This Storybook Village Is Called the 'Venice of the Netherlands' — and It's the Perfect Day Trip From Amsterdam (2024)

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This Storybook Village Is Called the 'Venice of the Netherlands' — and It's the Perfect Day Trip From Amsterdam? ›

This Storybook Village Is Called the 'Venice of the Netherlands' — and It's the Perfect Day Trip From Amsterdam. Scenic boat rides along the canals, strolling, and cycling awaits in Giethoorn.

As a popular Dutch tourist destination both within the Netherlands and abroad, Giethoorn is often referred to as "Dutch Venice" (Dutch: Hollands Venetië) or the "Venice of the Netherlands".

The Old World city of Amsterdam has long been called the “Venice of the North” because of its many canals and waterways. Teeming with quaint cafes and historic homes, trendy neighborhoods and unique attractions, there's plenty to do and see.

If you are spending two or more weeks in the country, Giethoorn can be worth a visit. You could stop by for a few hours on your way to the northern part of the country. It's possible to do it as a day trip from Amsterdam, but I'd combine it with something else, like the walled medieval village of Elburg.

Village of Giethoorn

This part of our village contains hand-dug canals and all small islands which are inter connected by 176 bridges to the mainland. In fact, on all these islands, there are houses (farmhouses) which are built in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Venice is located in northeastern Italy, in the Veneto region. The city is situated on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by 438 bridges.

The city was historically the capital of the Republic of Venice. Venice has been known as the "La Dominante," "Serenissima," "Queen of the Adriatic," "City of Water," "City of Masks," "City of Bridges," "The Floating City," and "City of Canals."

Amsterdam is known as one of the most expensive cities to visit in the world.

As one of the most famous cities in the world, Amsterdam is synonymous with vibrant culture, rich history, inclusiveness and beautiful canals. Since its construction in the 17th century, the Amsterdam canal ring has grown into one of the most unique urban landscapes in the world.

Sin city is not only Amsterdam. There is an immense number of cities involved in such activities collectively that they gain a tag of sin city to them. Amsterdam is a place where the red light district being famous around the globe for its prostitutional activities in it.

Is Giethoorn a tourist trap? ›

Is Giethoorn worthwhile? Giethoorn is nice, but it's stuffed full of tourists. Instead, head to Elburg, a wee town that is aiming to be the first grid city in the Netherlands.

As a budget traveler, you can aim to spend around $50 to $70 per day, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities. On the other hand, as a mid-range traveler, you can expect to spend approximately $100 to $150 per day, allowing for slightly more comfortable accommodations and dining experiences.

Is it expensive to live in the Netherlands? With the average cost of living being €2,044, living in the Netherlands can be expensive. However, you can easily cover your expenses with an average salary of €3,666 in the Netherlands.

Early morning in Giethoorn

Most tourists normally arrive around 11.00AM and leave our village around 17.00PM. To avoid the crowds you can also try to arrive around 08.00 AM or after 17.00PM and have the village for yourself. Giethoorn village has no closing-time.

Some of Giethoorn's residents would only be able to access their house by canal too (an interesting event that must be), but yes, there are roads, so you can arrive by car and even park for free and then walk alongside the canals to see all the famous and most picturesque spots without renting a boat.

The Significance of Goat Horns

The name “Giethoorn” came from “great horn”, which says a lot about the history of this place. The village was founded way back in 1230, and the earliest settlers discovered goat horns buried in mud.

The language spoken in Giethoorn is Dutch. There are three neighborhoods connecting each other through the waterways. At the north end of Giethoorn is Noordeinde, in the middle is Middenbuurt and then Zuideinde. There are 180 bridges connecting all three, including stores and homes.

One of the most beautiful towns in the world, this tiny treasure in the northeastern Dutch province of Overijssel shows off hand-dug canals that have earned it the nickname the "Venice of the Netherlands." Adding to the charm are 176 bridges, thatched-roof houses dating back to the 18th century, and leafy pathways.

Giethoorn is a cute Dutch village in the Netherlands. There are no roads in the village center. So, instead of using cars and roads, the locals and tourists of Giethoorn village use mostly waterways to transport themselves in Giethoorn village.