Giethoorn / Anadolu

- Giethoorn village has a population of about 2,600 and receives around 1.2 million tourists annually

- Located in the province of Overijssel, it captivates visitors with its historic character dating back to the Middle Ages

- Cars are not allowed in the village; residents and visitors primarily use boats for transportation

- It is famous for its 176 wooden bridges, narrow canals, historic houses, and green meadows

Due to its resemblance to the Italian city of Venice, the Dutch village of Giethoorn is known as the 'Venice of the Netherlands,' captivating visitors with its historic medieval character and canals that make it seem like it has emerged from a fairy tale.

The village is located in the Dutch province of Overijssel, offering visitors an atmosphere similar to Venice with its canals and historic houses that are hundreds of years old.

About 1.2 million tourists visit the village annually, and it is famous for its 176 wooden bridges, narrow canals, historic houses, green meadows, and colorful flowers, making it resemble a world from fairy tales.

It is especially known for its canals and the boats that ply them, as well as its houses that resemble the famous Hobbit village.

Boat trips throughout the day

Throughout the day, tourist boat trips are organized in the canals surrounding the village square where historic houses are located. The village has a population of about 2,600.

During the summer, the village receives large numbers of tourists, especially from East Asia, the Middle East, and Turkey, with dozens of boats cruising its canals.

Many visitors think the historic houses are museums, but most are inhabited by locals and are located on small islands that can only be reached via the owners' private wooden bridges.

Cars are not allowed in the village; residents and visitors rely mainly on boats for transportation. There is only one narrow road extending from north to south, reserved for pedestrians and bicycles.

Most historic houses have two doors: the side door is used in daily life, while the front door is opened only when a bride and groom enter the house after marriage, or for a funeral after a family member's death.

Unique nature and rural houses

Liesan Hoopers, a board member of the Giethoorn Entrepreneurs Association, described the village as 'the most beautiful village in the Netherlands.'

In an interview with Anadolu, Hoopers noted that the village has preserved its authentic and small character, saying, 'It is a beautiful place. We have a lot of water, nature, and beautiful rural houses. Giethoorn has a large number of waterways.'

She explained that the area was formed as a result of peat extraction activities carried out in the past.

She added, 'This can be clearly seen during a boat tour. This beautiful natural area is still used today for reed harvesting, and the roofs of most houses in the village are thatched with reeds.'

Hoopers pointed out that the village welcomes visitors of different nationalities, with around 1.2 million tourists annually, adding that there are days when residents do not speak Dutch at all due to the large number of foreign tourists.

A favorite destination for tourists

Brazilian visitor Carol Fortado, visiting Giethoorn for the first time, said, 'It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life.'

She added that she is visiting the Netherlands for the first time and came to Giethoorn after visiting Amsterdam, affirming that the boat tour was wonderful and that the Netherlands has become her favorite country so far.

Filipina Mary Diycenta said she is also visiting the village for the first time, and found the boat ride relaxing, expressing great admiration for the scenery.

She added, 'Because of summer, flowers are blooming everywhere. I recommend that everyone visiting the Netherlands add Giethoorn to their list of must-see places.'

Indian visitor Navya Nandoodi confirmed that she, too, is visiting Giethoorn for the first time, describing the area as 'undeniably charming,' and said she thoroughly enjoyed the boat tour.

She continued, 'I recommend everyone to come here and see this beauty.'

Polish visitor Magda Gad also said she is visiting the village for the first time, stating, 'It is a wonderful place. I will spend a whole week here with my husband.'

It is noted that the name 'Giethoorn' means 'goat horn,' and was given to the village because the early settlers who discovered the area found hundreds of goat horns there, thus choosing this name for it, according to popular accounts.