Most popular
Rent your own electric boat
Silent whisper boats for 4 to 12 people. No licence needed, a short briefing at the dock and a free navigation app with routes of 1 to 4 hours.
from24per hour
Boat rental
Home›From Groningen to Giethoorn
Getting here
From Groningen to Giethoorn
91 km and about 1 hour 15 by car via the A7, or by train via Meppel and Steenwijk. Giethoorn is the closest canal village to the north.
From the north
An easy day out from Groningen
Giethoorn lies 91 km south of Groningen: about 1 hour 15 by car via the A7 or the A28, with the last stretch on the A32 (exit 7, Steenwijk) and the N334 into the village. Park for free at Zuiderpad 14A.
By train, travel towards Zwolle and change at Meppel for Steenwijk, then take bus 70 to the village. Plan the exact connection on 9292.nl.
- 91 km, about 1 h 15 by car
- By train via Meppel and Steenwijk, then bus 70
- Free parking next to the boats
Groningen – Giethoorn at a glance
| By car | By public transport | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | A7 or A28, then A32 exit 7 and N334 | Train towards Zwolle, change at Meppel for Steenwijk, bus 70 |
| Distance | 91 km | — |
| Travel time | About 1 h 15 | Check 9292.nl; bus 70 takes about 15 minutes |
| Arrival | Free parking at Zuiderpad 14A | Bus stop Dominee Hylkemaweg |
Car time is without traffic. No cash on the bus: bank card or OVpay.
Why book with us
Three things that make the trip easy
Free parking at the boatsOur car park is right next to the dock at Zuiderpad 14A. Park, check in and you are on the water within minutes.
No boat licence neededEvery boat is electric and easy to steer. You get a short briefing and the navigation app shows the way.
Book online, pay lessBooking online in advance gives you the best price, and your boat is guaranteed on busy days. Start early or late for the lowest price.
What to do in Giethoorn
Three ways to see the village
All three leave from our docks at the entrance of the village canal.
Sit back
One-hour canal cruise
A guided tour on a large, heated canal boat past thatched farmhouses and wooden bridges. Ideal if you would rather not steer yourself.
from10per person
Canal cruises
With a captain
Private tour for your group
Your own boat with a local captain: open boat from €80 or a closed, heated boat from €200. Add a picnic or drinks on board.
from80per boat
Private toursDay programme
A day in Giethoorn from Groningen
Arrive around 09:30
A little over an hour from Groningen. Rental opens at 09:00; the morning is the quietest and cheapest time on the water.
Two hours on the water
Pick up your boat at Zuiderpad 14A. The 2-hour route takes you through the village canals and onto the Bovenwijde lake, with time to moor at a terrace.
Lunch at our restaurant
Our restaurant at Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7 is a 15-minute walk from the rental dock (two minutes by car). Or order a picnic basket and eat on board.
Walk the Binnenpad
The 4.3 km footpath along the canal is free and passes the thatched farmhouses, the small museums and the cheese shop.
End with a canal cruise
Let a captain do the work for the last hour: the guided cruise leaves from our dock at Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7. Book your time slot online.
Questions about travelling from Groningen
How far is Giethoorn from Groningen?
About 91 km. By car that is roughly 1 hour 15 via the A7 or the A28.
How do I get there by train?
Train towards Zwolle, change at Meppel for Steenwijk, then bus 70 to Giethoorn. Get off at Dominee Hylkemaweg. Plan it on 9292.nl.
Where do I park?
At Boatrental Giethoorn, Zuiderpad 14A. Parking is free and right next to the boats.
Which boat should we take?
Boats for 4, 6, 8 and 12 people. The 8-person boat is the most popular for families and friends. See boat rental.
Can we bring the dog?
Check the dogs page for the rules for dogs on board and in the village.
Book before you leave
Book online before you leave Groningen and skip the queue at the dock.