Tours to Giethoorn
Tours to Giethoorn from Amsterdam – Experience the Venice of the Netherlands in Just 1 Hour 20 Minutes
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.
Skip the Complicated Train Connections
Getting from Amsterdam to Giethoorn shouldn’t require a logistics degree. Yet many tourists discover too late that the train journey involves three changes, a bus connection, and roughly 2 hours 30 minutes of travel time – all for a total of €59 in transport costs alone.
Our direct bus tour from Amsterdam changes everything. Board our comfortable coach at 8:45 AM from central Amsterdam, and you’ll step into this enchanting village by 10:30 AM. The entire journey takes just 1 hour 20 minutes and costs only €49.- return. That’s faster, cheaper, and infinitely less stressful than navigating Dutch train schedules and platform changes with your camera bag and day pack.
Please note that train services can occasionally be delayed or cancelled, especially during busy travel periods. In such cases, your alternatives are limited to our Giethoorn from Amsterdam service or booking a last-minute taxi, which can easily cost €250,-or more one way.
While train travelers are still switching platforms at Steenwijk, you’ll already be strolling past centuries old thatched roofs and beautiful canals, planning which boat ride to take first.
Why Choose Our Giethoorn Tours from Amsterdam?
Our tours deliver the smartest combination of speed, value, and flexibility for reaching this picturesque village in the province Overijssel.
- Fastest Transport Available – Just 1 hour 20 minutes direct to Giethoorn versus 2.5 hours by train with multiple connections
- Most Affordable Option – €49 for round-trip bus fare compared to approximately €60 for train tickets alone
- Three Distinct Tour Types – Choose between our complete tour with canal cruise, transfer-only service, or self-sail adventure with optional skipper
- Early Arrival Advantage – Our 8:45 AM departure gets you to Giethoorn by 10:30 AM, giving you the entire day to explore before midday crowds arrive
- Central Amsterdam Pick Up – Easy-to-reach departure points accessible by tram and metro from any hotel in the city center
With over 1 million visitors discovering Giethoorn each year, and roughly 19% of them traveling from Amsterdam, the demand for efficient transport is clear. Our service eliminates the guesswork and delivers you directly to the heart of the Dutch Venice.
How Our Giethoorn Tours Work
We’ve designed the simplest possible journey from Amsterdam to this peaceful village. Here’s exactly what to expect:
Getting from Amsterdam to this small village in the Netherlands couldn’t be simpler. Our streamlined process ensures you’re canal-side with minimal effort.
Step 1: Select Your Perfect Tour Option Browse our three tour types and choose the experience that matches your travel style. Whether you want an included boat tour, independent exploration, or the adventure of sailing your own small boat, we have you covered.
Step 2: Board Our Comfortable Bus at 8:45 AM Meet us at our central Amsterdam departure point – easily accessible from Dam Square, Jordaan, or De Pijp. Our air-conditioned coach awaits with comfortable seating and a professional driver ready to navigate the scenic route.
Step 3: Arrive in Giethoorn by 10:30 AM After just 1 hour 20 minutes through stunning Dutch countryside, you’ll arrive in the village center with the full day stretching ahead. No long walks from distant parking lots – we drop you right where the adventure begins.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Day Your Way Depending on your chosen tour, you’ll board your canal cruise, collect your rental boat keys, or simply begin exploring at your own pace. The village offers ample time for lunch on a canal-side terrace, shopping for souvenirs, and capturing countless photos of this unique fairy tale vibe.
Our Three Tour Options to Giethoorn
We understand that travelers have different preferences. That’s why we offer three carefully designed ways to experience this picturesque wooden bridges-lined village:
1. Our most popular Giethoorn tour for first-time visitors
This comprehensive day tour includes round-trip bus transportation plus a guided canal cruise through the village’s famous waterways. Upon arrival, you’ll board a comfortable salon boat right in the center of Giethoorn – no walking to distant piers required.
Your approximately one-hour boat ride takes you past 18th-century farmhouses, under charming wooden bridges, and out onto Lake Bovenwijde for stunning views of the surrounding Weerribben Wieden National Park. A knowledgeable skipper shares stories about the village’s peat-digging history and points out the best photo opportunities.
