Giethoorn from Amsterdam
Giethoorn Day Trip from Amsterdam
Travel from Amsterdam to Giethoorn on a complete tour that includes transport, boat options, and free time to explore. In just 1.5 hours, you’ll arrive in this fairytale village. Choose a guided or self-guided experience, and we take care of everything.
Giethoorn Transfer From Amsterdam
Enjoy a stress-free trip to Giethoorn with round-trip transport from Amsterdam
Cruise boat with Skipper
Relax and let a professional skipper navigate you through the scenic waterways.
Self-Guided Adventure
Book your own boat and navigate through the canals at your own pace.
What to do in Giethoorn?
Giethoorn Adventure: Canals, Thatched Houses & Boat Rides
Giethoorn, often called the “Venice of the North,” is an absolutely delightful village in the province of Overijssel, in the Netherlands, that only adds to its charm with its car-free appeal! Unlike most places, Giethoorn has no traditional roads—only tranquil canals, scenic pathways, and wooden bridges. The village is famous for its traditional houses built along the canals, featuring unique thatched roofs and historic architecture that blend harmoniously with the water and nature. The iconic wooden bridge is a key feature of Giethoorn’s landscape, connecting different parts of the village and offering beautiful views.
Start your adventure with a scenic one-hour boat ride—whether you want to take the helm yourself or sit back and relax while a skipper navigates for you, it’s a lovely way to soak in the views of the canals. A variety of boats, including whisper boats, punts, and canoes, are available for visitors, making water transport the heart of the Giethoorn tour experience. The small size of the village ensures a tranquil atmosphere, far from the bustle of large cities, and its peaceful setting is a major draw for visitors from around the world.
Discover the Natural Beauty of Giethoorn
Once you’re done on the water, take some time to wander around, browse through the cute little shops, or treat yourself to a tasty meal at one of the cozy local restaurants. The natural beauty and surrounding nature reserves of Overijssel make Giethoorn a haven for nature lovers, with lush wetlands and vibrant wildlife. Giethoorn is one of the most unique destinations in the Netherlands, and its picturesque setting rivals other charming villages in Europe. A notable place to visit within Giethoorn is the quiet village center, where you can admire the beautiful houses and enjoy the serene environment.
Fun fact:
Giethoorn boasts 176 charming bridges that connect its picturesque homes and pathways! The number of bridges and the steady stream of visitors highlight its popularity as a tourist destination. Since residents and visitors get around solely by boat or on foot, there’s a unique, peaceful vibe to the village. Are you excited to learn more about Giethoorn? Start planning your visit today!
Choose Your Perfect Giethoorn Experience
Plan your day trip to Giethoorn with our flexible Tour options. Whether you prefer a guided transfer, renting a boat, or combining activities.
Guided Boat Tour with transportation
We'll visit the picturesque Giethoorn, where we will enjoy a boat cruise with a skipper to explore the village.
Self-Guided Boat Tour with transportation
Navigate Giethoorn’s scenic canals by boat and explore the charming village at your own pace.
Direct Transfer to Giethoorn
Explore Giethoorn at your pace with our transfer option! We’ll take you from Amsterdam to Giethoorn and back.
Amsterdam to Giethoorn
3 Important Questions About Visiting Giethoorn
1. When Is the Best Time to Visit Giethoorn?
The best time to visit Giethoorn is from mid-June to mid-July. During this period, the famous hydrangeas are in full bloom, the gardens look stunning, and the trees are beautifully green. This is without a doubt the most picturesque time of year to experience Giethoorn.
When you visit with Tulip Tours Holland, you arrive early in Giethoorn, before the crowds. We make sure you are among the first to enjoy a boat tour through the village. After the boat ride, you’ll have plenty of time to walk around the village at a relaxed pace. Many restaurants are just opening, making it the perfect moment for lunch or a visit to the charming local shops.
The Giethoorn Museum opens at 12:00 PM, which fits perfectly into the schedule after the boat tour and is within walking distance. Our tours always start near the restaurant area and the Henri Willig cheese shop, so there is also time for a restroom break upon arrival.
2. What Is the Best Time of Day to Arrive in Giethoorn?
In summer, the best time to arrive in Giethoorn is between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. During these hours, there is plenty of space to enjoy boating and walking through the village.
With our Giethoorn tours from Amsterdam, you arrive in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. By comparison, traveling by train takes much longer and still leaves you outside the village center. This means you can be in the heart of Giethoorn as early as 10:30 AM, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, taking unique photos, and experiencing the village before it becomes busier.
