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. Read more