Giethoorn Revisited: Sharing the Real Deal Because...

Giethoorn in March is like a scene straight out of a fairytale, touched by the magic of nature! Today, I'm sharing my Giethoorn travel guide with you~ Pre-trip Preparations Check the weather forecast before you go. While Giethoorn is beautiful year-round, March weather can be unpredictable. A sunny day with blue skies and white clouds against the backdrop of colorful wooden houses guarantees stunning photos! Rainy days can dampen the scenery and the overall experience. Getting There From Amsterdam 1. Train and Bus: Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Steenwijk (approx. 1.5 hrs). Trains are frequent, running about every half hour. From Steenwijk station, take bus 70 or 270 (approx. 15 mins). Buses also run every half hour. A round-trip ticket costs around EUR 51 per person. 2. Day Tour: For a hassle-free experience, consider a day tour for about EUR 69. This includes a canal cruise and a 5-hour stay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Giethoorn's charm. Itinerary We left our Amsterdam accommodation at 9am, took the 9:38am train, and arrived in Giethoorn around 11:40am. We went straight to location P16 to book a boat tour for around noon. I recommend booking a morning cruise as the canals get crowded in the afternoon. The tour boat is quite large, with commentary from the captain. The one-hour cruise offers breathtaking views of the village. After the cruise, we strolled through the village, admiring the charming houses and gardens, until around 4pm before heading back to Amsterdam, arriving around 6:30pm. Things to Do 1. Boat Tour: A must-do in Giethoorn! You can rent a small boat for independent exploration, including a visit to the small island in the lake's center. However, if you're not a skilled boatsman, you might bump into the banks. These boats also lack canopies, making them less enjoyable in inclement weather. Alternatively, opt for a guided tour boat. It's affordable (less than EUR 10 per person), includes commentary and a complimentary coffee or tea, and offers a relaxing experience. The only downside is that it doesn't go to the island. 2. Walking Tour: The village is compact, perfect for exploring on foot. You'll discover hidden gems and get a closer look at Giethoorn's beauty. Be mindful of private bridges and avoid trespassing. 3. Bike Rental: Not recommended. The narrow streets and pedestrian traffic make cycling less enjoyable. Food Recommendations • Recreatiebedrijf Geythorn: Affordable and delicious snacks and fast food. Perfect for refueling after exploring. • Venice: Their ice cream is amazing! One scoop is around EUR 1.75, and they offer a deluxe ice cream combination for about EUR 5.5. They also serve Dutch pancakes. Things to Note 1. March in the Netherlands can be chilly, so pack a warm jacket. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations between day and night. 2. Public restrooms require a EUR 1 card payment, so try to use restrooms at restaurants. 3. Be mindful of the rental boat's return time to avoid extra charges. 4. Secure your valuables on the boat to prevent them from falling into the water. Save this guide and embark on a fairytale adventure in Giethoorn this March!