Giethoorn Day Trip Guide, Netherlands

Giethoorn, known as the "Dutch Venice," is a picturesque village where canals and lakes intertwine, reedy cottages dot the landscape, and lush green gardens create a fairy-tale setting, ideal for a weekend day trip!

🐏 About Giethoorn
🚌 Public Transport:
Take a train to Steenwijk Station, then bus line 70 to Dominee Hylkemaweg (runs hourly from 6:28 am to 7:28 pm). After getting off, navigate to Giethoorn Center, which is about a 15-minute walk.
🚗 By Car:
Set your navigation to Parkeerplaats Giethoorn parking lot, right by the canal, with parking fees at €6 per vehicle.
🗺 Points of Interest:
The main attraction is to explore the village’s canals and Bovenwijde Lake by boat.

Boat Routes: Four official boating routes range from 1-4 hours and go through the village's scenic canals, especially the picturesque AB section.
Recommended Routes: Blue (1-hour) or Yellow (2-hour). The latter includes a long section through reedy marshes, which can be somewhat repetitive.
Navigation Tips: Channel routes have markers, but they can be subtle, so it’s helpful to use Google Maps to stay on track.
Bovenwijde Lake: Swans inhabit the lake, and you can get close while boating. Just be mindful not to disturb them.

🚤 Boat Rental Tips:
Numerous boat rental companies along the canal offer onsite rentals, and you can also book online.
No boating license required; the boats are easy to operate but pay attention during staff instructions.
Safety First: Confirm emergency contact numbers and life jacket availability before setting off.
Types of Boats: I rented a boat with a rear motor for steering, which often got tangled in lake plants, requiring frequent stops to clear it. Some people mention that boats with a front motor are harder to steer, so choose based on your preference.
Rental Prices: Typically range from €20-50 per hour. My rental didn’t require a deposit, and any extra time was charged based on actual use, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Some rental companies close at 5 pm, so plan accordingly.
Besides self-renting, there are also larger boats available for ticketed rides. A 1-hour trip is €9.5 for adults, €5 for kids, and a 2-hour trip is €16 for adults, €9 for kids; children under 4 are free. Boats depart every hour from 11 am to 4 pm.

‼️ Additional Tips:
Bring champagne or snacks, and definitely bring water.
Check the weather: It was sunny when I started, but later, a downpour soaked us. Be prepared for all weather!
Sun Protection: Boats lack shade, so sunburn is possible.
Photos: For best results, go in groups of 3 or more—one person to steer and two to take photos—so you won’t feel rushed.
Enjoy your magical day in Giethoorn!