Giethoorn is often described as “the cutest town in the world.” Is that an exaggeration? Not in the slightest! Lots of canals, thatched roofs, little wooden bridges… if you ever read any tale from the Grimm brothers, this tour will sure teleport you to one of their worlds.
In addition to it, we will have to visit the historical port city of Enkhuizen, one of Holland’s true hidden gems. Were you looking for an unforgettable experience? Then you hit the bullseye! Did you know that Giethoorn has no roads? Its inhabitants move around in boats through the canals, hence this Dutch town is also known as “Green Venice.”
Departing from Amsterdam, we travel across Flevoland and the Weerriben-Wieden National Park to arrive at Giethoorn. There, we go on a one-hour cruise along its canals in which we will be able to enjoy the sheer beauty of the old farms’ thatched roofs and the wooden bridges.
We will have spare time to take a stroll and nice pictures and to restock on energy in one of its excellent restaurants (lunch is not included). On our way to Enkhuizen, we will make a stop at Lelystad’s port to see a replica of the Batavia (17th-century gallery that belonged to the Dutch East Indies Company) and “Exposure,” the famous statue by Antony Gormley.
We will get from Flevoland to North-Holland through Houtribdijk, a dike that connects both provinces and divides the Ijsselmeer and the Markermeer.
Lastly, we will visit Enkhuizen, once an important city during the Dutch Golden Age in which time seems to have stopped around that period. Its canals, bridges, historical buildings, and port make the town one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands.