Boatrental Giethoorn (Zuiderpad 14A)
1 hour · 3 km
A loop through the Dorpsgracht: the heart of the village, under the wooden bridges and past the thatched farmhouses. Ideal for a first taste.
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Boat routes
Seven routes, never get lost
Every rental includes our free navigation app with marked routes of 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours. Pick your route, follow the line on your phone and enjoy the view.
Boat routes
This is how you sail through Giethoorn
From our dock into the village canal, under the little bridges and out onto the Bovenwijde lake. Pick a route of 1 to 4 hours, drawn from real sailing data.
- Free navigation app with all routes
- Routes from 1 to 4 hours
- Depart from Zuiderpad 14A or the cruise dock
0.0 km
How it works
Follow the line on your phone
Our navigation app shows your position on the map and the route you chose. Bridges, mooring places, restaurants and photo stops are marked, so you always know where you are and how much time you have left.
All routes are loops: you return to the dock you left from. Times are pure sailing time at the village speed limit; add time for a stop at a terrace or a swim on the lake.
- Free with every rental
- Works on any phone, no download needed
- Routes in English, Dutch, German and Chinese
- Also downloadable as GPX for your own app
Routes from Zuiderpad 14A
Our main dock, where all self-drive boats depart and where you park for free.
Boatrental Giethoorn (Zuiderpad 14A)
2 hours · 4.2 km
The village plus a loop across the Bovenwijde. Two hours of pure sailing time; if you want to moor along the way, pick a shorter route or rent longer.
Boatrental Giethoorn (Zuiderpad 14A)
3 hours · 8.7 km
Through the village and across the Bovenwijde to the eastern shore: open water, reed beds and quiet side canals.
Boatrental Giethoorn (Zuiderpad 14A)
4 hours · 16.8 km
The grand tour: the village, the lakes and canals north of Giethoorn and the Bovenwijde. Bring a picnic.
Routes from Hotel Old Art
For guests of Old Art Hotel, right next to our restaurant, and Hotel Giethoorn nearby.
Cruise dock (Hylkemaweg 7)
1 hour · 3.1 km
A loop through the Dorpsgracht: the heart of the village, under the wooden bridges and past the thatched farmhouses. Ideal for a first taste.
Cruise dock (Hylkemaweg 7)
2 hours · 4.1 km
The village plus a loop across the Bovenwijde. Two hours of pure sailing time; if you want to moor along the way, pick a shorter route or rent longer.
Cruise dock (Hylkemaweg 7)
3 hours · 8.6 km
Through the village and across the Bovenwijde to the eastern shore: open water, reed beds and quiet side canals.
Good to know
Rules on the water
Max 6 km/hThe village canals have a strict speed limit. Our boats are limited, so just keep it calm.
One-way DorpsgrachtThe main village canal is one-way; the app shows the direction. Keep right on open water.
Cruise boats firstGive way to the large canal cruise boats; they cannot manoeuvre as easily as you.
Moor only at marked spotsNever under a bridge or along private gardens. Mooring places are shown in the app.
12 years and upThe person steering must be at least 12. Life jackets for children are available.
No alcohol at the wheelPassengers may enjoy a drink; the skipper stays sober. Police do check.
Questions about the routes
Which route should I choose for 2 hours?
The 2-hour route: the village canals plus a loop across the Bovenwijde, two hours of pure sailing time. If you want to stop at a terrace, choose a route shorter than your rental time, for example the 1-hour route with a two-hour rental.
Is there break time built into the routes?
No. A route’s time is pure sailing time at the permitted speed: the 2-hour route is two hours of sailing. If you want to stop for a terrace, a swim or photos, always pick a route shorter than your rental time.
Can I deviate from the route?
Yes. The routes are suggestions. The app keeps showing your position, so you can explore side canals and find your way back.
Do I need to download an app?
No. The navigation app works in your phone’s browser. You get the link at check-in.
Can I use the GPX files in my own app?
Yes. Download the GPX per route or all routes at once and open them in apps such as Komoot, Garmin or Google Earth.
Is the 4-hour route suitable for beginners?
Yes, but it includes open water where wind can pick up. On a calm day it is a beautiful, relaxed tour.