In the heart of the Dutch countryside sits a picturesque village where time seems to stand still, and nature reigns supreme.
This village is “Giethoorn”: a hidden gem that feels like a fairytale has come to life, offering a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. While you could certainly drive out there yourself, the best way to go about seeing it is on one of these top day trips to Giethoorn from Amsterdam!
Sail through labyrinths of lush greenery and charming thatched-roof cottages, sip on the tastiest Dutch brews, and immerse yourself in this car-free paradise with one of our 5 curated tours right here. Let’s jump right in!
Be sure to see our reviews of Canal Cruises, Red Light District Tours and Dinner Cruises.
Best Giethoorn Tours From Amsterdam
| Giethoorn Private Day Trip with Boat Tour From Amsterdam | Small Group Giethoorn Tour From Amsterdam With Mercedes Van | Giethoorn Sightseeing Tour From Amsterdam | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Private Day Trip | Best Budget Day Trip | Best Full Day Luxury Tour | |
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| Departure: | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Prins Hendrikkade 59-72, 1012 AD | Hotel pickup and drop-off included |
| Start: | Between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 10:30 AM | Between 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Duration: | 8 hours | 8 hours | 6 hours |
| Includes: | Boat tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, 1-hour boat tour, Transport by private vehicle, Private tour | A professional and friendly tour guide, 1-hour boat trip in Giethoorn(small boat with enough flexibility ), A comfortable Mercedes Van with AC | Guided canal cruise tickets, All taxes, fees, and handling charges, Bottled water and wifi on board, Professional driver, Transport by 1 or 2 private air-conditioned Mercedes vehicles |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Giethoorn Day Trips From Amsterdam Tours For 2024
- Giethoorn Private Day Trip with Boat Tour From Amsterdam
- Small Group Giethoorn Tour From Amsterdam With Mercedes Van
- Giethoorn Sightseeing Tour From Amsterdam
- Amsterdam: Keukenhof Tulip Garden and Giethoorn Experience
- Giethoorn Day Trip by Bus and Electric Boat From Amsterdam
Giethoorn Tours From Amsterdam Reviews
1. Giethoorn Private Day Trip with Boat Tour From Amsterdam
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: Between 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM
- Includes: Boat tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, 1-hour boat tour, Transport by private vehicle, Private tour
If you’re in Amsterdam, you already know that the city is filled with amazing canals, but you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen Giethoorn! Known as the “Venice of the Netherlands”, this romantic location is filled with waterways, small farmhouses, and plenty of places to stroll around.
The Giethoorn Private Day Trip with Boat Tour from Amsterdam Experience is one of the best ways to see the special spot, so let’s look into it further.
This private day trip is so much different from the larger group day trips, in just about every way. You get picked up right from your hotel, so you don’t have to fret about paying for separate transportation or worrying about getting to your meeting point on time.
In addition, you get one-on-one time with your guide and can ask them any questions you may have. As you arrive in Giethoorn, your senses will be startled awake by the sheer beauty that awaits around every corner.
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Start things off with a comprehensive walking tour, led by your expert guide who knows the area front and back. They’ll unveil the town’s hidden stories, background, as well as information on how it manages to operate without any cars!
Before your feet get tired, you’ll hop in for a 1-hour boat tour which is undoubtedly the best way to explore the heart of Giethoorn. Rather than being high-speed, high-energy, it’s a rather serene experience with your guide filling you in with interesting anecdotes and historical accounts as you enjoy the visual allure on the shores.
After the boat tour, you’ll get plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Stroll around, take some photos, grab coffee or lunch, or perhaps grab some handmade souvenirs at one of the many small shops.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Small Group Giethoorn Tour From Amsterdam With Mercedes Van
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: Prins Hendrikkade 59-72, 1012 AD Amsterdam
- Departure Time: 10:30 AM
- Includes: A professional and friendly tour guide, 1-hour boat trip in Giethoorn(small boat with enough flexibility ), A comfortable Mercedes Van with AC
I couldn’t write about Giethoorn without including what is easily one of the most professional tours I’ve had the pleasure of taking.
The Small Group Giethoorn Tour from Amsterdam with Mercedes Van Experience is incredibly well-organized, with passionate guides who do a great job of sharing their love of this village. There’s no doubt that you’ll gain some serious appreciation for Dutch culture after this!
Start out by meeting your guide at the Hotel NH Barbizon, which is very conveniently located and easy to get to no matter where you are in Amsterdam. Your ride for the day is a comfortable Mercedes van complete with air-conditioning, large windows, spacious seats, and a very smooth journey.
