Giethoorn Tour – A Relaxing Day Trip in the Venice of the North
A Giethoorn tour is one of the most charming and peaceful day trips you can take from Amsterdam. Known as the “Venice of the North,” this picturesque village in the Netherlands has no main roads—just narrow canals, wooden bridges, and charming thatched cottages. Instead of cars, locals and visitors travel by boat, making every journey here scenic and incredibly photogenic. A guided tour helps you discover hidden corners, small museums, and the relaxing rhythm of village life.
Private Day Tour from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by Boat
Start your private, custom-tailored journey with a convenient pickup at your chosen point, then hop aboard a luxury boat. We assist you in setting the course, schedule, and duration of your day.
First, glide past Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks and enjoy Dutch snacks and drinks as you cruise in comfort. Your captain will share fascinating insights about the city and its history.
Make a reservation easily online for a fully customized experience showcasing the most iconic attractions of Amsterdam.
| Feature | Details | Unique Selling Point (USP) |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Type | Private Salonboat (e.g., Boat Boys’ fleet) | 100% Electric (silent, eco-friendly) & Fully Covered/Heated for 4-season comfort. |
| Capacity | Typically up to 8 – 12 persons | Ideal for an intimate, exclusive group experience. |
| Duration | Minimum 1 to 1.5 hours | Allows time for a personalized route (e.g., the hidden canals). |
| Amenities | High-end | Mahogany interior, mini-bar, double-glazed windows, toilet, and transparent roof. |
| Catering Option | Available A La Carte | Possibility for a pre-tour welcome drink, coffee/tea, or a customized breakfast/brunch. |
Why a Giethoorn Tour Is One of the Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
A Giethoorn tour is the perfect escape from Amsterdam’s busy streets. It combines nature, culture, and peace in one unforgettable journey. Whether you choose a small group tour, a private day trip, or a Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans combo, you’ll discover a side of the Netherlands that feels timeless and serene. Sail the canals, walk the bridges, and experience why Giethoorn remains one of the most loved Dutch attractions—a place where life truly moves at the pace of the water.
Why a Giethoorn Tour Is One of the Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
A Giethoorn tour is the perfect escape from Amsterdam’s busy streets. It combines nature, culture, and peace in one unforgettable journey. Whether you choose a small group tour, a private day trip, or a Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans combo, you’ll discover a side of the Netherlands that feels timeless and serene. Sail the canals, walk the bridges, and experience why Giethoorn remains one of the most loved Dutch attractions—a place where life truly moves at the pace of the water.
Zaanse Schans Day Tour
Book your tour to the incredible Zaanse Schans, an unforgettable journey into the heart of authentic Dutch culture. Get ready to:
See iconic, working windmills turning against a classic Dutch sky.
Wander through charming historic houses that whisper stories of centuries past.
Watch craftsmen at work in lively clog workshops.
Indulge in delicious, free cheese-tasting experiences that will delight your palate!
You’re just 90 minutes across the water from Amsterdam, ready to discover the Netherlands of a bygone era. Discover What Awaits You at Zaanse Schans (Tour Highlights & Details)
Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Combo Tour—Dutch Villages in One Day
Many travelers combine a Giethoorn tour with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a village famous for its traditional windmills and wooden houses. A day tour covering both offers the best of Dutch countryside charm, featuring canals in Giethoorn and windmills in Zaanse Schans. It’s ideal for those short on time but eager to explore more attractions in one full-day tour from Amsterdam.
Book a Zaanse Schans boat tour. Our guided tour boat allows you to pass famous bridges and landmarks, the Amstel River, city canals, and tulip gardens, and finally to the Zaanse Schans. Each trip duration is 1.30 hours.
Enjoy welcome drinks and a multilingual tour guide at an additional charge. To make your Zaanse Schans tour exceptional, you can book a food cruise, and we have a special arrangement of Dutch cuisine and drinks available upon request. Contact us in advance to customize your tour. Our private tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off, saving time and effort.
Giethoorn Day Trip Itinerary—What to Expect on a Full-Day Tour
A full-day tour to Giethoorn usually starts in the morning from Amsterdam. After the scenic drive, you’ll arrive at the Giethoorn village and board your tour boat or canal cruise.
Your English-speaking guide will share stories about the village’s history and lifestyle while you sail through its peaceful waterways. You’ll have free time to explore, visit local shops, walk across charming bridges, and have lunch by the canals. Many itineraries also include a visit to nearby attractions such as Zaanse Schans or the Dutch countryside windmills, making it a well-rounded day trip.
How to Go Giethoorn from Amsterdam—Best Routes and Transportation Options
Getting to Giethoorn from Amsterdam is easy and scenic. Most visitors find that a guided day tour or private car excursion typically lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours. If you want to make a combo tour with the Zaanse Schans windmill tour and the Giethoorn tour, you can book a boat tour from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Steenwijk and then take a bus or a free ferry to the countryside of Giethoorn. Whether you travel by luxury coach, car, or join a small group, the journey through the Dutch countryside is an experience on its own.
| Travel Option | Departure Point | Est. Travel Time (One Way) | Est. Cost (Per Person, One Way) | Duration & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organized Bus Tour | Central Meeting Point / Hotel Pickup | 1 hour 40 min – 2 hours | Approx. €58 – €99 (usually return price) | Often includes a guided boat tour and a total duration of 6-8 hours. |
| Public Transport (Train + Bus) | Amsterdam Centraal Station | 2 hours 15 min – 2 hours 40 min | Approx. €25 – €32 | Requires train to Steenwijk (or Zwolle), then a local bus. Most flexible, but longest route. |
| Private Car/Minibus Transfer | Hotel or Amsterdam CS | 1 hour 25 min – 1 hour 30 min | Varies widely (e.g., €180 – €250 per vehicle) | Fastest and most comfortable for small groups (up to 8 people). |
Giethoorn Boat Tour Experience—Sail Through Narrow Canals and Wooden Bridges
The highlight of every Giethoorn tour is the boat ride. The village is built around a network of canals lined with colorful gardens and traditional cottages. You’ll glide under arched wooden bridges, past boats filled with tourists and locals.
