The village has no roads meaning that boat is the most used form of transport (Image: Getty)
A small village just 72 miles away from is described as the most beautiful and fairytale village in the .
The village of Giethoorn is described by locals as “mini-Venice” owing to hits that are integral to the area’s way of life.
So engrained are the canals in the village that many houses cannot be reached by road meaning that the postman travels by boat when making deliveries.
Every year, around 1 million people travel to the village, making it one of the top 10 attractions in the country. Whilst that figure is substantial, it is tiny when compared to the more famous canal city of which welcomed 5.7 million visitors in 2023.
As such, the village is often described as the “Venice of the Netherlands” and boasts much of what makes the popular Italian city great, without the from the experience.
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Many houses cannot be accessed by road, with boat the only method of travel (Image: Getty)
Such is the that Venetian authorities have , including taxes and limits on Airbnb usage but no such problems exist in Giethoorn which remains welcoming to those wanting to explore this beautiful, unique part of the country.
Giethoorn’s name derives from the 10th century when the first inhabitants discovered goat horns in the marshland which dominates the area.
The village contains a and small islands linked to the mainland by a staggering 176 bridges.
The distinct lack of roads through the centre of the village means that visitors are required to leave their vehicles in special car parks on the outskirts and rent boats or take public transport to venture inwards.
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With no road running through its centre, canal travel is the only way to get around (Image: Getty)
Running through the village is a cycling/foot path known as the ‘Binnenpad’ which is said to be like “walking on to a film set” and is where 90% of visitors tend to pass through.
Once there, visitors are met by 18th century houses with thatched roofs and the tranquillity one might expect from a village dominated by natural beauty and the absence of motor vehicles.
As you might expect, many of the activities on offer centre , with boat rental, cruises and canoeing on offer for those wanting to explore independently or as part of a group.
Much of the accommodation is situated on the water, allowing guests to row right up to their hotel or apartment to provide an experience unlike virtually anywhere in the world.