Giethoorn, a roadless village in the Netherlands, offers stunning natural beauty, beautiful canals and fun activities such as boating and ice skating in winter.
Giethoorn is a beautiful village located in the Netherlands, known as the “Venice of the Netherlands” because of its enchanting beauty and the canals that surround it.
Known as a place without roads, this village offers a unique experience, both for tourists who want to enjoy nature and those who want to enjoy local Dutch culture.
Here are 10 interesting facts that will make you even more fascinated by the uniqueness of Giethoorn Village.
1. Main Means of Transportation: Boat
Giethoorn is one of the few villages in the world that does not have a main road in the village center. Without roads, of course no cars would pass through this village. Instead, the residents of Giethoorn use boats for daily mobility.
The village is surrounded by canals which make transportation easy by boat. Every house in Giethoorn has direct access to the canal, and vehicles can only be parked outside the village.
So, visitors who come will leave their vehicles in the outdoor parking area and then continue their journey by boat. There is no more enjoyable way to explore this village than by boat.
2. Like a Fairy Tale
Giethoorn is often nicknamed “Fairytale Village” because of its charming atmosphere and the feeling of being in a fictional world.
With canals surrounding neat houses and courtyards filled with beautiful flowers, every corner of this village looks like a scene taken from a storybook.
In addition, most of the houses in Giethoorn have thatched roofs and were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, giving a traditional touch that further enhances the fairytale impression.
3. Nickname “Venice of the Netherlands”
Giethoorn is often nicknamed the “Venice of the Netherlands” or even “Dutch Venice” because of its beautiful canals that surround the village.
These canals are reminiscent of the Italian city of Venice, which is also famous for its network of canals used for transportation.
However, Giethoorn is quieter and more peaceful than the busy Venice, making it a more peaceful and ideal place to enjoy nature.
4. Popular Tourist Destinations
With all its charm, Giethoorn has become a popular tourist destination that attracts more than one million visitors each year.
The natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere and various fun activities make it a place that is always crowded with tourists, both from the Netherlands itself and from all over the world.
Giethoorn offers a very different atmosphere from the big city, providing a refreshing holiday experience.
5. Interesting Activities in Giethoorn
There are many interesting activities to do in Giethoorn. One of the most popular is to tour the village by boat, gondola, or canoe. Visitors can rent a boat to explore the canals that run throughout the village.
Boat rental prices vary depending on the type and capacity of the boat, from a boat that costs 15 euros per hour to a private tour on a large boat for 110 euros per hour.
In addition, visitors can also walk or cycle on a special path known as the Binnenpad that runs along the canal.
6. Iceskating in Winter
One of the unique activities that can only be done in Giethoorn is iceskating. In winter, the canals surrounding the village can freeze, creating a layer of ice that allows residents and visitors to skate on.
Iceskating is a very popular activity in winter, and is often a major attraction for tourists who come to the village. Although it only happens during certain seasons, the iceskating experience on the Giethoorn canals is one that should not be missed.
7. Houses with Thatched Roofs
Another unique feature of Giethoorn is the houses with thatched roofs. These houses were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and are still well maintained even though they are hundreds of years old.
This thatched roof gives a very strong traditional and natural impression, and is one of the main attractions for tourists. Each house also has a green yard with various colorful flowers that add to the beauty of this place.
8. Access to Giethoorn
Giethoorn is located about 119 kilometers from Amsterdam, which can be reached in about 1 hour and 22 minutes by car.
If using private vehicles, visitors will leave their vehicles outside the village and continue the journey by walking for about five minutes.
Visitors can also use public transportation, such as buses or mini-buses, which provide services to Giethoorn from various major cities in the Netherlands.
Although access to this village is quite limited, the experiences offered make every trip to Giethoorn very worthwhile.
9. Giethoorn Culinary Tour
After walking around the village and enjoying various exciting activities, tourists can enjoy typical Dutch cuisine at various food stalls on the banks of the canal.
There are many cafes and restaurants serving traditional Dutch dishes, such as soto, bakso, and various other local foods. Eating while enjoying the beautiful canal view adds to the enjoyment of this culinary experience.
10. Quiet and Peaceful Life
Giethoorn is not only a beautiful village, but also reflects a quiet and peaceful life. Here, the people live very simply, and there is no air pollution or noise that is usually present in big cities.
This atmosphere creates a very calming atmosphere, making visitors feel comfortable and can really enjoy their time in this village.
There are no motor vehicles to disturb the tranquility, so you can feel a very different kind of peace. Giethoorn is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty, rich culture and a quiet life.
With charming canals, traditional houses with thatched roofs and various exciting activities such as boating or ice skating in the winter, this village offers an unforgettable experience.
For anyone looking for a quiet place to spend their holiday, Chefchaouen is the perfect choice. The beauty of this village is not only soothing to the eyes, but also gives visitors the opportunity to experience a simpler life closer to nature.
