Half a day
Sail first, then walk
Two hours in a whisper boat through the village and across Lake Bovenwijde, then the Binnenpad for the details you miss from the water.
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Village guide
Walking in Giethoorn
The 4.3-kilometre Binnenpad takes you along the canal, over the bridges and past the thatched farmhouses. Free, flat and at its best in the morning.
The Binnenpad
4.3 kilometres through the heart of the village
The Binnenpad is the footpath that runs through the village parallel to the canal. You pass the thatched farmhouses, cross the wooden bridges and walk by the Zuidervermaning, the cheese farm and three museums.
The path is free and always open. Allow an hour and a half to two hours at a relaxed pace with the odd stop. It is flat, but the small bridges make it awkward with a wheelchair or pushchair.
- 4.3 kilometres, free
- Past ’t Olde Maat Uus, De Oude Aarde and Gloria Maris
- Start at our dock at Zuiderpad 14A, free parking
When
The quietest moments
Before 10:00In the morning the path is almost empty and the light lies low over the water.
After 16:00The day trippers leave and the canal falls quiet. Ideal for an evening walk in summer, when the sun does not set until around 22:00.
On weekdaysMonday and Tuesday are the quietest. July, August, weekends and public holidays are the busiest.
Combine
Walking and boating in one day
2.5 hours
Canal cruise plus walk
A one-hour cruise from Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7, then the Binnenpad on foot. Relaxed and no steering required.
Full day
Walk, lunch, sail
A morning walk, lunch by the water at the cruise dock and a boat for three or four hours in the afternoon.
Good to know
The houses along the Binnenpad are people’s homes. Stay on the path, keep off gardens and docks and photograph with respect for the residents.
Want to walk beyond the village? Weerribben-Wieden National Park starts right behind Giethoorn. De Wieden visitor centre in Sint Jansklooster and the Weerribben outdoor centre in Ossenzijl have walking routes and information; note that parts of the park are closed during the breeding season from 15 March to 15 July.
Rather cycle?
The countryside around Giethoorn is flat and full of signposted junction routes. Bike rental with us for €10 a day.
Questions about walking
How long is the Binnenpad?
About 4.3 kilometres. Allow an hour and a half to two hours with stops.
Is walking in Giethoorn free?
Yes. The village and the Binnenpad are free to enter. You only pay for museums, the boat or the canal cruise.
Where do I start the walk?
Park for free at Boatrental Giethoorn, Zuiderpad 14A, at the entrance to the village canal, and walk into the village from there. See parking.
Is the Binnenpad suitable for a wheelchair or pushchair?
Only partly: the path is flat, but the many small bridges are an obstacle. A canal cruise is a good alternative. Read our page on accessibility.
Can I bring my dog?
Walking with a dog on a lead is fine. The boats and the canal cruise have their own rules, see Giethoorn with dogs.
What is the best time to walk?
Before 10:00 or after 16:00, and on weekdays. That is when the path is quiet and the light is beautiful. See best time to visit.
Walk and sail in one day
Book your boat online for the afternoon and walk in the morning. That way you see Giethoorn from both sides.