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Giethoorn (NL) - panoramio (2)📷 Geert Budenaerts, CC BY 3.0
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Giethoorn

Giethoorn, Netherlands

History

A village of thatched farmhouses linked by canals and footbridges, with no through road in the old core. Park at the edge and rent a whisper boat, or just walk the paths along the water.

Giethoorn lies in the province of Overijssel, about 5 km south-west of Steenwijk, and has around 2,800 inhabitants. The lakes and canals were created by peat extraction; there are no roads in the old centre, and people get around on foot, by bicycle or by boat. Some 176 bridges link the small islands. The name goes back to the tradition that settlers in the 13th century found goat horns ("Geytenhoren"), said to date from the flood of 1170.

The village is very popular with visitors; if you prefer it quieter, come early in the morning or in the evening, and outside the high season if possible. Allow about half a day for a stroll and a boat trip. Leave vehicles on the edge of the village. Nearby is Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a reedy wetland where you may see otters and terns.

Nearest town
Giethoorn, Netherlands
Category
History & culture
GPS
52.7400, 6.0800
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★

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Getting there

  • Netherlands: No motorway tolls for cars. 100 km/h on motorways between 6:00 and 19:00.

Sources

Nearby

Dwingelderveld National Park – Nationaal Park Dwingelderveld 20-08-2019 (actm.) 01© Agnes Monkelbaan · CC BY-SA 4.0
Nature

Dwingelderveld National Park

Ruinen, Netherlands
Hindeloopen, gebouw bij de binnenkomst van het stadje vanaf Workum IMG 2508 2018-04-19 10.14© Michielverbeek · CC BY-SA 4.0
History

Hindeloopen

Hindeloopen, Netherlands
Zuiderzee Museum – Demonstratiebord in chirurgijnskamer, Waag, Enkhuizen© Dqfn13 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Editor's pick
History

Zuiderzee Museum

Enkhuizen, Netherlands
Paleis Het Loo – DSC08922 - HET LOO (26405793939)© Heribert Bechen, 5 million visits - many thanks! · CC BY-SA 2.0
History

Paleis Het Loo

Apeldoorn, Netherlands

Campsites nearby

  • Camperplaats HaamstedeMotorhome stopover
    1 km from Giethoorn · 40 pitches
    MotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Passantenhaven de ZuiderkluftMotorhome stopover
    2 km from Giethoorn
    MotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Het WaterhoentjeCampsite
    8 km from Giethoorn
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camperplaats WesteindeMotorhome stopover
    8 km from Giethoorn
    MotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • De EikenhofCampsite
    10 km from Giethoorn
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Recreatiecentrum De KluftCampsite
    13 km from Giethoorn
    TentsCaravansElectricityShowersWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Netherlands · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Giethoorn?

Giethoorn is in Giethoorn, Netherlands, at GPS 52.7400, 6.0800. It is about 51 km from Hindeloopen.

Can you camp near Giethoorn?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camperplaats Haamstede, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 201 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

What is there to see near Giethoorn?

Places worth a stop nearby: Dwingelderveld National Park (23 km), Hindeloopen (51 km), Zuiderzee Museum (53 km) and Paleis Het Loo (57 km).

When is the best time to visit Giethoorn?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)