Day Trip Giethoorn | 10 Things to Do in Giethoorn
What to do in Giethoorn? Enjoy a perfect day on the Water
Wondering what to do in Giethoorn during your visit? Giethoorn is famous for its canals, charming bridges and traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. One of the best ways to experience the village is from the water.
Rent a whisper boat, electric sloop or traditional punter and explore Giethoorn at your own pace. But there is much more to enjoy besides boating.
Here are some of the best activities for a memorable day trip to Giethoorn.
1. Rent a boat and explore Giethoorn yourself
Renting a boat is one of the most popular things to do in Giethoorn.
With your own boat, you can cruise through the canals at your own pace while enjoying the characteristic wooden bridges, historic farmhouses and beautiful waterside scenery.
Several types of boats are available. An electric whisper boat is perfect for a peaceful trip through Giethoorn, while an electric sloop offers extra space and comfort.
If you want to experience Giethoorn in a more traditional way, you can also choose a punter.
For most rental boats, no boating licence is required. After a short explanation, you can set off and explore the waterways yourself.
2. Cruise through the famous canals of Giethoorn
Giethoorn looks completely different from the water.
You will cruise past historic farmhouses, underneath small bridges and through narrow waterways that have been part of the village for centuries.
This is why many visitors choose to explore Giethoorn with their own boat. You decide where to go, how fast to travel and where you want to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
3. Choose a beautiful boating route through Giethoorn
There are several boating routes in and around Giethoorn, ranging from shorter trips through the village to longer routes through the surrounding countryside.
If you mainly want to see the famous canals, you can choose a route through the centre of Giethoorn. If you have more time, you can extend your trip towards the surrounding lakes and nature reserves.
The longer you rent your boat, the more opportunities you have to discover both Giethoorn and the beautiful landscape around the village.
Renting a boat for several hours or a full day gives you plenty of time to cruise, relax and explore different parts of the area.
4. Discover Weerribben-Wieden National Park
Giethoorn is located in the beautiful landscape of Weerribben-Wieden National Park.
During a longer boat trip, you can combine the canals of Giethoorn with open water, reed beds, lakes and peaceful nature.
This makes boating in Giethoorn especially varied. One moment you are cruising past the characteristic houses and bridges of the village, and shortly afterwards you can find yourself surrounded by nature.
5. Whisper boat, sloop or punter: which boat should you choose?
The best boat for your day trip to Giethoorn depends on the size of your group and how you would like to spend your day.
Whisper boat
A whisper boat is electric, quiet and easy to operate. It is ideal for visitors who want to explore Giethoorn peacefully while enjoying the scenery.
Electric sloop
An electric sloop offers more space and comfort and is an excellent choice for families, groups of friends and visitors planning a longer boat trip.
Punter
The traditional punter is closely connected to the history of Giethoorn. These boats were once widely used to transport people and goods through the village. Choosing a punter gives you a completely different boating experience.
6. Walk through Giethoorn
After your boat trip, it is worth exploring Giethoorn on foot.
Small footpaths and characteristic bridges lead you alongside the canals and traditional farmhouses. Walking allows you to notice details that you may have missed while boating.
Combining a boat trip with a walk is therefore an excellent way to experience different sides of Giethoorn.
7. Explore Giethoorn and the surrounding area by bicycle
If you still have time after your boat trip, consider exploring the surrounding countryside by bicycle.
The area around Giethoorn offers beautiful landscapes with waterways, reed beds, meadows and small villages.
Combining boating and cycling allows you to discover much more of Giethoorn and the wider region during one day.
8. Have lunch or dinner by the water
A day on the water will probably make you hungry.
Giethoorn has several restaurants and terraces, many of them located directly beside the water.
You can easily combine your boat trip with coffee, lunch, drinks or dinner.
If you rent a boat for several hours or a full day, there is plenty of time to turn your visit into a relaxed day out.
9. What to do in Giethoorn with children?
Exploring Giethoorn by boat is also a fun activity for families with children.
Cruising through the narrow canals and underneath the many bridges is already an adventure for younger visitors.
Combine the boat trip with a walk, an ice cream or lunch to create a complete family day out in Giethoorn.
10. Plan a complete day trip to Giethoorn
If you are wondering what to do during a day trip to Giethoorn, there are plenty of possibilities.
A typical day could look like this:
- start your day with a boat trip through Giethoorn;
- cruise through the canals and towards the surrounding nature;
- enjoy lunch at a restaurant or waterside terrace;
- explore the village on foot or by bicycle;
- finish your day with drinks or dinner.
By combining different activities, you can experience both the famous canals of Giethoorn and the beautiful landscape surrounding the village.
Rent a boat during your day trip to Giethoorn
Would you like to explore Giethoorn from the water? Rent a boat and choose your own route through the village and surrounding area.
Select a boat that suits your group and decide how long you want to spend exploring Giethoorn.
No boating licence is required for most of our boats. Book your boat in advance and enjoy Giethoorn from the water at your own pace.