Studera utomlands

A huge part of going on exchange is travelling and exploring the new country you’re in! I’m nearing the end of my exchange and I’ve been to quite a few Dutch cities, but as the “Venice of the Netherlands”, Giethoorn is definitely a stand-out so I wanted to share my experience and maybe convince you to take a trip there too!

Getting There: A Scenic Journey

Giethoorn is about two hours from Leiden by train and bus. It’s not the most direct route, but the journey itself is quite scenic and you also get to see the Dutch countryside. You can catch a train from Leiden Centraal to Steenwijk, and from there, a local bus takes you straight to Giethoorn.

First Impressions: A Village Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Giethoorn is often called the ”Dutch Venice” because of its extensive network of canals and lack of car traffic. It’s a quaint village – small, wooden bridges arch over canals, and charming thatched-roof cottages stand along the canal. It’s the kind of place that feels frozen in time. 

Giethoorn is definitely a pretty popular travel destination, so I highly recommend getting there early so you get to enjoy the calm and scenery before the paths start filling up with tourists. We woke up early in the morning and managed to get there before noon and it was still pretty calm then, but it definitely got busier in the afternoon.

Renting a Boat: The Best Way to Explore

Exploring Giethoorn by boat is a must! Since there are no roads, boats are the main way to get around. There are a few options for rentals, from quiet electric boats to classic rowing boats and even guided canal cruises.

We opted for an electric boat and they aren’t too difficult to operate, but it takes a little getting used to. Renting a boat gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and it’s honestly one of the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon. 

Strolling Through the Village

I would highly recommend leaving some time to check out the village! There are small art galleries, local craft shops and cozy cafes for fika or lunch. You’ll also find a few museums around, like the Museum Giethoorn’t Olde Maat Uus, which offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region. Unfortunately, we didn’t get too much time to explore the village since we had class the next day and had to head back early.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Giethoorn

If you’re in the Netherlands and looking for a day trip that feels worlds away from city life, Giethoorn is the place to go. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and definitely worth the extra travel time!

Hope this inspires you to add Giethoorn to your Dutch bucket list and as always, let me know if you have any questions!

See you in my next entry!

Rebekah