Giethoorn Boat Rental

Destination overview

• Giethoorn is a peaceful canal village in Overijssel, often called the “Venice of the North.”

• The village is built around water, with canals, small lakes, wooden bridges, and thatched farmhouses creating a very scenic countryside setting. 

Best way to experience Giethoorn

• Giethoorn is at its best from the water — a boat trip is the main highlight for almost every visitor. 

• Visitors can choose between whisper boats, small sloops, or traditional punters, all easy to handle. 

Boat rental & cruising

• No boating licence is needed for the rental boats in Giethoorn. 

• A short safety and steering explanation is given before departure. 

• Minimum age to drive most boats is 16 years. 

• Typical rental time is 2–3 hours minimum, as this is usually needed for a proper village route. 

Routes on the water

• When you rent a boat, you receive a route map with cruising options and points of interest. 

• You are not required to follow one fixed route — you can cruise at your own pace. 

• Popular longer route: a full village loop through both canal centres and across the lake.

• In busy periods some canal sections use one-way traffic to keep things flowing smoothly. 

Parking & arrival

• Parking is well organised around the village, with multiple locations spread across Giethoorn. 

• Many local providers combine parking with activities (boat trips, cycling, restaurants), so visitors can park and start their visit immediately without long walks or searching. 

Planning tips

• Giethoorn is very popular, especially on weekends and during school holidays, so it is advised to reserve boats or cruises in advance for guaranteed availability. 

• The official Giethoorn platform gathers all practical visitor help in one place: arrival advice, parking, boating, walking/cycling options, food, and local activities.