Junction route
Around Giethoorn
Junctions 43–44–74–75–81–82–84–94–63–66–67–64–62–60–53–52–51–44–43. A loop through the village and the lakes around it.
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Village guide
Cycling in Giethoorn
Flat countryside, signposted junction routes and villages on the water: Blokzijl, Ossenzijl, De Wieden. Rent a bike from us for €10 a day.
Cycling country
Straight from the village into nature
The land around Giethoorn is flat: the Blokzijl–Giethoorn cycle route climbs no more than six metres in total. You ride along dykes and past the lakes of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, to the fortified town of Blokzijl or to Ossenzijl.
The Dutch cycle junction network makes navigating simple: follow the numbered signs from junction to junction. Bikes are for hire at Boatrental Giethoorn, Zuiderpad 14A, for €10 a day, and parking there is free.
- Bike rental €10 a day
- Junction routes straight from the village
- Flat, with plenty of paved paths
Routes
Six cycling routes from Giethoorn
Tried and tested routes from fietsnetwerk.nl, giethoorn.com, Natuurmonumenten and fietsknoop.nl.
50 km
Giethoorn–Blokzijl loop
Via the Jonen ferry (€1.20), Dwarsgracht, Blokzijl, Belt-Schutsloot and Wanneperveen. Take your time at the Blokzijl lock.
43.7 km
Giethoorn–Ossenzijl
A loop to Ossenzijl, where the Weerribben outdoor centre (Hoogeweg 27) is open daily from April to October.
Natuurmonumenten
De Wieden cycle route past Giethoorn
The Natuurmonumenten route through De Wieden, the southern part of the national park. Start at De Wieden visitor centre or in the village.
48.3 km
Blokzijl–Giethoorn–Weerribben
A loop via Blokzijl and the Weerribben, the northern part of the park.
64.6 km
Giethoorn–Blokzijl–Vollenhove
The long version past two historic towns on the former Zuiderzee coast.
Distances from Giethoorn
| Destination | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blokzijl | 15 km by road | Fortified town with a lock; also 12 km by boat |
| De Wieden visitor centre, Sint Jansklooster | approx. 27 km cycle route | Apr–1 Nov Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 |
| Vollenhove | approx. 15 km | Historic town, bus 70/71 |
| Ossenzijl (Weerribben outdoor centre) | 23 km | Apr–Oct daily 10:00–17:00 |
| Steenwijk | 9 km | Railway station, bus 70 to Giethoorn |
Road distances are approximate. Parts of the national park are closed during the breeding season (15 March to 15 July); check the Natuurmonumenten map.
Practical
Rent a bikeWith us at Zuiderpad 14A for €10 a day, with free parking for your car.
Jonen ferryThe bike and foot ferry across the Walengracht towards Vollenhove and Blokzijl costs €1.20.
Bike and boatCycle in the morning, sail in the afternoon. Book the boat online and it will be waiting when you get back.
Onto the water after your ride
A whisper boat from €24 an hour, with routes of one to four hours. Booking online in advance gives you the best price and a guaranteed boat.
Questions about cycling
Can I rent a bike in Giethoorn?
Yes, at Boatrental Giethoorn, Zuiderpad 14A, for €10 a day. See the bike rental page.
What is a nice short cycling route?
The junction route around Giethoorn (43–44–74–75–81–82–84–94–63–66–67–64–62–60–53–52–51–44–43) stays close to the village and the lakes.
How far is it to cycle to Blokzijl?
By road Blokzijl is 15 kilometres away. The signposted loops via Blokzijl are 48 to 65 kilometres; the giethoorn.com loop is 50 kilometres.
Is it flat?
Yes. The Blokzijl–Giethoorn route has at most six metres of elevation difference. Wind across the open water is the only thing working against you.
Can I cycle through Weerribben-Wieden National Park?
Yes, on the Natuurmonumenten routes. Note that parts of the park are closed from 15 March to 15 July for the breeding season.
Can I combine cycling with a boat?
Certainly. Many guests cycle in the morning and sail in the afternoon. Book the boat online in advance for the best price and a guaranteed boat.
Bike and boat in one day
Rent a bike for €10 and book your whisper boat online. Free parking at Zuiderpad 14A.