Getting around Giethoorn’s waterways is best done through its excellent guided tours. The most practical options include the classic electric boat tours, which let you experience the village’s famous canals up close while learning about local history. For independent types, self-guided walking tours with digital guides work well – you can explore at your own pace.
I especially love the small-group boat tours with local guides, who share fascinating stories about life in this “Venice of the Netherlands.” The combination tours that include nearby Zaanse Schans offer great value, letting you see two Dutch treasures in one day.
Let’s look at our favorite guided tours in Giethoorn.
Key Points
- Giethoorn offers a variety of guided tours, including boat tours, self-guided walking tours, and private luxury canal cruises to explore the picturesque canals and historic architecture.
- Guided tours provide in-depth commentary from knowledgeable local experts, enhancing the cultural and historical understanding of Giethoorn’s unique Dutch landscape.
- Combo tours that combine Giethoorn with a visit to the nearby Zaanse Schans windmill village offer a comprehensive experience showcasing traditional Dutch culture and craftsmanship.
- Guided tours are highly rated by travelers, with consistent praise for the quality of the guides and the scenic beauty of the destinations.
- Tour packages often include additional amenities like transportation, refreshments, and flexible cancellation policies, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors.
Giethoorn: Canals & Weerribben-Wieden Lake Guided Boat Tour
For those seeking an immersive experience in the renowned Dutch village of Giethoorn, the Giethoorn: Canals & Weerribben-Wieden Lake Guided Boat Tour offers a captivating journey through its picturesque waterways.
This 1-hour guided boat tour allows visitors to glide through the car-free canals, passing under quaint wooden foot bridges and admiring the 17th- and 18th-century thatched-roof houses. The tour provides an opportunity to experience the tranquility of the region aboard an environmentally-friendly electric boat, while a live guide or audio guide (available in 9 languages) shares the local history.
The tour starts at Dominee T.O. Hylkemaweg 1 in Giethoorn and is priced from Kč251 per person.
With positive reviews highlighting the clear explanations and enjoyable experiences, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the unique charm of Giethoorn.
Read our full review: Giethoorn: Canals & Weerribben-Wieden Lake Guided Boat Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Walking Tour Giethoorn With Your Own Ai-Guide on Your Mobile
What better way to explore the charming village of Giethoorn than with a self-guided walking tour powered by your own AI guide on your mobile device?
This innovative tour option allows visitors to discover Giethoorn’s picturesque canals, historic bridges, and quaint houses at their own pace. The AI guide provides insights and commentary, ensuring you don’t miss any of the hidden gems.
With a duration of around 1 hour, this walking tour is perfect for those seeking a more independent and immersive experience. Priced at just $9.93, it offers excellent value for money.
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars, this tour is a popular choice among travelers, providing a unique and enriching way to explore the “Venice of the Netherlands.”
Whether you’re interested in the area’s history, architecture, or natural beauty, the AI-powered walking tour is an excellent option to consider for your Giethoorn visit.
Read our full review: Walking Tour Giethoorn With Your Own Ai-Guide on Your Mobile Review
Book now: Check availability
Giethoorn: 1 Hour Luxury Private Boat Tour With Local Guide
Explore Giethoorn’s picturesque canals and charming waterways on a 1-hour luxury private boat tour.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this experience costs $15755 for a group of up to 10 participants. The tour is available in English, Dutch, and German, and the boats are wheelchair accessible.
Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour highlights include spotting swans and other wildlife, admiring the beautiful houses and shops, and enjoying the boat’s modern features like heating, large windows, soft cushions, and ambient lighting.
The tour departs from Zuiderpad 14a in Giethoorn, with free parking available just 50 meters away.
Visitors can also reach the starting point via a 2-minute walk from the bus station.
Additional services, such as coffee and tea or special occasion decorations, can be arranged upon request.
Read our full review: Giethoorn: 1 Hour Luxury Private Boat Tour With Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Giethoorn: Luxury Private Boat 2 Hour Tour With Local Guide
Guests can enjoy the picturesque waterways of Giethoorn during this 2-hour luxury private boat tour led by an experienced local captain.
