“Would you like to come with me to Giethoorn?”
A friend asked me.
“We’ll make it a fun day by cuddling alpacas, enjoying good food, and taking a boat trip with your friends,” he added.
Well, you can’t really say no to that, can you?
“Where’s that?” I asked, receiving a somewhat indignant look in response.
Had I never heard of Giethoorn? No! I honestly had no idea about this charming little village. But let me tell you, now that I’ve been there, I’ll never forget it. Giethoorn—it was absolutely wonderful and definitely worth experiencing again!
The (nautical) charm of Giethoorn
If you’re fond of water and sailing, Giethoorn is the perfect destination for you. It’s a village entirely built around waterways. Not only are there charming bridges and numerous canals, but most houses are also inaccessible by car. Need to transport groceries? You’ll be using a wheelbarrow, possibly in combination with your boat. Every resident has their own watercraft at their disposal. Now, you might be thinking, “What a hassle!” but it’s not as bad as it sounds.
In Giethoorn, you’ll only find whisper boats (which you can rent), fully electric and therefore quite silent. I took a tour on one and even tried steering it myself (if you can call it that). It took some practice, but I quickly got the hang of it. Just be gentle with the steering; it’s quite responsive, especially at slower speeds. If, like me, you have a terrible sense of direction, don’t worry—you can’t get lost in Giethoorn. You might miss a turn, though! If you notice the bridges getting lower, you’ve sailed too far. Eventually, you’ll just end up going in circles, no more and no less.
Venice in the Netherlands
Giethoorn is often referred to as the Venice of the far North. I only found out about this later, but it didn’t surprise me. You’ll spot various bridges spanning the canals (is that what they’re called?)—the only means to reach the houses on the opposite side. There are no conventional streets or the like; each house stands on its own island. These bridges bear a striking resemblance to those in Venice. Interestingly, my initial thought was of Thailand, perhaps due to the abundance of shops and businesses lining the water alongside the charming bridges—a scene reminiscent of what I saw in Thailand at the time. Regardless of the memories it evokes, it’s undeniably charming.
The local entrepreneur
Whether you’re strolling or taking the whisper boat, you’ll encounter a variety of small businesses along the main street (or main canal). I highly recommend stopping by De Koffiedame on the left for a delightful cappuccino! Across from it is the Old Earth Museum (in Dutch: Museum Oude Aarde). If you’re a fan of crystals, you’re in luck—it’s the perfect spot for you. It’s a recommended pitstop that won’t take up too much of your time as the museum isn’t very large. However, the stunning crystals inside make it well worth the visit. Plus, you’ll have a blast exploring the shop. For any crystal collectors out there, this is definitely the place to be!
Grab a bite!
You’ll find plenty of options for snacks in Giethoorn. We enjoyed a delightful lunch at Fratelli. Luckily, my favorite dish, the pasta with truffle, was also on the menu. It’s quite a treat to watch it being prepared. Of course, you can opt for a delicious pizza at Fratelli as well, but in my opinion, the pasta is a must-try!
For dinner, we headed to Pergola in the evening. If you’re only spending a day in Giethoorn, I highly recommend grabbing a bite there. They offer parking and it’s conveniently close to the supermarket. Moreover, the staff is exceptionally friendly and the food is simply delicious—a crucial aspect, of course. The restaurant can accommodate larger groups, and it also serves as the starting point for boat tours. There are plenty of reasons to visit Pergola when you’re in the area. Oh, and not to forget, the cappuccino there is absolutely delightful too!
Cuddling alpacas
The unique attraction in Giethoorn is Alpaca Island. It’s quite unusual, considering that alpacas are naturally a bit quirky, and the owners of the farm are from the West. If you’re seeking tranquility, relaxation, coaching, or simply a mental reset, you can approach the owners. Spending time cuddling or being around the alpacas can be incredibly refreshing! Whatever your motive, visiting Alpaca Island is definitely enjoyable. It’s not just about the animals; you can also engage in pleasant conversations with Arian.
Stay overnight
We didn’t stay overnight in Giethoorn, but rather in the nearby village of Oldemarkt. A unique group accommodation was arranged for us there. It felt a bit like being at camp again, albeit a more luxurious and grown-up version. Staying in a farmhouse with a large group of women was delightful. I was fortunate to sleep in a box bed. Despite having a bad cold and expecting to snore, no one heard me—apparently, box beds are quite soundproof. I found it particularly special to sleep there, although not one of those really old-fashioned ones where you sleep sitting down; that would have been a bit too much for me. The accommodations were spacious and well-maintained. If you have a really large group, Mooi Oldemarkt’s group accommodation is exceptionally suitable! In summary, it was a highly successful trip!!!
Photo by Paula Jinga on Unsplash