After your cruise, enjoy free time to explore the numerous waterways on foot, browse local shops, and have lunch at a canal-side restaurant.
Best for: Couples, families, and anyone wanting a complete, worry-free unforgettable experience
1. Complete Tour Package: Transfer & Guided Boat Cruise
Chosen by 85% of our guests
Round-trip price: €59,- per person – all costs included, no hidden fees
2. Perfect for travelers with their own plans
Already booked a private boat tour in Giethoorn? Prefer walking and photography over sailing? Simply want to spend the day wandering at your own pace?
Our transfer-only option provides the same fast, comfortable bus journey without any pre-scheduled activities in the village. You’ll arrive by 10:30 AM with complete freedom to shape your day. Visit the local museums, rent a bicycle, book a boat on arrival, or simply stroll along the canal paths discovering hidden corners.
Prefer different travel times to Giethoorn? You can choose your own departure and return times to and from Giethoorn.
This option gives you maximum flexibility while still saving significant time and money compared to navigating the train and bus connections yourself.
2. Transfer Only – Independent Explorer
With our direct transfer, you get the convenience of door-to-village service without the complexity.
Round-trip price: €49,- per person – all costs included, no hidden fees
3. The most adventurous way to discover Giethoorn
For travelers seeking something special, this option combines our direct transfer with the thrill of captaining your own vessel through Giethoorn’s famous canals.
Upon arrival, you’ll collect your electric whisper boat – quiet, eco-friendly, and incredibly easy to operate even for complete beginners. Navigate the narrow channels at your own pace, stopping wherever catches your eye, exploring side canals that larger tour group boats cannot access.
Optional Skipper Service: Prefer to relax while someone else handles navigation? Hire a local skipper who transforms your rental into a private tours experience. They’ll share insider knowledge, take you to the most photogenic spots, and ensure you capture the perfect pictures while they handle the steering.
Best for: Adventurous couples, families with older children, small group outings, and anyone wanting a personalized exploration
3. Self-boat Adventure – Transfer + Rent Your Own Boat
This is the starting price and may vary per person. Each additional person only pays for transportation between Amsterdam and Giethoorn. The first person covers the boat rental.
Round-trip price: €89,- for the first person and €49,- per additional person.
Optional Skipper Service
Want to rent a boat but find steering it tricky? No problem! We’ll provide a skipper to join your boat and help navigate. Check here for more information.
4. Private boat tour with a friendly local captain
Hire a local skipper who transforms your rental into a private tours experience.
- Round-trip price: €189,- for the first person and €49,- per additional person.
Our Partner Tulip Tours Holland
All your transportation, boat tickets, expert guides, and professional chauffeurs are seamlessly organized through our trusted partner, Tulip Tours Holland.
All transportation services are organized in collaboration with our wonderful partner, Tulip Tours Holland. Through this platform, all your tickets are arranged: transportation, boat tickets, friendly guides, and highly professional chauffeurs.
We always depart from our fixed location in Amsterdam. From this central spot, we’re immediately on the highway and on our way to the beautiful village of Giethoorn. Did you know you can also enjoy a coffee or even have lunch at our departure point? Make sure to arrive on time—we’ll make your day a memorable one!
Departure times from Amsterdam: 8:45 AM | 9:45 AM | 10:45 AM
Return times from Giethoorn: 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM
Want to travel later back to Amsterdam? While automatic booking for later times is not yet available, you can arrange it at the departure point or at our desk in one of the Giethoorn locations.
What Makes Giethoorn Special
Giethoorn isn’t just another Dutch village – it’s a place that feels genuinely transported from another era. Here’s what makes this destination worth the trip:
A Village Without Cars
The historic heart of Giethoorn has virtually no roads. Instead, narrow canals serve as streets, and over 176 wooden bridges connect the small islands where locals live. Transportation happens by boat or on foot along scenic walking paths. The silence – broken only by birdsong, gentle splashing, and the occasional church bell – creates an atmosphere you simply won’t find elsewhere in the Netherlands.
