If I could fold a memory and send it like a postcard, it would probably look like Giethoorn. Tucked away in the northern part of the Overijssel province, this fairy-tale village is often called “The Little Venice of the Netherlands”—though, honestly, that might not do it full justice. It’s not just little. It’s enchanting, like someone painted it with a pastel brush and then added ducks, bridges, and boats just for fun.

The best part? Giethoorn is mostly car-free. Yes, you read that right—cars are only allowed on the outskirts. The old village doesn’t even have roads. Instead, it whispers you in with winding canals, charming thatched-roof houses, wooden footbridges (over 180 of them!), and an atmosphere that feels like stepping into another era. With just over 2,600 residents, it somehow manages to feel both intimate and grand.

How to Get There Without a Magic Carpet

You can reach Giethoorn by car, of course, but if you prefer a more scenic (and eco-friendlier) route, take the train to Steenwijk, then hop on bus number 70 to Dominee Hylkemaweg. Once you arrive, cross the road from the bus stop and voilà—there’s ‘t Zwaantje Restaurant, where you can rent a boat or a bike and start your dreamy adventure.

And let me tell you—renting a boat is a must. Floating through Giethoorn’s serene canals feels like starring in your own slow-motion movie. Check the photo below for rental prices (pro tip: book in advance on busy days).

What’s There to Do in Giethoorn (Besides Falling in Love with It)?

A better question might be: what isn’t there to do?

• Boat tour: obviously. Navigate the canals, wave at ducks, and try not to crash into romantic couples.
• Bike ride: though in peak season, when the village is brimming with tourists, biking can be more of a gentle slalom.
• Stroll hand in hand (even if it’s just with your inner peace).
• ☕ Coffee by the water: pick a terrace, order something frothy, and let time float by like the boats.
• Do absolutely nothing: lie on the grass, gaze at the sky, and practice the fine art of doing sweet nothing.

For the curious minds and museum-lovers, there are some surprising gems here:

• De Oude Aarde Museum – a fascinating collection of crystals and minerals.
• Olde Maat Uus Museum – a living snapshot of Dutch farm life in the 1800s.
• Gloria Maris – a unique shell museum that even the ocean would be jealous of.

Hungry? Giethoorn may be small, but it knows how to feed a traveler. Try Fratelli for Italian charm, Grachthof for traditional Dutch coziness, or ’t Achterhuus for a meal by the canal, because in Giethoorn, everything comes with a water view.

Festivals, Skating, and Seasonal Magic

Visit in August and you might catch the Gondola Tour Festival—a magical evening of illuminated boats floating through the village—or the Floating Blues Festival, because nothing says Dutch countryside like music on water.

And in winter? When the canals freeze, people skate on them. Yes, really. Canals turn into ice paths, and the whole village looks like a Christmas card you wish you lived in.

Where I Slept and Why You Might Want To

I stayed a few kilometers away from Giethoorn, in a peaceful little haven called De Opkikker—a cozy farmhouse B&B with a lush garden, two ponies (Miss J was over the moon), and a hammock that practically demanded I read in it. The host, Carmen, was the kind of person you instantly want to adopt as your Dutch aunt.

In the evening, we dined and strolled in Blokzijl, a nearby fishing village that dates back to 1580, with narrow cobbled streets and old-world charm leaking from every brick.

In Conclusion: Go. Just go.

If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, do yourself a favor—add Giethoorn and Blokzijl to your itinerary. Whether you’re into boat rides, history, quiet moments, or Insta-worthy photo ops, these villages will surprise you with their gentle beauty and deep, quiet soul.

You don’t just visit Giethoorn. You feel it.