5 Magical Reasons a Day Trip to Giethoorn Is an Absolute Must
Escape To A Picturesque Village
In 2023, during our annual visit to the Netherlands, we took an unforgettable day trip to Giethoorn. After eating breakfast, we drove from Zeddam to Giethoorn to see this famous destination. Located in the province of Overijssel, it is a beautiful village that completely captured our hearts. Because it is a very popular tourist attraction, it was overpacked when we visited, but it still made for a perfect trip. Here are the five reasons why we fell in love with it.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
📸 Image Rights: All photos are our own. Please contact us for permission to reuse.
Arriving in Giethoorn
- Via Train or Bus: Giethoorn has no train station, but you can easily take a train from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague to Steenwijk, then catch Bus 70 directly to the village. Check schedules and book your tickets on Busbud here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car or train/bus) to experience the beautiful, car-free canals of historic Giethoorn. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Netherlands
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
1. The Unique Car Free Policy
Pro-tip: If you are interested in a tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam, secure your ticket using the widget below.
The very first thing that makes this destination so special is that it is a completely car free village. Walking through a place with no road traffic creates an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else. The no car policy is one of the main things that made our trip perfect.
2. Tasting Authentic Dutch Kibbeling
As we started our walk around the village, we came across a local restaurant serving Kibbeling, which is traditional Dutch fried fish. We are big Kibbeling fans and we always make sure to have it at least two or three times during our Netherlands tour. Even though it was not quite time for lunch yet, we got a big portion of Kibbeling and sat down to enjoy it. Sadly, we forgot to take photos before indulging in the delicious early-lunch.
3. The Guided Canal Cruises
After finishing our food, we came across the canal cruises and booked a tour for 9.75 Euros per person. The cruise offered an hour long round trip around the beautiful canals. We had an awesome guide who explained everything perfectly in both English and Dutch, making the history of the area easy to understand.
4. The Fairytale Scenic Beauty
The village was extremely scenic and truly felt like a place straight out of a fairy tale. Even though the weather was scorching hot during our visit, the boat ride was very enjoyable and we had a lot of fun taking in the breathtaking views from the water.
5. The Peaceful Vibe and Great Food
After the boat ride ended, we walked around the village until our feet hurt because we completely fell in love with the peaceful vibe. During our walk, we came across a cozy Italian restaurant and stopped to have some extremely delicious pasta and spaghetti dishes. After dinner, we walked some more to enjoy the evening atmosphere before heading home.
Final Remarks
Exploring Giethoorn was an absolute blast for us. The scenic beauty, along with the awesome food and the no car policy, made our trip perfect. Giethoorn is definitely recommended to all people visiting or living in the Netherlands.
Enjoyed our visit to Giethoorn? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
If you are looking for travel essentials, check out our Resources section for hand-picked products that make travel stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Giethoorn using public transport?
You can easily take a train from Amsterdam or other major Dutch cities to Steenwijk station. From Steenwijk, you can catch a direct bus that drops you off right near the entrance of the village.
Can you drive a car inside Giethoorn?
No, Giethoorn is famous for its strict no car policy. Visitors must leave their vehicles in the designated parking lots located just outside the main village area and explore by foot, bicycle, or boat.
Is a canal cruise in Giethoorn worth it?
Yes, booking a canal cruise is one of the best things to do. It allows you to see the historic thatched roof houses and beautiful bridges from the water while learning about the village history from a local guide.