3. Can You Walk or Cycle in Giethoorn?
Yes, walking and cycling in Giethoorn is absolutely possible and highly recommended. In the village center, you can rent bicycles and start a beautiful 10 km cycling route around Giethoorn. This scenic loop takes you through the surrounding countryside, past charming bridges and peaceful polder landscapes.
Many visitors also enjoy walking along the canal paths, which stretch for more than 4 kilometers and offer lovely views of the water, houses, and nature.
How Far Is Giethoorn from Amsterdam?
The distance from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is just 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. In April and May, the drive is especially scenic, with in April and May colorful tulip fields along the way.
The route passes through the Flevoland polders, including the Noordoostpolder, which was reclaimed from the sea between 1937 and 1942, and Eastern Flevoland, reclaimed in 1957. Along the way, you’ll see former islands such as Urk and Schokland, which once lay in the sea and are now surrounded by farmland built on former seabed. This makes the journey itself a unique Dutch experience.
As you approach Giethoorn, the landscape changes into beautiful nature, farms, lakes, and waterways filled with boats during summer.
Tip: Choosing a tour instead of public transport saves you more than 2 hours of travel time (round trip). That’s extra time you can spend enjoying Giethoorn — well worth it.
Is Giethoorn Always Crowded?
Not at all. While the village center can get busier after 2:00 PM, especially on sunny days when visitors arrive by car to rent boats or enjoy a meal at local restaurants, Giethoorn is far from overcrowded.
The village is quite spread out, with many quiet canals, hidden pathways, and charming bridges where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll. If you walk toward Giethoorn North or head south from the center, you’ll find picturesque spots that are much less crowded, perfect for photography, relaxing walks, or enjoying the natural surroundings.
Even during peak season, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Giethoorn’s beauty in tranquility. Early mornings are especially peaceful, with calm canals, soft sunlight reflecting on the water, and only a handful of visitors enjoying the serene atmosphere.
What to Expect on Your Tour?
Experience the true Netherlands with GiethoornFromAmsterdam. Book your ticket today and discover why Giethoorn is called the “Venice of the North.” Click here to reserve your spot!
We offer carefully curated day trips from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, complete with:
- Bus Transportation: A comfortable ride through the lush Dutch landscape.
- Boat Tour in Giethoorn: Relax and enjoy the picturesque canals.
- Free Time: Discover the village at your own pace and soak in the local atmosphere. You can also add a delicious lunch to your tour.
Latest News on Giethoorn
Giethoorn in the Snow – 7 Januari 2026
Since January 3, 2026, Giethoorn has been covered in beautiful snow. The houses, gardens, and bridges are all blanketed in white — the perfect opportunity to capture unique winter photos.
Tours
A Day in Giethoorn: What to Expect on Your Tour
Get a detailed look at what makes our day trips unforgettable – from visiting iconic windmills to exploring Giethoorn by boat.
Tips & Tricks
Travel Guide: Exploring Giethoorn on Your Own
A guide for those choosing the self-paced tour option, including boat rental tips and must-see locations in Giethoorn.
Frequently Asked Questions about Giethoorn
Where does the tour depart from in Amsterdam?
Our boarding location is Market 27, Termini 27, 1025 XM Amsterdam. This is the starting point for all our tours from Amsterdam to Giethoorn.
Where is Giethoorn located?
Giethoorn is in the province of Overijssel, approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Amsterdam. It’s nestled in the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, one of the most scenic wetland areas in the Netherlands. The village is part of the municipality of Steenwijkerland.
What are the top 5 tips for visiting Giethoorn?
Use the 9292 App Get real-time updates on public transport and fastest travel routes. You can also check the NS app for train schedules.
Dress Warmly It can be much colder on the water than on land, so bring warm clothes, even in spring or summer.
Arrive Early in Summer For a peaceful experience, visit before 11:00 AM, especially on busy weekends.
Rent a Boat Renting a boat is the best way to explore Giethoorn’s canals at your own pace.
Book a Public Boat Tour Join a relaxing cruise with a captain and enjoy the sights without the stress.
Where can I park for free in Giethoorn?
There are free parking options available just outside the village center.
Many are near hotels or restaurants
Some are right next to boat rental locations
Parking lots range from 60 to 250 spaces
We recommend arriving early to secure a good spot!
