The 'Venice Of The Netherlands' Is A Little-Known Car-Free Fairytale Canal Little Town

Venice, Italy's famous canal city, has been enchanting the world for hundreds of years. Very few cities have inspired the imaginations of so many and left such an indelible mark on civilization as Venice. It's rare to meet a person who's never heard of Venice, and it follows that such an iconic city would inspire comparisons all over the world. Of course, Venice really is one of a kind, unlike any other. Still, there are plenty of beautiful canal towns that aren't Venice but have their own unique charms, like the tiny Dutch town of Giethoorn. 

Called the "Venice of the Netherlands" (or "Dutch Venice"), Giethoorn is, like Venice, car-free. The roads are actually canals, topped with wooden bridges and lined with traditional thatched houses. Most homes are reached only by canal or by foot or biking path, and even the postman uses a punt (and old-fashioned pole boat) to deliver the mail. Poets, artists, and tourists alike will find plenty of inspiration in the flower-lined waterways, the cozy homes situated on peat islands, and the occasional passing swan. 

Unlike Venice, Giethoorn is not a grand city with ornate churches, ancient palaces, and café-lined squares. It's located in the Dutch countryside, about 85 minutes from the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, with a population of under 3,000 people. Contrary to Venice, which tallies around 6 million visitors annually, Giethoorn receives about one million, most of them day-trippers from bigger Dutch cities. Unfortunately, just like Venice, Giethoorn can feel quite overcrowded since it's so compact. The village's popularity is unlikely to change anytime soon, considering Giethoorn has gained a reputation as one of the most adorable small towns in Europe. 

There are a few tricks to avoid the crowds, however. Consider spending longer than a day there, staying a night or two in one of the seriously charming guesthouses. If you only have a day, try to visit on a weekday (especially Monday) when it's quieter. Giethoorn also shines in all seasons, but most tourists descend in late spring, around Easter, and during the summer. Visit in the fall or even the winter to experience the magic of this tranquil town (almost) all by yourself. 

There are a lot of postcard-perfect villages in Europe straight out of a fairy tale, and Giethoorn is undoubtedly one of them. Moreover, it's a storybook town with a decidedly Dutch flavor, adding a whole new level of charm. The most famous Dutch flower, the tulip, blooms along the canals in the spring, and when the canals ice over in the winter, locals strap on ice skates. Biking paths are prevalent throughout the town, while cars are not. The canal streets are laid out in a neat and organized fashion, under some 176 bridges, and the houses perched on their lush islands seem tidy, too. 

The best way to see Giethoorn is via canal tour, although a bike tour comes a close second. Soak in the views from a waterfront café or restaurant, or visit the local museums. In addition to the charms found in the village, Giethoorn is surrounded by bucolic Dutch countryside and is prized for its easy access to nature. Weerribben-Wieden National Park, with lakes, rivers, and northwest Europe's largest fen, is a popular canoeing destination.