Rent a boat in Giethoorn — The complete guide to exploring the Venice of the North
Giethoorn, the famous "Venice of the North", attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year who come to enjoy its idyllic canals, more than 180 graceful bridges and characteristic thatched farmhouses. And the best way to discover Giethoorn? From the water, of course.
In this complete guide we tell you everything you need to know about renting a boat in and around Giethoorn: from the different boat types and prices to the most beautiful routes and practical tips for a perfect day on the water.
Why discover Giethoorn from the water?
Giethoorn was built on water. The original inhabitants dug peat and thereby created a network of canals that still form the main roads of the village today. Many houses can only be reached by boat or via one of the many wooden bridges.
That makes boating not just a fun activity — it is the way to truly experience Giethoorn. From a whisper boat or sloop you see the village as it was meant to be: with the sound of water against the bow, ducks swimming alongside your boat and sunlight filtering through the willows.
Boat rental in Giethoorn: what are your options?
Whisper boat / Electric sloop
The most popular choice. Whisper boats are electrically powered boats that make almost no noise — hence the name. They are easy to steer with a wheel, very stable and suitable for families with children. No boating license required.
- Suitable for: 2 to 12 people
- Price: from €80.00 per day
- Ideal for: families, couples, groups of friends
- Speed: leisurely, average 6–8 km/h
Sloop
A more luxurious variant of the whisper boat, often with more space, comfortable cushions and sometimes a table. Perfect for a day out with a group and a picnic on the water.
- Suitable for: 4 to 12 people
- Price: from €175.00 per day
- Ideal for: larger groups, celebrations on the water
Canoe & Kayak
For the sporty types. With a canoe or kayak you explore the narrower ditches and canals that are unreachable for motorboats. You get close to nature and have ultimate freedom on the water.
- Suitable for: 1 to 3 people
- Price: from €20.00 per day
- Ideal for: adventurers, nature lovers, couples
Sailboat & Punter
The traditional way of boating in the Weerribben. A punter is propelled by wind via the sail — a unique and authentic experience. Sailboats offer more stability and are suitable for the larger lakes.
- Suitable for: 3 to 5 people
- Price: from €40.00 per day
- Ideal for: sailors, lovers of tradition
SUP Board
Stand-up paddleboarding on the quiet canals around Giethoorn. A sporty and unique way to explore the surroundings.
- Suitable for: 1 person
- Price: from €35.00 per day
- Ideal for: active visitors, photography
View the full fleet on our boat rental page.
Boat rental prices Giethoorn 2026
Below is an overview of current rental prices at Nijenhuis Botenverhuur. All prices are per day. Hourly rental is available on site.
| Boat type | Capacity | Price per day | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric boat 5-person | 1–5 people | from €80.00 | Book |
| Electric sloop 8-person | 1–8 people | from €175.00 | Book |
| Electric sloop 10-person | 1–10 people | from €200.00 | Book |
| Classic Tender 570 | 1–8 people | from €200.00 | Book |
| Classic Tender 720 | 1–12 people | from €230.00 | Book |
| Sailboat 't Waar | 1–5 people | from €70.00 | Book |
| Sail punter | 1–4 people | from €40.00 | Book |
| Canoe (3 pers.) | 1–3 people | from €25.00 | Book |
| Kayak 2-person | 1–2 people | from €25.00 | Book |
| Kayak 1-person | 1 person | from €20.00 | Book |
| SUP Board | 1 person | from €35.00 | Book |
Tip: Rent your boat from Wanneperveen at Nijenhuis and save on parking costs. In Giethoorn itself you quickly pay €10–15 for parking — with us it's free!
Note: The Classic Tender 720 is not allowed to sail through Giethoorn village centre. For this route, choose a smaller boat such as the 8-person electric sloop or 5-person electric boat.
The 5 most beautiful routes from Wanneperveen to Giethoorn
See all routes on our interactive sailing map as well.
Route 1: Giethoorn village centre (8–10 km one way)
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours with electric sloop
- Difficulty: Easy
The classic route. Sail from Wanneperveen via the canals towards the heart of Giethoorn. You pass green meadows, narrow waterways and under the famous bridges. Take time to moor in the centre and go for a walk.