As you appreciate the countryside, your guide will give you some background information on notable places as you pass by. While Amsterdam is definitely beautiful, with its canals and intricate architecture, Giethoorn is just a different kind of beauty.
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It almost feels like you’ve entered into some kind of serene amusement park, with ancient boat-filled waterways, charming footpaths, endless bike trails, and thatched-roof houses that have been around for hundreds of years.
With a population of less than 3,000, this quaint village is a magical getaway even for just a day. You’ll enjoy a 1-hour boat tour where you cruise through the canals with your guide who will tell you all about the background of this 13th-century community.
After your water-bound journey, stroll or bike around on its streets either on your own or with your guide. Combining Medieval architecture with what looks like a big botanical garden, there’s no way you won’t fall in love with this place.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Giethoorn Sightseeing Tour From Amsterdam
- Duration: 6 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: Between 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Includes: Guided canal cruise tickets, All taxes, fees, and handling charges, Bottled water and wifi on board, Professional driver, Transport by 1 or 2 private air-conditioned Mercedes vehicles
If the other tours we’ve covered sound intriguing, but you’re looking for something slightly shorter, we have just the tour for you.
The Giethoorn Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam is perfect if you already have a packed itinerary but would still like to experience this gorgeous village! In fact, it’s known as one of the most visually-stunning locations in all of Europe, which is really saying something!
This is also one of the more upscale experiences, right from the very beginning. You’ll be picked up right from your hotel lobby, so there’s no need to waste time navigating to another meet-up point.
Your vehicle for the day is an air-conditioned Mercedes van which is super comfortable and includes bottled water and wi-fi on board. I appreciated the professionalism of the driver, who navigated the roads with clear expertise, putting safety at the forefront of the experience.
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Once you arrive, you’ll see why this village is known as the Dutch Venice! The lovely canals go all throughout the elongated village, and they’re waiting for you to enjoy a 1-hour tour of the labyrinth!
This is a great opportunity to let all the stress melt away and simply take in the artistry and detail that has gone into creating this magical place, painting a canvas of charm and tradition that you’d find in a fairytale.
In addition to the canals, you can also enjoy it from the streets and the hundreds of bridges that connect everything. Oh, and there are some world-class museums and art galleries waiting to be discovered in Giethoorn, too!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Amsterdam: Keukenhof Tulip Garden and Giethoorn Experience
- Duration: 10 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: Contact tour operator
- Includes: Full-day trip from Amsterdam, Professional local guide, Transportation in a car/minivan/coach Entry to Keukenhof, Canal cruise ticket in Giethoorn
This next tour is a bit different from the others, and is perfect if you’ve always wanted to see Holland’s tulips up close and personal! The Amsterdam: Keukenhof Tulip Garden and Giethoorn Experience is a 2-in-1 tour package filled with wonder in both natural and man-made beauty.
Buckle up for the ride of your life perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience outside of Amsterdam. Start off by being picked up at your hotel and transfer seamlessly over to Keukenhof, with a comfortable car, minivan, or coach to take you there.
The vehicle depends on your group size, so make sure to think about this beforehand. However, the drivers are as careful as they are skilled, with the guide offering an interesting commentary along the way through the countryside.
Once you arrive in Keukenhof, you’ll be overtaken by a realm of tulips and other popular flowers, with a ton of different colors and wonderful aromas at every turn.
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As you marvel at over 20 different flower presentations, you’ll also learn about how they came to be, and their cultural relevance. Of course, the beauty doesn’t stop there, as we make our way over to the “Venice of the North”!
The labyrinthine canals and the motorway-free village is magical, to say the least. You’ll kick things off with a guided 1-hour boat trip as you listen to the stories and background of how this fairytale-like village came to be in the first place!
Seeing the village from this perspective is probably the most surreal, so make sure to take a few moments for photos and videos to share with others!
Once on shore again, you’ll have time to walk through the streets and enjoy each farmhouse, the hundreds of bridges that connect the enclave, and perhaps grab a coffee or souvenirs.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Giethoorn Day Trip by Bus and Electric Boat From Amsterdam
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: 10:30 AM
- Departure Time: Prins Hendrikkade 59, 1012 AD Amsterdam
- Includes: Electric boat trip and experience driving your own boat, Tour by coach or minivan, Live guide
Let’s start things off right with the Giethoorn Day Trip by Bus and Electric Boat from Amsterdam Tour! Explore this fairytale village nestled in the northern reaches of the Netherlands on this guided day tour by bus.
With incredible organization, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and amazing views, you simply can’t go wrong with this expedition! Once you and the rest of your group board your bus, you’ll be whisked away on a scenic journey right from the very beginning.
