From Amsterdam to Giethoorn
Visit the Venice of the North
Giethoorn: the fairytale village stitched together by wooden bridges.
Discover the "Venice of the North" - a peaceful day trip from Amsterdam
Giethoorn is a one-of-a-kind Dutch village with no roads in its historic centre — only canals, footpaths, and 176 wooden bridges. Homes are reachable only by boat or on foot, making it one of the most peaceful and photogenic day trips from Amsterdam.
Top things to do in Giethoorn
- 1
Take a guided or self-drive boat tour through the village canals
- 2
Walk the quiet paths between the thatched cottages
- 3
Photograph the iconic wooden bridges
- 4
Stop and enjoy a meal by the water
- 5
Enjoy a cheese tasting at Henri Willig
- 6
Enjoy an ice-cream at Venice
Be Inspired and Plan Your Visit
Ready to see more of Giethoorn's magic? These guides will help you plan the details:
Giethoorn on the map
Other popular towns & things to see
Pair your trip to Giethoorn with a stop in Zaanse Schans for its windmills, or extend your countryside day with a visit to one of the Netherlands' other historic villages.
Amsterdam
Canals, museums and the heart of the Dutch capital
Keukenhof
The world's largest flower garden, open every spring
Tulip Fields
The Netherlands' iconic bulb fields, in full bloom each spring
Volendam & Marken
Traditional fishing villages on the IJsselmeer
Zaanse Schans
Historic windmills just outside Amsterdam