Amsterdam to Giethoorn, the day trip you must take!
The Netherlands might be one of those places with plenty of fairytale villages waiting to be discovered. Even so, most people spend all their time in Amsterdam or the occasional tulip fields. But here is why you must plan a day trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, even if you only have one day.
Why Giethorn and not another tiny village from the countless charming places? Because Giethoorn is unique beyond your average dreamy small town. Bear with me, and you’ll understand why soon.
Sure, places like Paris, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast are romantic, and there are plenty of hidden gems in Amsterdam, but when you look for something special without the crowds, Giethoorn is your go-to destination.
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Table of Contents
- Day Trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
Day Trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
How to get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
First things first, and getting from one place to the other is what everyone wants to know, right?
No worries. I’m here to help you understand all your options and decide which works better for you.
By organized tour
I’m starting with the organized tour because it is what we did. In hindsight, it was the best choice.
Besides being the fastest way to get from Amsterdam to this pretty little town in the Dutch countryside, we appreciated that we could see other things along the way. Zaanse Schans and its pretty windmills can be easily seen together or at a stop in Volendam and Edam.
Moreover, renting a car might not be the best idea when you only have one day to explore outside Amsterdam. Just think of all the time wasted looking for parking spaces, not to mention the time you need to get used to driving in a foreign country.
The good thing is you have plenty of tour options out there. Here are only a few I would find perfect for a day trip from Amsterdam:
By public transportation
In a country like The Netherlands, there’s no wonder you can get almost anywhere by public transportation.
When you want to take the bus, check out the options here and configure your trip. It is super easy to use and to plan your trip.
Depending on the time of day, the trip will require taking a train from Amsterdam Centraal with one or two changes up to Steenwijk station and bus number 70.
Be aware that No. 70 departs only 1-2 times per hour.
The overall trip, including the Amsterdam to Giethoorn itinerary train fare, will cost around 27 EUR one way. For us, it was not worth all this trouble.
By car
Of course, you can always rent a car and make your own schedule. I would only rent a car if I stayed in the Dutch countryside for more than one day.
When looking to rent a car, I usually use Discover Cars. They can help you save up to 70% on your rental.
Best time to visit Giethoorn
Unlike other destinations, I would recommend visiting Giethoorn in late spring or summer.
Of course, this means more tourists and maybe bigger prices, but I think spring in the Netherlands and summer days are some of the best. I have been during spring, summer, and fall, and while I loved all my trips, the ones with better weather and no rain make the top of my list.
Longer days, sunny vibes, and catching the sun on a green terrace are just a few reasons to consider. Note that the Netherlands temperature doesn’t drop much during fall or winter, but because it is very humid, you’ll feel colder than your thermometer shows.
Things to do in Giethoorn in one day
As soon as we arrived and I got a peek at a small part of this village, I couldn’t wait to see more.
Walk around and take it all in
We had a few hours to stroll around and do as we wished with our free time. Honestly, there isn’t much to do in Giethoorn apart from admiring this place.
I felt the houses here with huge hydrangea bushes were torn from paintings. Almost every house was built on its tiny island; you had to cross the small toy-like bridge to get to it.
Obviously, I couldn’t have enough of this place, so we had to walk up and down several times until we finally stopped at one of the crazy beautiful terraces on the river banks and ate something.
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Have lunch by the river
We stopped at this restaurant, right by the entrance to the canals, and had a hearty traditional Dutch lunch with a glass of prosecco. We even had to share the fries with a duck, who was curious to know what we were eating.
The restaurant has a fantastic terrace right by the canal from where we watched the boats pass.
Take a boat ride on the canals
Once we finished eating, we headed to the boat that took us along the canals. The tour usually includes a boat trip, so we didn’t have to pay an additional fee.
While the boat went on, our guide told us about this small town with just over 2500 permanent residents and over 150 bridges that attract over 500,000 tourists yearly.
Visit a museum
“Het Olde Maat Uus” shows how a typical Giethoorn farmhouse looked a century ago. The gemstone and minerals “Museum de Oude Aarde ” are just a few things you can explore here.
Explore the outside of the village
Wander outside of the village and explore nature in the Dutch countryside. You can even take a kayak ride in the National Park Weerribben-Wieden and see nature upfront and close.
And don’t leave without taking hundreds of pictures! This place deserves the title of “the most Instagrammable place in The Netherlands,” even though there are lots of those around.
Where to stay in Giethoorn
You’ll thank me when you fall for this place like I did. If my pictures above make an impression, you might consider booking an overnight stay in this little corner of paradise.
I would have stayed there for more than one night, but I’ll have to return for that.
I can only imagine that this little Dutch village transforms and becomes torn from fairytales once the people visit for a few hours. For instance, couldn’t you imagine enjoying a late dinner, a glass of wine, or early morning breakfast in a garden with those hydrangea bushes and neighbors sailing past? I sure know I could.
The one location that caught my eye and where I would go to spend at least one night is B&B De Galeriet Giethoorn. Check out their availability and latest prices here!
What to pack for Giethoorn
Giethoorn is so peaceful that I would relax and unwind after a few intense days in Amsterdam. Spring or summer in the Netherlands can be fickle; thus, coming prepared is always a good idea.
Here’s what I would pack for my escape from Amsterdam to Giethoor:
- at least a nice denim jacket, no matter if you go during summer;
- my Kindle and my Unlimited Kindle membership, to sit outside reading something nice in wonderland;
- A nice raincoat or colorful travel-size umbrella, just in case;
- A light scarf;
- One pair of comfortable rain-ready sneakers;
- A stylish and easy-to-carry bag;
- Travel deodorant wipes.
Other travel resources for when you visit The Netherlands
- Here are 4 pretty Dutch villages you must see
- See Zaanse Schans, the windmill and chocolate town near Amsterdam
- Looking for tulip fields near Amsterdam? Look no further! Here’s my guide to seeing the tourist-free tulip fields and tulip farms.
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This looks so great. I would love to boat through the canals of Amsterdam! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures and for writing a great post!
The Netherlands offers so many great options for seeing canals and great places you’ll never forget!
I was in Giethoorn a few years ago and thought it was such a charming place! Loved all your photos!
Isn’t it? I would love to go back someday and spend the night. I was struck by this charming place.