Four small museums in the village, three of them on the Binnenpad, plus a UNESCO heritage museum in Frederiksoord. Opening hours and 2026 prices.
Giethoorn has no large museums, but it does have some charming small ones. Three of them sit on the Binnenpad, the footpath through the village: ’t Olde Maat Uus, De Oude Aarde and the Gloria Maris shell gallery. HistoMobil is on the Cornelisgracht.
The museums fit easily into a day on the water. Moor your boat at one of the mooring spots in the village, or walk onto the Binnenpad after your canal cruise.
An authentic Giethoorn farmhouse with a fisherman’s cottage, boathouse, film and audio tour (included). See how the villagers lived from peat, reed and cattle. Groups of 20 to 40 pay €5.50 / €2.00. Closed on 25 and 26 December, 31 December and 1 January.
Gemstones, minerals and fossils from around the world, with the “largest egg in the world” as its showpiece: a 32-centimetre elephant bird egg.
A gallery of rare seashells, including two specimens of the Gloria Maris, and jewellery. Free to enter, so a pleasant stop on your walk.
A car and travel museum in an old farmhouse. Giethoorn Adventures at the same address offers glow golf, laser tag and an escape room, handy on a rainy day.
The story of the Colonies of Benevolence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. A trip outside the village, a short drive from Giethoorn.
Opening hours and prices change with the season. Check the museum’s website before your visit.
| Museum | Address | Open | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| ’t Olde Maat Uus | Binnenpad 52 | Apr–Oct daily 11–17; Nov–Mar Fri–Mon 11–16 | €7.50 / €2.50 |
| De Oude Aarde | Binnenpad 43 | Mar–Nov daily 10–18; winter 10–17 | approx. €3.90 / €2.90 |
| Gloria Maris | Binnenpad 115 | Apr–Oct daily 11–17 | free |
| HistoMobil | Cornelisgracht 42 | irregular | on request |
’t Olde Maat Uus prices are the 2026 rates from museumgiethoorn.nl. Other prices are subject to change.
The canal cruise departs from Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7 and takes about an hour. €10 per person.
Museum ’t Olde Maat Uus (Binnenpad 52), De Oude Aarde (Binnenpad 43), the Gloria Maris shell gallery (Binnenpad 115) and HistoMobil (Cornelisgracht 42). Museum De Proefkolonie is in nearby Frederiksoord.
In 2026 it is €7.50 for adults and €2.50 for children aged 4 to 12; under 4 free. Groups of 20 to 40 pay €5.50 and €2.00.
From 1 April to 31 October daily 11:00 to 17:00. From 1 November to 31 March Friday to Monday 11:00 to 16:00, daily during Dutch school holidays. Closed on 25 and 26 December, 31 December and 1 January.
Yes, the Gloria Maris shell gallery at Binnenpad 115 is free, open from April to October.
’t Olde Maat Uus is open Friday to Monday in winter. De Oude Aarde is open from 10:00 to 17:00 in winter. Gloria Maris is closed in winter. See also our page on Giethoorn in winter.
The museums are on the village canal and the Binnenpad. Moor your rental boat at a mooring spot in the village and walk the last stretch.
Boat in the morning, museum in the afternoon. Book your boat online in advance for the best price and a guaranteed boat.
