Bovenwijde
Swimming from the boat
Swimming is allowed in the Bovenwijde. Moor at the little island, jump in and dry off in the sun. Watch for blue-green algae warnings on hot days.
Home›Giethoorn in summer
Season & weather
Giethoorn in summer
Long evenings on the water until sunset around 21:30, swimming in the Bovenwijde lake and a picnic on board. Plus tips for staying ahead of the crowds.
June to August
Sail until the sun goes down
Summer is the season of long evenings. On 21 June the sun does not set until around 22:05, and in July and August you can rent a boat until about 21:30. Those evening hours are the best of all: warm light, silent canals and most of the day-trippers gone home.
Average highs are 20 to 22 °C with about 7 hours of sunshine a day. July is also the wettest month at 88 mm, but a summer shower usually passes quickly.
- Rental until sunset, about 21:30
- Swimming in the Bovenwijde
- Picnic hamper from € 12.95 per person
- Evening discount up to 20%
Crowd tips
How to beat the summer crowds
Start at 09:00The busiest hours are 10:30 to 15:30. At 09:00 the village canal is silent and you pay the lowest price.
Or go in the eveningAfter 16:00 it calms down; from 18:00 you have the water almost to yourself. Take a drinks box along.
Pick a Tuesday or WednesdaySummer weekends are always busy. Midweek is quieter and cheaper (weekend rate +20%).
Sail out of the villageThe 3- and 4-hour routes cross the Bovenwijde to quiet side canals. Our app shows the way.
Book onlineIn July and August the boats regularly sell out. Booking online in advance guarantees your boat and gives you the best price.
Summer on the water
Three summer classics
From € 12.95 per person
Picnic on board
Order a regional picnic hamper or drinks box with your booking and eat on the water, wherever you like.
Until sunset
Evening cruise
Set off around 19:00 for two hours in the golden hour and sail back to the dock as the sun sets.
Gondelvaart and festival week
Summer ends with the Giethoorn festival week (24–30 August 2026) and, on Saturday 29 August, the Gondelvaart: illuminated, decorated boats parading through the village canal after dark. The village is packed that day; tickets go on sale from 25 July at gondelvaartgiethoorn.nl.
If you want to sail yourself that week, book well ahead. More about the programme on our Gondelvaart page.
Day trip from Amsterdam
In summer our coach runs daily from Amsterdam to Giethoorn and back, from € 39 or € 49 including a canal cruise.
Questions about summer
How late can you rent a boat in summer?
Until sunset, around 21:30 in June and July. For an hour on the water you can start as late as about 20:30.
Can you swim in Giethoorn?
Yes, in the Bovenwijde lake. Not in the village canal, where the boats sail. Watch for blue-green algae warnings during long hot spells.
How busy is Giethoorn in summer?
Busy, especially at weekends and between 10:30 and 15:30 in the school holidays. Early or late in the day and midweek it is very manageable.
Do I need to book ahead in summer?
Yes. In July and August the boats regularly sell out. Booking online in advance guarantees your boat and gives you the best price.
Is there shade on the boat?
The self-drive boats are open. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, or choose the cruise boat with its roof.
When is the Gondelvaart 2026?
Saturday 29 August 2026, the finale of the festival week (24–30 August). Tickets from 25 July at gondelvaartgiethoorn.nl.