🛶 How to Get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: Travel Guide, Itinerary & Tips 2025
If you’ve ever seen pictures of a peaceful Dutch village with cute thatched-roof cottages, wooden bridges, and calm canals lined with flowers, chances are you’ve seen Giethoorn. Known as the “Venice of the Netherlands,” this storybook village offers a slower, quieter side of Dutch life: no cars, no noise, just boats gliding gently through shimmering waters.
A trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is like escaping to another world. Whether you go for a relaxing boat ride, wander over the quaint bridges, or just enjoy a coffee by the canal, Giethoorn feels like a place where time stands still.
- 1. 🌟 Why You Should Visit Giethoorn
- 2. 🚆 How to Get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
- 3. 🚌 Recommended Tours
- 4. 🛶 How to Get Around Giethoorn
- 5. 🏡 What to See and Do in Giethoorn
- 6. 🍽️ Where to Eat in Giethoorn
- 7. 🗓️ One-Day Itinerary for Giethoorn
- 8. 💡 Useful Tips for Visiting Giethoorn
- 🗺️ Map of What to See & Eat in Giethoorn
1. 🌟 Why You Should Visit Giethoorn
Giethoorn is not just beautiful: it’s magical. Founded in the 13th century by peat diggers, this small village developed around waterways that connected homes and farms. Today, instead of roads, you’ll find over 170 small bridges arching over quiet canals surrounded by charming gardens and traditional Dutch homes.
The air feels fresher here, the pace slower. You’ll hear the gentle splash of oars, ducks quacking nearby, and maybe the faint laughter of travelers discovering this hidden gem for the first time.
A visit from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful day trip full of Dutch culture, scenic beauty, and pure relaxation. Whether you’re a couple looking for romance, a family on an adventure, or a solo traveler craving tranquility, Giethoorn welcomes everyone.
2. 🚆 How to Get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
Getting from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is straightforward, and there are several ways to make the journey depending on your travel style and budget.
🚄 By Train and Bus:
The most common option is to take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Steenwijk, which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. From there, you’ll hop on Bus 70 toward Giethoorn (another 25 minutes). The total journey is around 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a manageable day trip.
You can easily buy train tickets online or at the station. The public transport system in the Netherlands is efficient and reliable, and the journey offers glimpses of the scenic countryside along the way.
🚗 By Car
If you want more flexibility, renting a car is a great idea. Driving from Amsterdam to Giethoorn takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is simple and scenic: take the A1 and A28 highways. Once you arrive, you can park your car at one of the village’s parking lots, as vehicles are not allowed in the old part of Giethoorn.
🚩 By Guided Tour
If you’d rather not deal with transportation at all, joining a guided tour from Amsterdam is the most stress-free way to go. You’ll get round-trip transport, commentary, and sometimes even a boat ride included. Plus, you’ll learn interesting stories about the village that you might otherwise miss.
3. 🚌 Recommended Tours
🚌 Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip, Boat Tour, and Walking Tour
Discover the enchanting village of Giethoorn on a day trip from Amsterdam! Enjoy a scenic boat tour through serene canals with live commentary and uncover the village’s gems on a digital walking tour!
🚌Amsterdam: Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Tour
Discover the waterways of Giethoorn and windmills of Zaanse Schans on a day tour from Amsterdam. Enjoy a canal cruise in Giethoorn and admire the iconic windmills, accompanied by a local guide.
4. 🛶 How to Get Around Giethoorn
Once you arrive, you’ll quickly realize that Giethoorn doesn’t have streets: it’s built entirely around canals! The best way to explore is by boat, just as the locals do.
🛶 Rent a “whisper boat”: These small, electric boats are easy to steer, silent, and environmentally friendly. Boat rentals usually cost between €20–€25 per hour, and you can rent them at several spots near the village entrance.
🚢 Take a guided canal cruise: If you’d rather sit back and relax, join a 1-hour canal cruise with a local skipper who’ll share stories and fun facts. Tickets usually cost €10–€15 per person.
