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 Zwolle to Giethoorn
Getting here
From Zwolle to Giethoorn
Only 35 km: about 35 minutes by car, or 15 minutes by train to Steenwijk and bus 70 to the village. Close enough for a half day.
Nearby
Giethoorn is your back garden
From Zwolle, Giethoorn is a short hop: about 35 km and 35 minutes by car. That makes it ideal for a morning on the water before the crowds or an evening rental towards sunset.
Without a car it is just as easy. The train from Zwolle to Steenwijk takes 15 minutes and bus 70 brings you to the village in about 15 minutes more. Check 9292.nl for the last bus back.
- 35 km, about 35 minutes by car
- Train Zwolle–Steenwijk 15 min + bus 70
- Rent until sunset
Zwolle – Giethoorn at a glance
| By car | By train and bus | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Navigate to Zuiderpad 14A | Train Zwolle – Steenwijk, then bus 70 |
| Distance | About 35 km | — |
| Travel time | About 35 minutes | 15 min train + about 15 min bus, plus the change |
| Arrival | Free parking next to the boats | Bus stop Dominee Hylkemaweg |
Bus 70 runs at least hourly during the day; pay with a contactless 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
Pick your afternoon
Living nearby means you can come back for each of them.
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 toursHalf-day programme
An afternoon in Giethoorn from Zwolle
Drive over after lunch
35 minutes from Zwolle, free parking at Zuiderpad 14A.
Two hours on the water
The 2-hour route: village canals and a loop on the Bovenwijde lake. Boats from €24 per hour, cheapest early or late in the day.
Walk part of the Binnenpad
The footpath along the canal passes the thatched farmhouses and the small museums.
Dinner at the dock
At Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7, a 15-minute walk (two minutes by car) from the rental dock, before the short drive home.
Questions about travelling from Zwolle
How far is Giethoorn from Zwolle?
About 35 km, roughly 35 minutes by car.
How do I get to Giethoorn from Zwolle by public transport?
Train to Steenwijk (15 minutes), then bus 70 to Giethoorn (about 15 minutes). Get off at Dominee Hylkemaweg.
Can I rent a boat in the evening?
Yes. Rental is open from 09:00 until sunset; the closing time changes with the season. Starting late in the day is also the cheapest option.
Do I need to book for a short visit?
On weekdays outside the holidays there is usually room, but booking online in advance gives you the best price and a guaranteed boat. See boat rental.
Is parking free?
Yes, at Zuiderpad 14A, right next to the boats.
Book before you leave
Book online and be on the water half an hour after leaving Zwolle.