Centuries of Charm
Picture-perfect thatched farmhouses line the waterways, many dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. These historic homes sit on individual islands surrounded by immaculate gardens. Every angle offers a new photo opportunity: flowers cascading toward the water, ivy climbing stone walls, ducks paddling past moored boats.
Living History
The village’s unique character arose from its peat-cutting past. Workers digging peat fuel inadvertently created the lakes and canals that now define Giethoorn. The name itself may derive from “Geytenhoren” (goat horns), referencing goat horns discovered in the peat bogs after medieval floods – a charming origin story locals love to share.
Nature at Your Doorstep
Giethoorn sits within the Weerribben Wieden National Park, one of northwestern Europe’s largest freshwater wetlands. Beyond the village center, expansive reed beds, quiet lakes, and protected nature areas offer additional exploration opportunities for visitors with extra time.
Shops, Souvenirs, and Restaurants
Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Giethoorn offers plenty for visitors during free time:
- Local Shops – Browse boutiques selling Dutch crafts, ceramics, traditional clogs, and Giethoorn-branded souvenirs along the main walking routes
- Cheese and Specialty Foods – Sample and purchase authentic Dutch cheeses and local treats
- Canal-Side Dining – Multiple restaurants offer terraces overlooking the water, serving Dutch pancakes, fresh fish, sandwiches, and international cuisine
- Cafés and Ice Cream – Perfect for afternoon refreshments while watching boats glide past
The earlier you arrive, the more time you have to explore these attractions before heading back to Amsterdam.
Shops, Souvenirs, and Restaurants
Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Giethoorn offers plenty for visitors during free time:
- Local Shops – Browse boutiques selling Dutch crafts, ceramics, traditional clogs, and Giethoorn-branded souvenirs along the main walking routes
- Cheese and Specialty Foods – Enjoy authentic Dutch cheeses and treats from the picturesque Dutch countryside.
- Canal-Side Dining – Multiple restaurants offer terraces overlooking the water, serving Dutch pancakes, fresh fish, sandwiches, and international cuisine
- Cafés and Ice Cream – Perfect for afternoon refreshments while watching boats glide past
The earlier you arrive, the more time you have to explore these attractions before heading back to Amsterdam.
Experience Dutch Countryside on Your Journey
The trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn isn’t just transport – it’s part of the adventure. Our route crosses some of the most distinctive Dutch scenery you’ll encounter:
Polder Landscapes
Much of the Netherlands lies below sea level, protected by an ingenious system of dikes, pumps, and drainage canals. As we travel northeast, you’ll witness this remarkable engineering firsthand – flat green fields stretching to the horizon, linear canals reflecting the sky, and farmhouses perched on slightly elevated ground.
Schokland – UNESCO World Heritage Island
Our route passes near Schokland, a former island in the Zuiderzee that became stranded on dry land when the surrounding waters were drained to create the Noordoostpolder. Recognized by UNESCO in 1995, Schokland tells the story of centuries of human struggle against the sea. The dramatic flat landscape surrounding this once-island offers a powerful visual demonstration of Dutch land reclamation.
Urk – Traditional Fishing Town
Urk was another island until the 20th century land reclamation connected it to the mainland. This traditional fishing village maintains strong maritime heritage, visible in its historic harbor, church spires, and the distinctive local culture that sets it apart from surrounding areas.
Typical Dutch Scenery
Throughout the journey, expect views of:
- Traditional windmills (both historic and modern wind turbines)
- Grazing cattle in emerald green pastures
- Small towns with church steeples rising above neat rows of houses
- Waterways lined with reeds and waterfowl
Our drivers know the route intimately and can point out interesting features along the way, transforming transit time into cultural discovery.
