Giethoorn

One of the most famous and beautiful villages in the Netherlands lies a short drive from Bed & Wijn in IJhorst: Giethoorn, also known as the Venice of the North. Anyone who loves water, peace and picture-perfect views should not miss this remarkable water village during a stay in the Reest valley. The canals, wooden bridges and thatched roofs make it a place you will remember for a long time.

A village without roads

In the old heart of Giethoorn there are no through roads for cars, but canals, ditches and graceful wooden bridges. The characteristic farmhouses with their thatched roofs lie on small islands, connected to one another by bridges and paths. This gives the village a fairytale atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else in the Netherlands. Traffic on the water has always had right of way here, and that still sets the easygoing rhythm of the village.

At its most beautiful from the water

Giethoorn is best discovered from the water. Hire a whisper boat, sloop or canoe and sail in complete tranquillity through the narrow canals and across the lakes. From the water you see the most beautiful corners, the gardens and the thatched roofs at their finest. A whisper boat, with its silent electric motor, requires no boating licence and is therefore ideal for setting out to explore on your own. Prefer a little more explanation? Then step aboard a guided tour boat.

On foot through the village

Those who prefer to stay dry can walk along the footpaths and bridges through the village, passing plenty of terraces, galleries and little shops along the way. From the high arched bridges you have a wonderful view over the canals and the boats gliding by. It is a delightful way to take in the atmosphere of the village at your leisure, with a new picture around every bend.

In the heart of the Weerribben-Wieden

Giethoorn lies in the middle of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest low-lying peat marsh in Northwest Europe. You can therefore beautifully combine a visit to the village with a boat trip or walk through the surrounding nature, for a complete day on and around the water. From Giethoorn you sail straight into the vast marshland, in search of birds, reed beds and quiet waterways.

When is the best time to go?

Giethoorn is popular, and in the high season the village can get quite busy. Those seeking the peace for which the village is famous are best setting out early in the morning or outside the high season. In spring and autumn, or at the end of the day, you often have the canals much more to yourself, and the special atmosphere truly comes into its own.

Combine with the surroundings

A day in Giethoorn combines well with other destinations in the region. Make a day of the water with a tour through the Weerribben-Wieden, or pay a visit to the Hanseatic towns and lively places in the area. In this way, from IJhorst you can effortlessly fill a varied day programme.

A day's boating from the farm

From Bed & Wijn, Giethoorn is reachable in about half an hour for a relaxing day. Sail, walk and enjoy, and in the evening return to your luxury suite in the Reest valley for a quiet evening with a glass of wine. View the suites and plan your stay in this water-rich and atmospheric region via booking.