Some tours use electric whisper boats, offering a quiet and eco-friendly way to enjoy the scenery. It’s a picturesque journey where you can take photos, relax, and soak in the beauty of the Dutch countryside from the water.
Private Giethoorn Tours—Enjoy a Personal Journey with Pickup and Comfort
For travelers seeking comfort and flexibility, private tours to Giethoorn are an ideal choice. You can travel in a car with your own guide, enjoy a custom itinerary, and spend your time at your own pace.
Private tours often include hotel pickup, exclusive boat rides, and extra stops at scenic Dutch villages. Whether it’s a romantic escape or a family adventure, a private Giethoorn tour ensures a peaceful experience away from large crowds.
What to See and Do in Giethoorn—Attractions, Museums, and Lake Views
Giethoorn may appear small, but it offers a wealth of attractions. Visit the Museum De Oude Aarde for gemstones and fossils, or the ‘t Olde Maat Uus Museum for local history. Enjoy a short walk to Bovenwijde Lake, where you can rent a boat or enjoy stunning views of the surrounding wetlands. Shops selling Dutch cheese, souvenirs, and handmade crafts are scattered throughout the village, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Explore Giethoorn Village—History, Walking Paths
After your boat cruise, take time to stroll through Giethoorn village on foot. Small walking paths connect the canals, and you can visit craft shops, local museums, and cafés. The town dates back to the 13th century when peat diggers created the canals.
You’ll find that cars are not allowed in the old part of town, so the quiet sounds of water, birds, and boats make it feel like another world. Don’t miss the chance to walk over its wooden bridges for classic photos of the Venice of Holland.
Giethoorn Canal Cruise — Discover the Heart of the Water Village
If you prefer a guided experience, join a Giethoorn canal cruise with a local captain. These tours last approximately an hour and follow the main waterways, eventually reaching the lake at the edge of the village. You’ll pass thatched-roof homes, flower gardens, and historic farms, hearing stories about life in this water-based community. Some canal cruises even include a short walking tour, allowing you to explore both land and water.
Giethoorn Lunch Spots and Restaurants with Canal Views
Lunch in Giethoorn is a treat. Many restaurants sit right on the canals, offering beautiful views as you dine. Popular spots serve Dutch pancakes, fresh fish, and local specialties. Whether you prefer a cozy café or a canal-side terrace, every meal here feels like part of the experience. A canal-view lunch adds the perfect local touch to your day tour.
Best Time to Visit Giethoorn—Seasons, Weather, and Events
The best time to go to Giethoorn is from April to October, when the weather is mild and the gardens are in bloom. Spring and summer bring colorful flowers and lively canals. In winter, the canals sometimes freeze, turning Giethoorn into a postcard-like ice village. Each season offers its own charm, but most tours operate year-round.
Small Group vs. Private Giethoorn Tour—Which One Is Right for You?
If you enjoy meeting other travelers and a more social experience, a small group tour is perfect. These tours include transportation, a guide, and a boat cruise and are often more affordable. However, if you prefer privacy, flexibility, and comfort, a private Giethoorn tour is worth the extra cost. Both options provide an excellent introduction to this unique Dutch village.
How to Rent a Boat in Giethoorn—Tips, Tickets, and Prices
You can easily rent a boat in Giethoorn for an hour or a full day. Giethoorn’s rental companies offer a variety of vessels, including kayaks, canoes, and tour boats, suitable for groups of all sizes. No boating license is needed, and you’ll receive a simple map showing where to go. Prices vary depending on the season, but it’s one of the most popular activities for tourists who want to explore independently—book early, especially in summer, as tickets and boats can sell out quickly.
Tips for Your Giethoorn Day Trip—What to Bring and Know
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and bridges, and bring a light jacket since canal areas can get breezy. Most locals speak English, and many restaurants accept cards. Allow at least 3–4 hours in the village to enjoy both the boat tour and some free time on land. If you’re visiting on a weekend, consider starting early to avoid the crowds.
How to Get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by Public Transport or Private Car
If you prefer to travel independently, take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Steenwijk, then continue by bus 70 to Giethoorn. Alternatively, rent a private car for a faster and more direct trip. Some hotels and travel services offer discounts for early bookings or combo tours, making the journey both easy and affordable.
How long is the boat ride in Giethoorn?
A regular boat ride in Giethoorn usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your route and the type of boat you choose. If you follow the full canal loop, it can take a bit longer, especially when you stop for photos or a coffee by the water.
How much time do you need in Giethoorn?
You need around 3 to 5 hours to explore Giethoorn comfortably. This gives you enough time to enjoy a boat ride, walk along the charming canals, and relax at a local café. If you prefer a slower pace, spending a full day makes the visit even more special.
Is it worth going to Giethoorn, Netherlands?
Yes, Giethoorn is absolutely worth visiting! The village offers peaceful canals, thatched cottages, and beautiful natural views you won’t find anywhere else in the Netherlands. Whether you visit for a few hours or stay overnight, Giethoorn gives a relaxing and unforgettable Dutch experience.
How to tour Giethoorn?
You can tour Giethoorn by renting a whisper boat, joining a guided canal tour, or walking along the footpaths. Most visitors start from the main canal area, where rental boats and tour guides are easy to find. Exploring by boat lets you see the best views, while walking gives you time to discover cozy bridges and hidden spots.