How to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam? Is it better to travel by train and bus or join a tour from Amsterdam to Giethoorn? Here is everything you need to know about travel options, time and prices, as well as things to do in Giethoorn in the Netherlands.

Ducth water village, the little green Dutch Venice, the Venice of the North – Giethoorn, a village in the province of Overijssel, has a lot of romantic names. And it definitely has a lot to offer to all those who want to see a more quiet, authentic and green area of the Netherlands.

The old part of the village has no roads (except for bike lanes). All transportation is done by water over numerous canals, which make the village very special and spectacular. Giethoorn has over 180 bridges that connect the streets and houses.

Tours to Giethoorn from Amsterdam

The easiest way to get to Giethoorn is to book a tour to Giethoorn (from € 89) directly from Amsterdam. The price is good, as when you travel independently you’ll need to pay almost € 55 per person for public transport only. Joining the tour will let you save time and avoid waiting at the bus stops and stations.

Small group tour (maximum 8 persons) to Giethoorn in a luxurious minivan costs € 199. Prior booking is required.

Things to do in Giethoorn

• rent a small electric boat or order a group guided canal tour to explore the canals and take photos of the beautiful thatched-roof farmhouses.
• enjoy your lunch on Grand Cafe Fanfare open terrace (if you are lucky with the weather). The place is named after the famous comedy Fanfare, filmed in Giethoorn by the Dutch film maker Bert Haanstra in 1958. This movie has actually made Giethoorn a well-known place!
• explore the outside of village and its corners off the beaten track. You will see an even more cosy and peaceful face of Giethoorn.

How to get to Giethoorn by public transport

Giethoorn is located 121 kilometers away from Amsterdam. A journey from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport will take 2 – 2,5 hours (one way). You can use the Glimble planner app to find the shortest root from your hotel to Giethoorn.

• Download Glimble for iOS >>
• Download Glimble for Android >>

There is no train station in Giethoorn. If you are travelling from Amsterdam Central station, you need to take a train to Zwolle, and then change to the bus line 70. Your final destination is Bushalte Dominee Hylkemaweg.

Alternatively you can travel by train to Steenwijk station and then take bus line 70 to Dominee Hylkemaweg. Train tickets from Amsterdam are available here >>

You can also buy tickets for the entire trip via the Glimble app.

Please note that bus line 70 departs only 1-2 times an hour. We recommend to check departure times via the app to avoid unnecessary waiting time at the bus stop.

How to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by car

If you travel by car it will take you approximately 1,5 hours. See Google maps for directions. There is a big and free parking lot in Giethoorn located at Beulakerweg 135, 8355 DD Giethoorn. The village center is only 7-10 minutes walk from the free parking.

Hotels and vacation parks in Giethoorn

To make your visit in Giethoorn more relaxed and enjoyable we recommend you to book a place to stay. Giethoorn offers a wide selection of hotels and B&Bs. Staying in a traditional Giethoorn house is definitely something to experience!

Check Giethoorn hotels prices and availability >>

Enjoy your visit to Giethoorn in the Netherlands!

Auf Deutsch: Giethoorn, das niederländische Venedig

Need more travel inspiration?

Looking for a special place for a weekend getaway? Welcome on Texel! You will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, tranquility and stunning landscapes of this beautiful Dutch Wadden Islands, off the coast of the Netherlands. Rent a bike and enjoy the endless fields, meditative sheep and the dune landscape. Climb the famous Texel lighthouse in the north of the island. More things to do on Texel >>