Holiday home Giethoorn: boating, walking and cycling in an authentic Dutch setting!

No fewer than 170 little bridges and an impressive canal system have earned the picturesque village of Giethoorn the nickname 'Venice of the North'. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of city traffic, as cars are replaced by boats – each with its own little ‘garage’! While floating on the water, you’ll pass charming houses with traditional thatched roofs and be amazed by this unique destination. Looking for a weekend getaway or a week-long holiday surrounded by water and authentic charm? Head out on the water straight from your holiday home in Giethoorn!

Spend time on the water from your holiday home in Giethoorn

There are many ways to enjoy the waters of Giethoorn. You can steer your own boat – and no license is needed! Feel the breeze as you cruise around with friends or family in a rental boat, whether that’s a sloop, a console boat, or a silent whisper boat. Prefer to relax as much as possible? Then hop aboard one of the classic canal cruise boats. An experienced captain will be at the helm, so all you have to do is sit back and unwind. Many of these canal boats are even heated, making them perfect for cooler days.

Weerribben-Wieden National Park

Did you know that Weerribben-Wieden National Park is the largest peat bog in all of Northwestern Europe? This extraordinary landscape consists of lakes, ponds and canals, beautifully interspersed with peatland, reed beds and enchanting forests. The park is also a haven for rare animals, including otters and special waterfowl. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will definitely enjoy exploring this area!

Boating in De Wieden from Zwartsluis

Experience the water-rich expanse and serene silence of De Wieden on a boat tour! As you glide through the waterways, you’ll see nothing but vast nature all around, with reed beds lining the banks. You can combine this scenic adventure with fine dining. In Zwartsluis, step aboard a cruise with 'Varen in de Wieden', where you can enjoy dinner or choose from a range of packages. Renting a holiday home in Giethoorn in autumn or winter? You can still explore the area on a boat – the tour boat 'De Visarend' is covered and heated!

Discover the charming town of Blokzijl

A popular day trip during a Giethoorn holiday is visiting the town of Blokzijl. This town still holds an air of mystery, as no one has ever definitively determined when it was founded – the best estimate is “sometime during the 16th century.” What is clear is that it has long held strategic importance and quickly developed into a major trading port. As you walk through the town, you’ll notice that much of its history and tradition has been well preserved. The old cannons, once used to fire warning shots during high water, are a testament to that.

Cycling and walking from your holiday home in Giethoorn

Although Giethoorn is best known for its water-based activities, there’s so much more to explore! Take advantage of the many cycling and walking routes starting from your holiday home in Giethoorn. Cyclists will love the ‘Giethoorn de Wieden Cycle Route’, which starts in Giethoorn and leads into Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass by lakes and the quaint water village of Belt-Schutsloot. For many years, the locals here earned their living from peat extraction, before switching to reed cultivation.

Extensive walking network with marked routes

Giethoorn is not just a paradise for cyclists – it’s also a dream destination for walkers. The area boasts an extensive walking network with over 550 kilometres of marked routes. You can choose a short, easy 4-kilometre walk through Giethoorn itself, or opt for longer hikes for more experienced walkers. Want to explore more of the surroundings? Try the ‘Giethoorn Walking Route’ which starts at Eendrachtsplein in Giethoorn. This 15.3-kilometre route takes you all the way to Dwarsgracht and back again.

Things to do in Meppel

Meppel, a delightful town with a rich history, is located near Giethoorn. Its lush surroundings and charming old town are major highlights. Visit the Historical Centre of Meppel to learn how the town evolved over the centuries. You'll also find fascinating buildings and landmarks like the Mariakerk and the windmill ‘De Weert’. For a nature escape, head to the Reest Valley (Reestdal), a picturesque area with a small river and scenic meadows. Tip: take a boat tour on the Drentsche Hoofdvaart to see Meppel from the water!

Visit the Hanseatic town of Hasselt

North of Zwolle lies the historic Hanseatic town of Hasselt. This charming town along the Zwarte Water river features leafy lanes, hidden corners and atmospheric gables. While it doesn’t take long to walk through the town, you’ll encounter no fewer than 70 monuments! Given its rich history, it’s worth taking a guided walking tour. As you visit the key sights, you'll be stepping back in time to the golden era of the Hanseatic League.

Rent a holiday home in Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a water-rich region where you can go boating in many different ways. Rent a boat and explore the authentic canals, photogenic bridges and farmhouse-style homes with thatched roofs. One of the best things about a holiday in Giethoorn is that there’s even more water to discover in the surrounding areas. Set off on foot or by bike from your holiday home in Giethoorn to explore the largest wetland in Northern Europe, or let your worries float away during a boat cruise through nearby Meppel.