Car traffic is not possible in the historic village centre, which can only be explored on foot, by bicycle or by boat. Several car parks are located close to this authentic area and are clearly signposted with colour codes from the N334. See Parking in Giethoorn for an overview. 

Giethoorn is often called “the village without roads”, but it is not completely car-free.
In the historic heart of the village you will not see any cars and can truly disconnect. Along the Dorpsgracht runs a footpath and cycle path. Visitors can park close to the village centre, for example at Meester Henkelplein (via Wethouder Harm Molweg) or behind restaurant ’t Vonder at Binnenpad 14, where access is controlled by a barrier.

For a first impression, 4 to 6 hours is enough to explore the village, the canals and the surrounding nature. If you really want to get to know Giethoorn and its natural surroundings, rent a boat for a full day and explore the waters of Giethoorn and De Wieden. Those who wish to stay longer can spend the night in a B&B, holiday cottage or campsite by the water.

Yes. Exploring the canals and nature by boat is one of Giethoorn’s main attractions. No experience or boating licence is required to rent a boat. Before departure, you will always receive instructions on how to operate the boat, the navigation rules and the route.
In Giethoorn, a minimum age of 16 applies for steering a whisper boat or sloop. Tour boats are, of course, operated by a licensed skipper. You are also welcome to visit Giethoorn with your own, reasonably sized boat.

With a rental boat you can cruise through the Dorpsgracht, across shallow lakes such as the Bovenwijde and the Molengat, and further into the surrounding National Park Weerribben-Wieden. A trip to the nearby village of Dwarsgracht is also highly recommended. The most commonly used route (marked with yellow arrows) takes about 2 hours. The most scenic route takes 4 hours and is marked with red arrows. After a short explanation and tips on sights along the way, you will receive a clear route map.

The ‘Dorpsgracht’ is the main waterway of Giethoorn. It is about 8 kilometres long and runs from the northernmost point of the village via the Molengat and the tourist centre to the Zuideindigerwijde.
Along the ‘Dorpsgracht’ you will find the historic ribbon-shaped development of the village. A typical feature of Giethoorn is that the houses are built very close to the water. No fewer than 177 wooden bridges connect both sides, providing access to the homes. Here you pass monumental thatched farmhouses, bridges and beautifully maintained gardens.

Absolutely. Giethoorn is a great destination for families. The car-free centre makes it quiet and safe for walking around. For children, Giethoorn feels like a water village full of discoveries: boats, bridges, water birds, reed beds, canals and even a lookout tower. Swimming is allowed in the Bovenwijde lake, where water quality is monitored. There is also a popular swimming island with a small beach. The water is almost everywhere no deeper than 1 metre. Supervision of young children remains important, and life jackets for children are available at boat rental companies.

No, but it certainly adds to the experience. Giethoorn can be explored perfectly well on foot along the village canal and across the many bridges. With a whisper boat, electric sloop, punter, canoe or guided boat tour, you will also see the area from the water and reach places that cannot be accessed on foot. For many visitors, combining walking and boating is ideal.

Yes. Giethoorn is located right in the heart of this water-rich national park. From the village, you can reach the National Park by boat within 10 minutes. Bed & Boot Mol Groenewegen organises multi-day canoe trips through the National Park, including overnight stays in your own tent or in a trekking hut along the route. By car, you can reach other starting points in the park with walking trails. A multi-day stay is ideal for discovering both the village and the wilder natural areas.