🚶🏻♀️ Go walking or cycling: There are narrow walking paths and cycle routes running alongside the canals. Rent a bike for around €10–€15 per day to explore the wider area.
Boating in Giethoorn is pure joy. You can glide quietly under bridges, peek into gardens, and stop for a snack or drink at one of the waterside cafés.
5. 🏡 What to See and Do in Giethoorn
There’s plenty to enjoy once you’re there!
🛶 Take a Canal Cruise: You can’t visit Giethoorn without getting on the water! Most boat tours operate from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, depending on the season. Cruises last around an hour and cover the prettiest parts of the village and nearby lakes.
🖼️ Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus: Step back in time and learn how the villagers lived centuries ago. This museum showcases old farm tools, furniture, and crafts.
🕓 Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💶 Admission: €7.50
🏛️ De Oude Aarde (The Old Earth): A fascinating gemstone and mineral museum that’s perfect for curious minds and kids. The sparkling crystals and fossils are a delight to see.
🕓 Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 17:00 PM
💶 Admission: €5
🌉 Walk Across the Bridges: Giethoorn is home to over 170 charming wooden bridges, each offering a new photo opportunity. Take your time strolling across them for the perfect shot!
🏞️ Explore Nearby Nature: If you love nature, visit Weerribben-Wieden National Park, just outside the village. You can cycle, kayak, or simply enjoy the serene landscape of reeds, lakes, and wildlife.
6. 🍽️ Where to Eat in Giethoorn
After a day of exploring, you’ll be ready for some good food, and Giethoorn delivers!
📍 De Grachthof: A canal-side restaurant with beautiful terrace views. Try the Dutch pancakes or fresh fish dishes.
📍 Grand Café Fanfare: Cozy and casual, this spot was named after the famous Dutch movie Fanfare filmed in Giethoorn. Great for coffee, snacks, and relaxed lunches.
📍 De Lindenhof: For a fine dining experience, visit this two-Michelin-starred restaurant for a truly memorable meal (advance booking highly recommended).
7. 🗓️ One-Day Itinerary for Giethoorn
8:00 AM – Depart Amsterdam
Grab an early breakfast and head out to make the most of your day.
10:30 AM – Arrive in Giethoorn
Pick up your boat rental or join a guided cruise. Glide along the canals and admire the beautiful cottages.
12:30 PM – Lunch by the Water
Stop at Grand Café Fanfare or De Grachthof for a tasty lunch.
2:00 PM – Visit Museums and Explore on Foot
Walk through the village bridges, visit Museum ‘t Olde Maat Uus, and pop into De Oude Aarde for some unique souvenirs.
4:00 PM – Relax or Enjoy Coffee by the Canal
Have a slice of Dutch apple pie and soak in the views before heading back.
6:00 PM – Return to Amsterdam
After a peaceful day in this charming village, you’ll return to the city refreshed and full of wonderful memories.
8. 💡 Useful Tips for Visiting Giethoorn
✅ Visit early or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
✅ Summer and spring are the most beautiful seasons, but fall offers fewer tourists and golden views.
✅ Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water for boat rides.
✅ Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven paths and bridges.
✅ Book your boat in advance, especially during weekends or holidays.
✅ Carry some cash: small eateries may not accept credit cards.
✅ Be respectful of locals’ privacy; many of the canals pass directly in front of private homes.
🗺️ Map of What to See & Eat in Giethoorn
A trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is a journey into another world: a quiet, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful one. With its dreamy canals, friendly locals, and timeless charm, Giethoorn captures everything that makes the Netherlands so enchanting. Whether you join a guided tour, rent your own boat, or simply wander with a camera in hand, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this fairytale village by the water.
Giethoorn may be small, but it leaves a big impression. So, pack your sense of adventure, leave the city bustle behind, and let this little Dutch paradise steal your heart.
📖 Amsterdam Travel Guide
See my full Amsterdam Travel Guide for more tips on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, day trips and itineraries!
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