The Village of Giethoorn

 

Imagine a tucked-away village in the Netherlands called Giethoorn which is located in the northern part of the Netherlands and perfectly summarizes, the village where time has no impact. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' Giethoorn is an idyllic site that enchants everyone with its calm canals, beautiful thatched-houses, and greenery. This blog post will take you through this stunning village of Giethoorn and explain why it is a must-visit for any travel enthusiast.

 

A Canals Within A Village

 

What makes Giethoorn stand out is the fact that it is primarily a booted village since it has very few cars,Let there be boats instead. Intersecting lines of peaceful canals surround the village, each of which has picturesque seventeenth century homes. These lakes are the arteries of Giethoorn, making it easy for people to navigate the beautiful village. Instead of sitting in a normal boat, one can hire a whisper boat which is a small electric vessel or one can join a tour and see the scenic beauty of Giethoorn on water.

 

Idyllic Scenery

 

What makes Giethoorn one of a kind is its picturesque view that leaves one lost for words. The village stands and is within the confines of a wetland area which is the De Weerribben-Wieden National Park which also seats the village. With a canoe at hand, you will see beautiful green gardens as well as tiny wooden bridges and beautiful houses on the shore as you cruise on the canals. The quietness and lack of vehicles on the site offer calmness that is somewhat hard to find elsewhere.

 

Rich History and Culture

 

Giethoorn as it is today is attributed to the people who settled in these locations in the thirteen hundreds. If we were to analyze the toponym of the settlement more closely, we would discover that it originates from the term ‘Geytenhoren’ that means ’goat horns’ owing to the fact that a great many of goat horns were found in the place as a post flood occurrence. Giethoorn became known for professions of peat growing and fishery and developed into a prosperous settlement over centuries.

 

At present, the embodiment of Giethoorn's legacy can be found in the buildings and the conduct of the people in the village. Also in Giethoorn are several museums including the Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus that introduces the history and way of living of villagers. Inside the museum, located in an old farm house, there are some displays about village arts and crafts, farming equipment as well as costumes.

 

Things To Do And See

 

Although Giethoorn being a village is famous for its serene mood there are quite many things to parody in terms of activities and even sites. Because besides sailing, the tourists can also tour the area on foot or rent a bike. There are several foot and cycle tracks, both in the village and in the countryside, thus inviting people to explore different places and enjoy beautiful views.

 

A national park that is ideal for nature lovers is the De Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Many species of plants and animals are found in the park making it a wonderful destination for ornithologists and naturalists. In the park itself, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are such other exhilarating activities that tourists are likely to participate in and appreciate the natural beauty of the place.

 

If you are a food fanatic, do not worry, Giethoorn has it all for you. Various restaurants and cafe's can be found within the village, most of them being by the canals. It is a missing experience to eat outside close to the water with the Dutch cuisine and beautiful views. Other traditional Dutch foods like poffertjes and bitterballen will please the palate.

 

Best Time to Visit

 

Although Giethoorn can be visited at any time of the year, every season has its own attractions. Spring and summer are the most preferred periods for travel since warm weather prevails, and the magnolia and tulip gardens are particularly gorgeous at this time. Autumn brings with it an explosion of colors from the trees, making the landscape breathtaking. Winter, though the least busy period, is also different and comes with a promise of skating on the frozen channels if the day isn’t too dull.

 

Conclusion

 

Indeed Giethoorn remains hidden, a mix of the most beautiful landscapes, history and tranquility. Whether gliding on the canals, wandering around the surrounding farms or tasting delicious cuisine in the restaurant, Giethoorn guarantees all the businesses. So pick your duffle bag, leave your automobile behind and go explore the idyllic village of Giethoorn, where calmness and beauty are present at every step.