Giethoorn, Netherlands

Here’s a detailed 3 to 4-day itinerary for visiting Giethoorn, Netherlands, a peaceful village known for its beautiful canals, thatched-roof houses, and serene atmosphere. Often called the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn offers a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. This itinerary will guide you through Giethoorn's highlights and nearby attractions.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Giethoorn

• Morning:

  • Arrive in Giethoorn, located in the province of Overijssel. Check into your waterside accommodation or boutique hotel for an authentic experience in this charming village.

  • Start your exploration with a canal boat tour. Rent a whisper boat (an electric motorboat) or a traditional punter (wooden boat) and sail along the peaceful canals. This is the best way to see Giethoorn's thatched-roof houses, wooden bridges, and picturesque scenery. You can also join a guided boat tour to learn more about the village’s history.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at De Grachthof, a cozy restaurant by the canal, offering classic Dutch dishes and international cuisine. Enjoy your meal on the terrace, where you can watch the boats pass by.

  • After lunch, explore the village on foot or rent a bike. Walk through Giethoorn’s scenic paths, cross its iconic bridges, and visit Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, where you’ll learn about traditional Dutch life in Giethoorn, including old farming tools and fishing equipment.

  • Stop by De Oude Aarde, a gemstone and mineral museum displaying fossils, crystals, and beautiful minerals. This small, fascinating museum is perfect for both kids and adults.

• Evening:

  • For dinner, enjoy a meal at Restaurant De Lindenhof, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its refined dining experience, local ingredients, and peaceful setting. Dine outdoors on the terrace surrounded by serene canals.

  • End your day with a peaceful evening stroll along the canals, taking in the quiet beauty of Giethoorn after sunset.

    
    

Day 2: Canal Adventures and National Park

• Morning:

  • Begin your day by renting a kayak or canoe and paddle through Giethoorn’s quieter canals. Early mornings offer the most peaceful experience, with calm waters and fewer tourists. This is a great way to explore hidden corners of the village.

  • Next, visit Molen van Giethoorn, a traditional Dutch windmill just outside the village. It’s a great spot for photos and learning about the Netherlands' windmill heritage.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Grand Café Fanfare, a local favorite named after the famous Dutch film Fanfare, which was filmed in Giethoorn. Try Dutch specialties like pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes) or hearty sandwiches.

  • After lunch, head to Weerribben-Wieden National Park, one of the largest wetlands in northern Europe. Explore the park by renting a boat or canoe to discover its beautiful lakes, waterways, and wildlife. You can also explore by bike or on foot along the scenic trails.

• Evening:

  • For dinner, enjoy regional cuisine at Smit’s Paviljoen, a waterfront restaurant offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Try local fish dishes or traditional Dutch fare.

  • After dinner, take a sunset boat ride or relax on the terrace with a glass of wine, enjoying the peaceful end to your day.

    
    

Day 3: Day Trip to Blokzijl and Steenwijk

• Morning:

  • Take a short day trip to Blokzijl, a charming historic harbor town just 20 minutes from Giethoorn. Explore its picturesque streets lined with 17th-century houses and visit Blokzijl Harbor, once a thriving center of trade. Have coffee or tea at a café by the harbor and soak in the town’s tranquil ambiance.

  • Continue your morning by exploring more of Weerribben-Wieden National Park nearby. You can rent bikes or walk along the park’s scenic trails, observing local wildlife such as storks and otters.

• Afternoon:

  • For lunch, dine at Kaatje bij de Sluis, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Blokzijl, offering creative modern Dutch cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.

  • In the afternoon, visit Steenwijk, a charming nearby village. Explore Rams Woerthe, a beautiful 19th-century estate with a park and gardens. Stroll through the quaint streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the town’s cozy atmosphere.

• Evening:

  • Return to Giethoorn for dinner at De Rietstulp, a relaxed restaurant offering traditional Dutch dishes and regional specialties. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you reflect on the beauty of the region.

    
    

Day 4 (Optional): Cycling and Local Market Experience

• Morning:

  • Start your day by renting a bike and cycling through the idyllic countryside around Giethoorn. There are several scenic routes that take you through farms, forests, and along canals. Visit local farms to sample fresh dairy products, including famous Dutch cheeses.

  • If it's a market day, head to Steenwijk or Meppel to experience a traditional Dutch market. Browse stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, flowers, and local crafts, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at De Witte Hoeve in Giethoorn, which offers seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, traditional setting.

  • Spend your final afternoon relaxing by the canals or exploring any parts of Giethoorn you might have missed. Grab a coffee or ice cream and savor the peaceful atmosphere.

• Evening:

  • For your final dinner, dine at De Dames van de Jonge, a charming restaurant offering a fusion of Dutch and international cuisine in a beautiful waterside setting. Enjoy your last evening with a boat ride or a peaceful walk through Giethoorn as the sun sets.

    
    

Tips for Visiting Giethoorn:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Giethoorn is in the spring (April to June) or summer (July to September) when the weather is pleasant, the canals are lively, and the countryside is vibrant with color. Spring is especially lovely with blooming flowers and fewer crowds.

• Getting Around: Giethoorn’s central area is car-free, so exploring on foot, by boat, or by bike is the best way to experience the village. Boat rentals are widely available, and there are numerous biking paths for exploring the countryside. Parking is available just outside the village center.

• What to Pack: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket (as the Netherlands can be rainy), and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes. If you plan on biking or boating, sunscreen and a hat are recommended in the summer.