The large windows allow for unobstructed views of the picturesque Dutch countryside before you arrive at this water-bound haven. Once you arrive in Giethoorn, it becomes obvious that it completely runs on its own waterways.
Everyone will hop aboard an electric boat, floating through the network of beautiful canals lined with amazing traditional homes that look like they belong in a storybook.
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The included 1-hour tour offers great insight into the history of the town, including local life, the artistry involved in punting the flat-bottom boats through these narrow channels, and much more.
You can also choose to explore by foot or bike, enjoying the over 180 bridges and an overall idyllic atmosphere. This really is a wonderful tour if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace and an opportunity to soak everything in, which can be a bit more challenging in Amsterdam.
You’ll learn so many cool facts about Dutch culture and Giethoorn, specifically, and the group setting makes it that much more fun and engaging. I’d recommend this tour to literally anyone and everyone!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About Giethoorn
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a fairy-tale village where cars are banned and canals are the main mode of transportation? If so, you’ll love Giethoorn, a charming town in the Netherlands that’s often called the “Venice of the North”.
What is Giethoorn and where is it located?
Giethoorn is a small village in the northeastern part of the Netherlands. Its a small town with 2,600 people. With thatched-roof houses, wooden bridges, and network of canals that crisscross the town it’s very picturesque.
How do I get to Giethoorn?
The easiest way to get to Giethoorn is by car or by train. There are designated parking lots outside the village if you drive. Then you can walk or bike to the center. If you take the train, you can get off at Steenwijk station and then take a bus or a taxi to Giethoorn. Our recommended option is taking a guided tour from Amsterdam or other nearby cities.
What can I do in Giethoorn?
The best way to explore Giethoorn is by boat. You can rent a boat or join a boat tour and glide along the canals, admiring the picturesque scenery and the quaint cottages. You can also visit some of the attractions in the village, such as the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, which showcases the history and culture of the town, or the De Oude Aarde museum, which displays a collection of fossils and minerals. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go hiking or biking in the surrounding nature reserve, where you can spot various wildlife and plants.
When is the best time to visit Giethoorn?
Giethoorn is beautiful all year round, but each season has its own charm. In spring, you can see the flowers blooming and the trees turning green. In summer, you can enjoy the warm weather and the lively atmosphere. In autumn, you can witness the changing colors of the leaves and the cozy vibes. In winter, you can experience the magical snow-covered landscape and even skate on the frozen canals.
Why should I visit Giethoorn?
Giethoorn is a unique and enchanting destination that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. It’s a perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about the Dutch culture and history, as well as to sample some delicious local cuisine. Giethoorn is a must-see for anyone who loves beauty, tranquility, and romance!
What to do in Giethoorn
If you’re looking for a relaxing and romantic getaway, look no further than Giethoorn. This idyllic village in the Netherlands will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. With charming thatched-roof houses, wooden bridges, and peaceful canals, Giethoorn is a place where you can forget about the stress and noise of the modern world and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Rent a boat or join a boat tour
The first thing you should do in Giethoorn is to hop on a boat and explore the town from the water. You can rent a boat and navigate the canals yourself, or join a boat tour and let a guide show you around.
Either way, you’ll be amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the scenery, as well as the architecture and history of the town. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to take photos and videos that will make your friends and family jealous!
Visit the museums
Giethoorn may be small, but it has a lot of culture and history to offer. Check out the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, which is a restored farmhouse that displays how people used to live and work in Giethoorn. You can also visit the De Oude Aarde museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of fossils and minerals from all over the world.
If you’re into art, you can also stop by the Galerie Duine-Rhee, which exhibits contemporary paintings and sculptures by local artists.
Explore the nature reserve
Venture outside the town and explore the nature reserve that surrounds it by hiking or biking along the trails that go to various lakes, forests, meadows, and marshes. Here you will see birds, deer, otters, and beavers. You’ll be amazed by the diversity and beauty of the natural environment, as well as by the fresh air and calm atmosphere.
Enjoy some local cuisine
After a day of sightseeing and adventure, you’ll surely be hungry and thirsty. Luckily, Giethoorn has plenty of options for you to satisfy your appetite and taste buds. You can try some of the local specialties, such as poffertjes (mini pancakes), stroopwafels (caramel waffles), or krentenwegge (raisin bread).
You can also sample some of the cheese, fish, or meat dishes that are typical of the region. And don’t forget to wash it all down with some beer, wine, or coffee at one of the cozy cafes or pubs in the town.
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The Giethoorn Private Day Trip with Boat Tour From Amsterdam is our Editors Choice for the best Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam
