutch entertainment traditions run deep in Giethoorn, where authentic game experiences have existed for centuries. These Oud-Hollandse spellen (traditional Dutch games) create memorable moments that bring locals and visitors together.

Traditional Games

Several classic Dutch games thrive in this village. Sjoelen, a shuffleboard game with four numbered gates on a wooden board, remains the most popular choice. Players can try Koekhappen, which tests their ability to eat suspended gingerbread while blindfolded. Spijkerpoepen challenges participants’ coordination as they lower a nail into a bottle using only their hip movements.

Game Locations

De Witte Hoeve welcomes visitors to try Gieterse Klootschieten, a water-based version of the traditional throwing game. Teams of four to six people start by boarding a boat. Players then attempt to throw anchor buoys or lifebuoys toward course endpoints. The group that needs the fewest throws claims victory. City Game Giethoorn turns the village into an interactive playground through treasure hunts and exploration challenges.

Group Activities

Team building and cultural immersion shape the village’s group games. Players navigate scenic canals while solving puzzles in interactive city games. These activities blend entertainment with cultural discovery and work great for families and groups. Traditional games become the highlight of community celebrations during special events like Kings Day.

Explore Hidden Gardens

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The gardens of Giethoorn create a magical blend of natural beauty and Dutch flower-growing heritage that shows visitors the art of flower cultivation.

Garden Locations

The Hortus Bulborum stands unique as the world’s only bulb garden with more than 4,000 different spring flower varieties. Bloemencentrum Giethoorn draws crowds with its breathtaking seasonal blooms and exotic plants. Local residents take pride in their private gardens filled with well-maintained hydrangeas and rose-filled window boxes.

Plant Species

The Hortus Bulborum boasts an impressive collection of flowers:

• 2,600 tulip varieties
• 1,100 daffodil species
• 130 hyacinth types
• 110 crocus variations

This remarkable collection includes a tulip variety that dates back to 1595. Bloemencentrum Giethoorn showcases both traditional roses and exotic tropical plants.

Visiting Hours

Hortus Bulborum opens its doors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and from noon until 5:00 PM on Sundays. Adult tickets cost €5, while seniors and groups of 10 or more pay €3.50. Important Note: Local residents’ private gardens are not open to visitors. The Bloemencentrum’s flower market serves both locals and tourists with flowers and gardening supplies, all set against peaceful canal views.

Join a Cooking Class

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Giethoorn welcomes food lovers to find unique cooking experiences that combine traditional Dutch flavors with outdoor adventure.

Dutch Cuisine

Local cooking workshops connect visitors with authentic Dutch culinary traditions. The day starts with coffee brewed over a crackling outdoor fire in traditional percolators. Participants then learn to create a four-course menu that features local specialties like mushroom broth, cornbread, and richly filled lasagna.

Class Options

The village’s cooking experiences are diverse:

• Outdoor wood-fire workshops with Dutch oven cooking
• Culinary arrangements that combine boat tours and dining
• Private chef services in rental homes
• Traditional Dutch syrup waffle making sessions

The Culinary Giethoorn arrangement has a two-hour cruise with refreshments and a four-course dinner. ChefMaison brings customized dining experiences to rental homes and uses fresh local ingredients.

Booking Information

Culinary packages cost €69.50 per adult and €37.50 for children aged 3-12 years. Groups need at least 10 participants to lock in these rates. Private chef services work with flexible schedules. Guests can talk directly with chefs to customize their menu based on dietary priorities. Confirmed bookings come with details about the chosen experience, meeting points, and preparation steps.

Take an Evening Walk

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Giethoorn turns into a peaceful paradise as darkness falls, making it perfect for evening walks.

Best Routes

The northern section of Giethoorn has quiet paths that keep you away from tourist crowds. The Green Exchange Giethoorn route shows you romantic waterways and real village life. The path takes you through Beulakerwijde and the charming village of Dwarsgracht, and you end up back in Giethoorn. Zuideinde in the south gives you beautiful walks without any tourists.

