Giethoorn

Giethoorn came into being around 1230, when so-called “flaggelanten” (wandering self-whimpers, because of the plague) settled in the wasteland. A village was created where residents dig peat, fish, grow reeds and raise small animals.

Many old farms now serve as private homes

Due to the uncontrolled dams, storms and floods caused the lakes in the area: the Bovenwiede, Zuideindiger Wiede, Molengat, Grote and Stille Belterwiede and of course the Beulakerwiede where the village of Beulaecke disappeared into the waves in 1776.

When the first residents settled in the area a little over 100 years later, they had to reclaim the moor to make it suitable for growing crops and housing. In the moors they found many goat horns. They therefore decided to name their new residence “Geytenhoren”.

Giethoorn

Canals were dug to transport the peat. Later, many painters’ houses were converted into farmhouses and hay and cattle, even the postman and baker, traveled the canals by boat.

A large part of the old village is still only accessible by water and a cycle path with many bridges. This entourage, together with the many old painted houses and farms, often with typical camel roofs, makes Giethoorn a popular place for tourists and day trippers. There is wonderful biking, boating and hiking.

In spring you can see the marigold flowers blooming in the beds

In winter, it’s the time of a single hiker and, serving up ice and weather, thousands of skaters. In the early and late season it is pleasantly quiet. The high season is pleasantly busy with numerous events such as the Gondelvaart, the jazz and blues festival, the Battle of ‘t Wiede (with pirate choirs) and so on.

Smit Giethoorn is an ideal starting point for your day in Giethoorn. Fully equipped, we offer many options to make your day in Giethoorn a success.

We hope to see you at our village canal!