Giethoorn, located in National Park Weerribben-Wieden, is an idyllic village in Overijssel where countless thatched farms have been built on small peat islands connected by over 170 small wooden bridges.

In Giethoorn, a typically Dutch village in Overijssel, you can perfectly see how the Dutch love to live with and on the water. In an environment full of lakes, reed beds and forests lies this picturesque village with its many handsome farms with thatched roofs and characteristic wooden bridges.

Giethoorn was established as a settlement of peat harvesters. Peat-cutting created ponds and lakes, and people built houses on the islands between them. As a result, access was only possible by bridge or using traditional Giethoorn boats, so-called punters – narrow boats pushed along using a long pole by a punteraar.

Fortunately, little has changed in Giethoorn. The tall wooden bridges are still there, and you can still travel the waters on a punter, as well as on an electric boat or a tour boat. A 1 or 2-hour boat tour takes you past the gorgeous 18th and 19th-century farmhouses and under the bridges. There are boxes of flowers on a lot of the bridges, the houses are all immaculately cared for with beautifully painted shutters and gorgeous gardens. It’s also very nice to sit beside the canals and watch the boats, ducks, and swans go by, whether you sit on the ground or a bench with a picnic, or in one of the canal-side restaurants.

Footpaths beside the canals are ideal for walking or cycling, and there’s a wide selection of cafes and restaurants on land. From City bikes, Kick bike steps or E-bikes, there are many options for every need and preference.

Giethoorn undeniably has a reputation when it comes to gastronomic enjoyment. It is home to various excellent restaurants, many of which are of course beautifully situated at the water’s edge.

Accommodation in Giethoorn is an experience in itself. Like the houses, each hotel fits in the picturesque village, surrounded by green spaces and beautiful canals. The offers are varied and limited, it is best to look for what suits you and book in advance, as Giethoorn is a sought-after destination.

According to holland /Wikipedia