- Image via Wikipedia
Around AD 1230 some fugitives from the Mediterranean area settled down in Holland and founded Giethoorn, unusual village with no roads, also known as “Venice of the Netherlands.”
These first settlers found loads of horns of wild goats in the area. Goats most likely died in the big flood of St. Elisabeth in 1170. No wonder the settlement was named Geytenhorn (horn of goats). The name later changed to Geythorn and now it’s called Giethoorn.
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Photo above: Giethoorn village coat of arms – Source
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Photo above: Giethoorn village “punters” or ‘whisper-boats,’ powered by a quiet electric motor which does not disturb the peace and quiet of this scenic little place.
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Photo above: Courtesy of Patlo
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The old part of the village had no roads. Nowadays it does have a cycling path. All the transport was done by water, over one of the numerous canals.
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Giethoorn village became well known and famous after the Dutch film maker Bert Haanstra filmed his famous comedy “Fanfare” there in 1958.
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Today, Giethoorn (located about 5 km southwest of Steenwijk) is a well-known tourist attraction for tourists from Netherlands and abroad. It offers a fantastic network of bicycle paths, safe and well marked.
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Numerous ponds and lakes in the area were formed by the unearthing of the peat. The canals and ditches were then dug out to transport the peat.
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About 7.5 km of canals run throughout the village of Giethoorn. They are only 1 meter deep.
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Many houses have been built on islands and they can only be reached by the wooden bridges.
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Still today, 18th and 19th century farm houses are hidden among the trees and arched wooden bridges, just like they used to be for centuries.
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Throughout the time, some 50 little wooden bridges were built over the canals.
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The marshy area provided plenty of reed so most of the houses in the village had thatched roofs. Way back only wealthy Giethoorn residents were able to afford tiled roofs. Tiles used to be way more expensive than reed. However, that has now changed. Thatched roof now costs a fortune…
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Giethoorn is located in central Netherlands, in the NW of the province Overijssel, in the middle of the nature reserve De Wieden and the area is called Waterreijk.
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Giethoorn, village in Holland with no roads and about 2620 habitants is unique for several reasons: its ancient, well preserved farm houses, arched wooden bridges and so much more – and has much to offer to the visitors. The best way to view the entire village is guided canal tour or a boat trip.
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Diclaimer:
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Awesome post. Must make traveling quite interesting. Maybe some day I’ll go and see it for myself:)
Nice you like my hometown
One small correction. Since a year or so ago the Weerribben and the Wieden joined eachother, Giethoorn now is in the middle of National Park Weerribben en Wieden (the Wieden part).
Waterreijck is just a name throug which a cooperation in the touristic sector promote the area.
More Giethoorn (area) pics are found herem if you like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nlhank/sets/72157621746141797” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Giethoorn
Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by Hank and for your update. I have to rely on online sources and not all of them are up to date at all times. There are many people who are absolutely amazed with the beauty of your hometown, Giethoorn, and your photos of the area are quite stunning. I’m thinking of using some of them to make another post about this gem in Holland. Will keep you posted.
This is a place where I could retire and just paint. I love the quite feeling and the look of a peaceful life. I wonder what the residents do for a living. Maybe they are all retired. I just love this place.
I can easily imagine you living there and painting the scenery and wildlife. I have a feeling you’ll put Giethoorn on your bucket list…
That is so neat. I love places with no traffic noise. It’s priceless. And this village is so beautiful! What a relaxing way to live. It’s a treasure.
I also find the village of Giethoorn extremely fascinating and I already know I want to go visit that place for sure!
How lovely. It’s almost like it’s out of a fairy tale.
beautiful….
i wish even India be the same :/