This Village Without Roads is the Thing of My Daydreams Right Now!

Are you ready to daydream a little? If you could design your very own village from scratch, what would it look like? How would you get around? I think I’ve found the real-life village that I would design from scratch! 

Welcome to Giethoorn.

Giethoorn is a mostly car-free village in the northeastern Dutch province of Overijssel. It’s known for its boat-filled waterways, footpaths, bicycle trails and centuries-old thatched-roof houses. It borders a section of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a marshy area once popular for peat and reed harvesting. – Google

Known as the “Venice of the North” or the “Venice of the Netherlands” this quiet little village was founded in 1230 and is home to 2,620 lucky people. I want in. 

ohwegoo.com“>Image Credit: ohwegoo.com

So How Do You Get Around in Giethoorn? 

Boats of course! In case you are worried about the noise, rest assured, residents travel on noiseless “whisper boats” to get around. 

Image Credit: Unknown

worldfortravel.com“>Image Credit: worldfortravel.com

Traveling on foot? 

Giethoorn, the “Venice of the North” is connected by 176 footbridges.

But What About the Wintertime? 

Lace-up those skates! You can take the footpaths around the village, or hit the ice and glide your way to wherever you’re going. 

NLHank“>Image Credit: NLHank

There’s still plenty of color to catch in the wintertime. Check out this sunset in nearby Weerribben-Wieden National Park.

Those Flowers Though!

I mean the rivers are cool and so are the boats, but are you peeping these hydrangeas?!? I’m dead. Take me to the flowers! 

insureandgo.com“>Photo Credit: insureandgo.com

owegoo.com“>Image Credit: owegoo.com

Siri, Show Me the Fall in Giethoorn

If the flowers are that beautiful, show me that fall foliage! 

Yep. Giethoorn wins again. 

Magda DJM“>Photo Credit: Magda DJM

Dino Cutic“>Image Credit: Dino Cutic

Thatched Roof Magic

Does this feel like a fairytale yet? Because I’m pretty sure Snow White and her seven dwarves lived here. 

BrainParking.com“>Image Credit: BrainParking.com

Love It? You Can Stay There!

Just for kicks, I popped over to Airbnb to see if I could actually stay in this little water village of my dreams. The answer is YES. Look at these adorable places!

View On AirbnbFarmhouse Lodge Giethoorn

View On AirbnbGieters Mooist; most beautiful spot in Giethoorn.

Planning my trip NOW. Hydrangea Heaven here I come!