Giethoorn, Canal village in Overijssel, Netherlands
Giethoorn is a village in Overijssel where homes and small farms line narrow canals instead of paved streets. More than a hundred wooden footbridges link individual plots, creating a network of islands accessible only by boat or on foot.
Peat cutters began working here in the 13th century, gradually creating lakes and channels that later became the foundation of the settlement. Over time, inhabitants built bridges and arranged their homes along these waterways rather than laying out conventional roads.
Local people still use boats for daily errands and commuting, keeping their vessels tied along private wooden jetties. The narrow waterside paths and small garden bridges reveal how the community adapted ordinary life to moving through canals instead of streets.
Electric boats and canoes are available for hire to explore the waterways at your own pace, while guided tours offer deeper insight into the layout and daily routines. The main channels are shallow and easy to navigate, but weekends and holidays can bring heavier boat traffic.
Many of the thatched houses have cellars below the water line that once served as ice storage before electric refrigeration arrived. Some residents still use the canals to transport heavy items like building materials directly to their doorsteps.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
