Dutch Fairy Tale Water Town · Giethoorn

If you think Amsterdam is crowded, this hidden fairy tale town on the water—Giethoorn—will definitely leave you speechless with amazement! 🥹

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【How to Play? The Soul is on the Water!】

1 Renting a boat to drive yourself is the way to go!

Be sure to rent an electric boat (super quiet, won’t disturb the swans)! Exploring the winding canals by yourself is the proper way to experience Giethoorn.

There are many boat rental companies; we recommend “Zwaantje” or “’t Zwaantje” for clear routes and new boats.

💰 Price: About €20-30/hour (fits 4-6 people), renting for 2-3 hours is enough to tour the core area.

⚠️ Drive carefully! Don’t crash into bridges or other people’s gardens!

2 Walking + Biking to unlock hidden photo spots

Park your boat and go ashore for a walk. Countless cute wooden bridges are perfect for taking stunning photos!

Rent a bike and ride along the riverbank; you’ll discover beautiful corners that most tourists can’t reach.

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【What to See? Let Your Eyes Vacation!】

✅ Reed-thatched cottages: Once homes for the poor, now more expensive than brick houses! Each one looks like it came straight out of an Andersen fairy tale, with exquisitely maintained courtyards.

✅ Countless small bridges: Over 180! Many are private, making you feel like an explorer.

✅ Countryside and pastures: The village outskirts are vast meadows with cows and sheep, picturesque and super soothing.

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【Practical Info Box】

📍 Address: Giethoorn, Netherlands

🚆 How to get there:

Take the train from Amsterdam Central Station → Steenwijk Station (about 1.5 hours) → transfer to bus 70 → get off at Dominee Hylkemaweg stop! Very convenient, just use your OV card.

🕒 Best time to visit:

🌟 April to September is the best season, with good weather and blooming flowers.

🌟 Be sure to arrive early! We got there at 10 AM when there were fewer people and more boats; after noon, the canals get as busy as “traffic jams.”

🍴 What to eat:

There are many riverside restaurants in the village where you can try Dutch pancakes. Or bring some snacks and have a picnic on the boat—it’s a great vibe!

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【Random Tips】

Be sure to apply sunscreen well; UV rays are strong on the water!

Respect the local residents; those beautiful houses are people’s homes, so don’t intrude to take photos.

If you want to experience ultimate tranquility, consider staying overnight in the village—the morning mist and bird songs are amazing!

In short, Giethoorn is a place where time slows down. Bring your favorite person and be the main character in this fairy tale world for a day! 💖