This captivating experience allows visitors to explore the small channels, bridges, and charming houses that define this unique “Dutch Venice.” Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to spot swans and other wildlife on the lake.
The tour is priced at €350 per group of up to 10 participants and is available in Dutch, English, and German.
Guests can enjoy the comfort of the new tour boat, which is equipped with heating, big windows, soft cushions, and ambient lighting. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, with a lift for easy boarding.
Visitors can conveniently reach the tour’s starting point, Boatrental-Giethoorn, via public transportation, and free parking is available just 50 meters away.
Guests can easily modify or cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Giethoorn: Luxury Private Boat 2 Hour Tour With Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Tour With Local Guide
Although Amsterdam is renowned for its vibrant city life, travelers seeking a glimpse into the Netherlands’ picturesque countryside can embark on a captivating 9-hour tour that combines visits to the charming village of Giethoorn and the historic Zaanse Schans.
Priced from $89.80 to $119.74 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 6 participants) offers exceptional value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
The tour’s highlights include a guided exploration of Zaanse Schans’ iconic windmills, followed by a scenic canal cruise through Giethoorn, the “Venice of the North.”
Along the way, participants can enjoy cultural experiences, such as witnessing traditional cheese-making, observing clog craftsmanship, and touring a diamond factory.
With local expert commentary, snacks, and admission to key attractions included, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the Netherlands’ picturesque countryside and rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Tour With Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Giethoorn: Private Guided Canal Cruise With Coffee and Tea
Travelers seeking an intimate glimpse into the charming canals of Giethoorn can embark on a private guided canal cruise, complete with complimentary coffee and tea.
This 1-hour tour offers a personalized experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the picturesque “Venice of the North.” Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, the private boat rental accommodates up to 8 people, providing a comfortable and exclusive setting to explore Giethoorn’s idyllic waterways.
Gliding through the tranquil canals lined with thatched-roof cottages, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the town’s unique character and history. The inclusion of coffee and tea adds a cozy touch, enhancing the overall relaxing ambiance.
Whether seeking a romantic outing or a leisurely group activity, this private canal cruise offers a personalized and memorable way to discover the enchanting village of Giethoorn.
Read our full review: Giethoorn: Private Guided Canal Cruise With Coffee and Tea Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans & Giethoorn Guided Combo Tour
For those interested in exploring the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans and the picturesque waterways of Giethoorn, the Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans & Giethoorn Guided Combo Tour offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience.
Spanning 10 hours, this highly-rated tour (4.9 out of 5 from 48 reviews) allows travelers to enjoy the charm of these two iconic Dutch destinations.
Guests start their day with a guided visit to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, where they can witness traditional crafts and learn about the region’s rich history.
The tour then moves on to Giethoorn, the picturesque “Venice of the North,” where participants embark on a tranquil boat cruise through the village’s serene canals.
Along the way, they’ll admire the unique thatched-roof houses and lush natural surroundings that make Giethoorn a beloved destination.
Priced at $124.99 per person, this combo tour provides an efficient and enjoyable way to experience the highlights of both Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn in a single day.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans & Giethoorn Guided Combo Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam: Private Tour Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Local Guide
This private tour of Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience for up to 6 guests.
Priced from $63,021 per group for an 8-hour duration, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Guests will be picked up in Amsterdam and visit the picturesque village of Giethoorn, where they’ll enjoy a 3-hour visit with lunch, free time, and a scenic boat cruise.
They’ll also explore the historic Zaanse Schans windmills, participate in a cheese tasting, and try on traditional Dutch wooden clogs. An optional diamond factory tour is available.
The tour features a private guide with expert commentary, comfortable transportation, admission fees, snacks, and drinks.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, flexibility of private tours, and stunning scenery.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on 10 reviews, this tour is a fantastic way to experience the highlights of Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: Private Tour Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Giethoorn offers a variety of guided tours to explore its picturesque canals and scenic landscapes. Visitors can choose from boat tours, walking tours, and even combined tours with nearby attractions like Zaanse Schans. These tours provide an in-depth look at the unique features of this “Venice of the North” and are led by knowledgeable local guides. Whichever tour option visitors select, they’re sure to enjoy Giethoorn’s tranquil beauty and charming atmosphere.