Route 2: Giethoorn via Belt-Schutsloot (12–14 km)
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
A longer but beautiful detour via picturesque Belt-Schutsloot. This "hidden Giethoorn" has the same charm but is much quieter. Ideal if you want to avoid the crowds.
Route 3: Weerribben round trip (15 km)
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
A round trip through the National Park. You sail through the heart of the Weerribben, past reed beds, peat pools and marsh forests. Bring binoculars — you can spot special birds here, including the purple heron, bittern and sometimes even the white-tailed eagle.
Route 4: Beulakerwijde round trip (10 km)
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy (note: open water)
Sail south to the Beulakerwijde, one of the larger lakes in the area. Here you have beautiful views over the open water. Perfect for sailboats.
Route 5: Canoe adventure through the peat pools (variable)
- Duration: 2–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Only possible by canoe or kayak. Discover the hidden peat pools — small lakes created by peat digging, surrounded by reed beds. Here nature is at its most beautiful and raw.
Why depart from Wanneperveen instead of Giethoorn?
Many visitors automatically go to Giethoorn itself to rent a boat. But there are good reasons to start just 10 km further at Nijenhuis Botenverhuur in Wanneperveen:
- No parking fees — In Giethoorn you pay €10–15 for parking in high season. With us you park for free, right at the rental location.
- No queues — In Giethoorn there are long queues at rental companies in summer. From Wanneperveen you depart immediately — no waiting.
- Longer and more beautiful journey — The trip from Wanneperveen to Giethoorn is already a wonderful experience. You sail through the quiet part of the Weerribben before reaching Giethoorn's bustle.
- Same boats, lower threshold — With us you rent the same quality whisper boats and sloops as in Giethoorn, but in a quieter setting with personal service.
- More than Giethoorn alone — From Wanneperveen you can go not only to Giethoorn, but also to Belt-Schutsloot, the Beulakerwijde and deep into the Weerribben. More routes, more possibilities.
Practical tips for a day of boating in Giethoorn
When to go?
- High season (July–August): busy in Giethoorn itself, depart early (before 10:00) or late (after 15:00)
- Shoulder season (April–June, September–October): ideal! Nice weather, less crowded
- Weekdays: always quieter than weekends
- In rain: fewer visitors, but bring rain gear — it can be magical on the water
What to bring?
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (reflection on the water)
- Rain jacket (just in case)
- Food and drinks for a picnic on the water
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Camera or smartphone (photo opportunities are endless)
- Children's life jackets (available free from us)
Rules on the water
- Maximum speed in canals: 6 km/h
- Keep to the right on canals and waterways
- Give way to commercial traffic
- Engine off in nature areas where indicated
- No litter in the water — take your rubbish back with you
About Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a village in the municipality of Steenwijkerland in the province of Overijssel, Netherlands. The village is internationally known as the "Venice of the North" because of its many canals, bridges and thatched farmhouses. Also read our Giethoorn destination page for additional information.
History
The name "Giethoorn" refers to the goat horns found here in the Middle Ages when the first inhabitants came to dig peat. Through peat extraction, the extensive canal network arose that gives the village its unique character.
Giethoorn in figures
- More than 180 bridges
- Approximately 2,600 inhabitants
- Over 800,000 visitors annually
- Part of Weerribben-Wieden National Park (10,000 hectares)
Weerribben-Wieden National Park
The Weerribben-Wieden is the largest contiguous lowland peat bog in Northwest Europe. The park is a paradise for birds, fish, butterflies and plants. Rare species such as the otter, large copper butterfly and bittern live here.
Book your boat for Giethoorn now
Want to discover Giethoorn from the water? Book your whisper boat, sloop, canoe or kayak at Nijenhuis Botenverhuur and depart from Wanneperveen — the smartest way to reach Giethoorn.
- Book online: reserve directly via our website
- Call: 0522 281 528
- Address: Veneweg 199, 7946 LP Wanneperveen
- Open: 1 April to 31 October, daily 09:00–18:00
- No license required — free parking — cash and card accepted