Giethoorn is a village in the Netherlands, in the province of Overijssel, where canals take the place of roads. It is often called the "Dutch Venice", a nickname that points to its waterways rather than to any shared history with the Italian city. Thatched-roof farmhouses sit along the water's edge, and the village centre is car-free, so the pace feels slow from the moment you arrive.
Getting around
The most common way to see Giethoorn is by boat. Electric boats glide along the canals almost without a sound, which suits the quiet character of the place. You can also explore on foot, crossing the wooden bridges that link one side of a waterway to the other and wandering the paths between the farmhouses. Walking gives you a closer look at the thatched roofs and gardens, while the boat gives you the view from the water that the village was built around.
What a visit feels like
Giethoorn suits a visitor looking for a calm day rather than a busy programme of sights. The setting is pristine and rural, and the surrounding natural landscape is part of the appeal. Many people come for a few hours, while others stay longer to take their time along the canals. Because the centre is car-free, you can hear the water, the birds and the occasional footstep on a bridge more than traffic.
Planning your trip
Wear comfortable shoes for the bridges and paths, and allow time to simply sit by the water. If you enjoy slow travel, quiet landscapes and the look of a village that seems to belong to another era, Giethoorn is well worth the visit.