Sunset Views

Golden evening light sparkles on the village’s canals, creating stunning photo spots. A few boats ripple the water’s surface at sunset, adding to the calm setting. You’ll find the best spots to watch the sun go down near ‘t Zwaantje restaurant and Smits Paviljoen while breathing in the salty air. The setting sun bathes the village in warm colors after dinner.

Safety Tips

Night walks need extra care, especially in dark months. Here are key safety steps:

• Wear reflective clothing to stay visible
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp
• Walk on lit paths
• Keep watch of your surroundings

The village paths become peaceful after dinner. This gives you a chance to see Giethoorn’s true charm without the day crowds. Early morning walks can be just as peaceful for exploring the village’s beauty.

Comparison Table

Activity	Location/Venue	Duration	Price Range	Key Features	Best Time to Visit
Book a Private Boat Tour	Canal Routes	1-2 hours	€199-450	Choice of vessels, multilingual captains, easy access for wheelchairs	Morning (10-11 AM)
Visit Doopsgezinde Church	Binnenpad	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Beautiful 17th century design, white-plastered walls, thatched roof	Sunday services
Experience Kayaking	Village Canal & Bovenwiede	Hourly/Daily	€7.50-10/hour	Options for single/double kayaks, waterproof gear, mapped routes	Outside peak hours
Join Photography Workshop	Various locations	Dawn-2PM or 3PM-sunset	€350/person	Expert guidance, lunch included, intimate groups	Dawn or sunset
Explore Protestantse Gemeente	Beulakerweg 80	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Dating back to 1645, oak pulpit, historic bell tower	9:30-10 AM services
Try Traditional Fishing	Multiple water bodies	Not mentioned	€15 (weekly pass)	Must have VISpas, several fishing spots, gear rental	Not mentioned
Visit Local Art Galleries	Dorpsgracht	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Displays of pottery, African art, shell collections	Feb 15-Nov 1
Take a Bike Tour	Weerribben-Wieden Park	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Several routes, e-bikes ready, guide options	Not mentioned
Join Painting Workshop	Various venues	2-3 hours	$33.87-43.66	All materials included, style choices, group sessions	Not mentioned
Visit Local Farms	Henri Willig Farm	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Watch cheese making, meet animals, taste samples	Throughout day
Canal-Side Picnicking	Bovenwijde Lake area	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Perfect picnic locations, food options, nearby store	Sunrise/sunset
Join Cultural Workshop	Museum ‘t Olde Maat Uus	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Learn traditional crafts, hear stories, join activities	Throughout year
Visit Historic Farmhouses	Throughout village	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Classic 18th-19th century builds, thatched roofs	Not mentioned
Try Dutch Games	De Witte Hoeve	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Classic games, team events, water activities	Not mentioned
Explore Hidden Gardens	Hortus Bulborum	Not mentioned	€5 (adult)	Over 4,000 flower types, seasonal displays	10 AM-5 PM
Join Cooking Class	Various locations	Not mentioned	€69.50/adult	Cook outdoors, learn Dutch recipes, private chef options	Not mentioned
Take Evening Walk	Northern Giethoorn	Not mentioned	Free	Beautiful routes, sunset views, quiet setting	After dinner time

Conclusion

Giethoorn is proof of Dutch ingenuity and charm that offers seventeen different ways to enjoy this car-free paradise. We found activities that range from €7.50 kayak rentals to €350 photography workshops. Each activity provides unique viewpoints of this enchanting village.

Visitors can take private boat tours past centuries-old farmhouses. The Museum ‘t Olde Maat Uus’s cultural workshops reveal authentic Dutch traditions. Natural beauty shines through traditional fishing spots and hidden gardens, which create perfect photo opportunities. The village’s art galleries and cooking classes add creative elements to exploration. Giethoorn’s serene side comes alive during evening walks.

These activities blend naturally throughout the year. The morning hours provide the most peaceful experiences. Each adventure shows another aspect of Giethoorn’s magical character as you paddle through canals, join painting workshops, or enjoy canal-side picnics.

Note that this village rewards people who take time to explore its hidden corners and follow local customs. Bring comfortable walking shoes and your camera to begin a journey through Netherlands’ most enchanting water village.