Giethoorn (The Netherlands)

Giethoorn is a village in the Dutch province of Overijssel. It is located in the municipality of Steenwijkerland. Giethoorn used to be a pedestrian precinct, but nowadays exceptions are made. It became locally famous, especially after 1958, when the Dutch film maker Bert Haanstra made his famous comedy Fanfare there. Tourism has had a relatively small influence on the old traditional town. The village, still only fully accessible by boat, is one of several places commonly known as the Venice of the North or Venice of the Netherlands. Giethoorn has over 180 bridges. Giethoorn is a very popular attraction among Chinese tourists. The village of Giethoorn fended off competition from some 182 contenders across the world to achieve a place on the board of the new international edition of Monopoly. Giethoorn, also known as “the Venice of Holland” or the “Venice of the North”, is a beautiful village in the Netherlands. There are no cars or roads here; tourists leave them out of the village and have to travel by water or on foot over the lovely wooden bridges. Located in the Dutch province of Overijssel. Giethoorn village is surrounded by a vast natural reservation entitled De Wieden, often included in tourist brochures. The travelers who adventure here are usually mesmerized by the familiar atmosphere, bohemian canals, small wooden bridges, vivid flowers and colorful 200 year old homes.