Giethoorn is located in the middle of a vast peat area. It was excavated in the 17th and 18th centuries for peat, which was the most used fuel in the low countries. The excavations created lakes and canals.
Most of the traffic is via water and even the cows were taken by boat from the barn to the pastures.
That is why Giethoorn is also called the Venice of the North.
Since Giethoorn became very popular, several roads have been built along the canals for the convenience of tourists.
The banks of more than 5 km of canals are connected by narrow bridges. If one wants to visit the neighbor, who lives on the same side, you need a boat.
Traditionally, people sailed with ‘punter flatbottoms’, narrow oak boats that can maneuver well through the shallow water. As in Venice, a long wooden pole is used, to push the boat along.
Giethoorn is located on a beautiful extensive wetland, the National Park Weerribben-Wieden.
The best way to enjoy it’s nature is to rent a quiet electric boats or a bicycle.

We can design a customised countryside tour to Giethoorn and rent a boat to sail the canals.

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/overijssel/giethoorn-10.htm