What’s Included in Your Giethoorn Experience
Every tour includes these essentials for a stress-free day:
- Round-Trip Bus Transportation –
Comfortable coach travel from central Amsterdam to Giethoorn village center and back - Professional Driver –
Experienced, courteous drivers who navigate traffic so you can relax and enjoy the scenery - Air-Conditioned Comfort –
Modern coaches with climate control for pleasant travel regardless of weather - Central Village Drop-Off –
Arrival in the heart of Giethoorn, steps from canals, boats, shops, and restaurants - Generous Free Time –
Ample time in the village for exploration, dining, shopping, and activities - Boat Tour Coordination –
For our complete tour package, pre-arranged canal cruise boarding right in the village center - Access to Boat Rental Companies –
For self-sail guests, we’ll direct you to trusted rental operators where your boat awaits - Flexible Itinerary –
Maximize your day in Giethoorn with our carefully timed schedule
What to Bring: Pack layers (Dutch weather can change), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen in summer, a light rain jacket, your camera, and some cash for shops and snacks. Most restaurants accept cards, but smaller vendors may prefer cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do we depart and return to Amsterdam?
Our primary departure is at 8:45 AM from central Amsterdam, arriving in Giethoorn by approximately 10:30 AM. Return departure is typically mid-to-late afternoon, getting you back to Amsterdam by early evening. Check your specific tour for exact times – we offer multiple departure options on weekends and during high season.
Can I book boat tours once I arrive in Giethoorn?
Absolutely. Giethoorn has numerous boat rental companies and tour operators directly in the village. If you’ve chosen our transfer-only option, you can easily arrange a boat ride, canal cruise, or rental on arrival. During peak week days in summer, booking ahead may secure better availability, but walk-up options exist.
What should I bring for the boat tour?
Wear comfortable layers, as breezes on the water can feel cooler than on land. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat in summer. A light waterproof jacket is helpful for unpredictable Dutch weather. Don’t forget your camera or phone – you’ll want to capture the scenery and photos of the stunning views.
Are there restaurants and shops in Giethoorn village?
Yes, Giethoorn offers plenty of dining and shopping options. Canal-side restaurants serve lunch ranging from traditional Dutch pancakes to international cuisine. Multiple cafés provide coffee, tea, and sweets. Souvenir shops sell everything from postcards and magnets to traditional clogs and local cheeses. You’ll have ample time to explore all the attractions.
Is the tour suitable for children and elderly travelers?
Our bus tour is comfortable for all ages. In Giethoorn, the main walking paths are generally accessible, though some bridges have steps. Larger tour boats are easier to board for those with mobility concerns. For families, the small boat rentals and canal cruise experiences delight children of all ages. Contact us if you have specific accessibility questions.
What happens if weather conditions are poor?
Dutch weather can be unpredictable, but Giethoorn remains charming in all conditions. Light rain rarely stops boat tours – covered salon boats provide shelter. In case of severe weather, we’ll communicate any schedule adjustments. Most visitors find that even cloudy days offer beautiful, atmospheric photos of the canals.
How does this compare to taking the train?
Train travel to Giethoorn requires multiple connections – typically Amsterdam to Zwolle, Zwolle to Steenwijk, then bus 70 to the village. Total travel time is approximately 2.5 hours each way, and tickets cost around €60 return. Our direct bus takes just 1 hour 20 minutes for €49 return – saving you time, money, and the stress of navigating Dutch public transport.
Can I visit Zaanse Schans on the same day?
Our Giethoorn tours focus exclusively on this special destination, giving you maximum time to discover everything the village offers. For visitors wanting to combine attractions, we recommend separate day trips to fully experience each location without rushing.
Book Your Giethoorn Adventure Today
You’ve read about the Venice of the Netherlands – now it’s time to experience it yourself.
Here’s what you get when you book with us:
✓ The fastest route from Amsterdam – just 1 hour 20 minutes door to door
✓ The best value – only €49 compared to €60+ for complicated train journeys
✓ Maximum time in Giethoorn – arrive by 10:30 AM with the entire day ahead
✓ Three tour options – choose the experience that matches your travel style
✓ Central departure – easy pick up point accessible from anywhere in Amsterdam
Don’t spend your precious holiday time figuring out train connections. While other tourists are still waiting for their second transfer at Steenwijk station, you’ll be boarding a canal cruise through the most picturesque village in the Netherlands.
Tickets sell out quickly during peak season. Weekends and summer weeks book especially fast as more tourists discover this enchanting destination.
Have questions about which tour option is right for you? Visit our website or contact our helpful team. We’re here to ensure your Giethoorn trip becomes the highlight of your Netherlands itinerary.