Giethoorn, The Netherlands
The serene Dutch village of Giethoorn is sometimes nicknamed ‘Venice of the Netherlands’. When visitors see its wide canals, tall bridges, and (mostly) car-free streets, people will understand why. A one-hour, 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam to Steenwijk, followed by a short bus ride, is how day-trippers often reach this residential area – which now doubles as a popular tourist attraction. Once there, Giethoorn is easily explored by canoe or electric boat. Beloved by visitors for its old, thatched-roof houses and living museum, it’s also a gateway to Weerribben-Weiden National Park – home of the largest bog in north-west Europe, and plenty of excellent walking trails. It is one of the best car-free vacation destinations.
Travelers will find waterways, not roads, in the beautiful Dutch town of Giethoorn. It dates back to the 13th century when enterprising monks came here and dug out the canals in order to transport peat. Residents of Holland's so-called 'Venice of the North rely on bikes, kayaks, and canoes. Bridges crisscross the canals and are used as ice rinks by locals in the winter. The village relies on a series of walking paths, bike trails, and waterways for transportation. In fact, the most popular way for visitors to see the town's centuries-old thatched-roof houses is by exploring the canals by boat.
