Geithorne Netherlands: Life on Water

The canal village where daily life does not move on land

Geithorn, a tiny Dutch village, beckons travelers with a unique appeal. It's a place where water isn't an attraction, but a way of life, and the daily commute begins on a boat rather than in a car. Over 180 wooden bridges connect every home in this picturesque village, which only has canals and no roads. In this village, motorized vehicles are not allowed. Everyone, including children, rows or sails to their destinations. The inhabitants live in harmony with nature and avoid the daily hustle. There are flower-covered cottages, and centuries-old thatched roofs. The peaceful waterways replace streets and serve daily needs.

Navigating life without land

What makes Geithorn unique?

Geithorn is isolated from the noise and pollution of urban life. It's a slow-paced environment where water isn't an attraction but a way of life. Although it's a small village, Geithorn has charm and beauty. It feels like travelers are stepping into a simpler way of life.

Why is Geithorn an alluring travel destination?

With over 1,000 years of history, Geithorn combines rustic charm with undisturbed nature. The peaceful waterways add to the village's tranquility and charm. Boat sales for tourists have increased over the past few years. Visitors enjoy the slower pace of life, which is a rarity in today's fast-paced world.

How comfortable is life in a canal village?

Geithorn offers a peaceful and serene lifestyle. The residents enjoy rowing on water instead of driving on roads. They have grocery stores, a school, a restaurant, a hotel, and a public park. The travel time by boat is less than 10 minutes to get to any of the places.

How does the community help preserve the canal life in Geithorn?

Many locals have maintained their old farmhouses and kept the village's quaint charm. "We don't want to be a museum," says a villager. They want to maintain their way of life and add modern amenities like solar panels and electric boats. Boat sales to tourists have increased over the past few years, partly due to the pandemic, when many sought quiet places to escape the chaos. Some villagers even rent out properties to visitors, accommodating guests on electric boats or converted barges. The tourists that visit Geithorn love the slower pace of life, which is a rarity in today's fast-paced world. They are happy to pay a high amount for the stay in this canal village.

Planning your trip to Geithorn

Arrival: Located at the intersection of the IJssel and Drentsche Aa rivers. The nearest train station is Steenwijk, around 6 kilometers to the west. From there, there are regular buses to the village.
Where to stay? Villa Marie offers bed and breakfast, while Camping de Gulde Walvis has beautiful cottages and apartments. Visitors can also stay in a converted barge.
What to see? The village's 17th- and 18th-century farmhouses and churches. The website of the Gemeentelijke Heemkundige Vereniging Geithorn, is a good resource for learning more about the village's history.
Where to eat? The Dorpsbrug is a restaurant, hotel, and café combined. There's also a local bakery and a supermarket in the village.
Local culture: There's a small public park along the water, a playground for children, and a community hall for events. Geithorn offers peace of mind and a slower, simpler way of life, which may encourage visitors to opt for a less hurried pace. Waterways add to the scenic beauty of the village. Canal transportation is the only way to travel in this village, replacing roads and traffic with water and boats. The village is beautiful and forms an excellent escape from the hectic city life. Thus, Geithorn is a place worth visiting and enjoying.

Questions readers ask

How do residents of Geithorn get to work or school?

Residents of Geithorn use boats to travel to work or school. The village is designed with canals instead of roads, so everyone rows or sails to their destinations. Even children navigate the waterways to get to school, making for a unique daily commute.

Is Geithorn accessible to tourists without a boat?

Yes, Geithorn is accessible to tourists without a boat. Tourists can stay in accommodations like Villa Marie or Camping de Gulde Walvis, and there are regular buses from the nearby train station in Steenwijk. Additionally, some villagers rent out properties and provide electric boats or converted barges for visitors.

Are there any modern amenities in Geithorn?

Geithorn has maintained its traditional charm but has also embraced some modern amenities. Residents have added solar panels and electric boats to their homes. The village also has a grocery store, a school, a restaurant, a hotel, and a public park, ensuring that daily needs are met despite the lack of roads.

What kind of activities can visitors enjoy in Geithorn?

Visitors to Geithorn can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the 17th- and 18th-century farmhouses and churches. The village is perfect for those who want to experience a slower pace of life. Renting a boat to navigate the canals and visiting the local bakery and supermarket are also popular activities.

How does Geithorn maintain its tranquil atmosphere?

Geithorn maintains its tranquil atmosphere by prohibiting motorized vehicles and encouraging a slower pace of life. The residents live in harmony with nature, and the lack of roads and cars ensures that the village remains peaceful. The focus on waterways instead of streets helps preserve the serene environment.

What is the impact of tourism on Geithorn?

Tourism in Geithorn has been beneficial, with an increase in boat sales to tourists in recent years, especially during the pandemic when people sought quieter places to escape. Villagers have adapted by renting out properties and offering accommodations on electric boats or converted barges, which has helped the local economy.

How do the residents of Geithorn preserve their village's unique character?

The residents of Geithorn preserve their village's unique character by maintaining their old farmhouses and avoiding turning the village into a museum. They embrace modern amenities like solar panels and electric boats, but they do so in a way that respects the village's traditional charm and way of life, keeping Geithorn a serene and slow-paced community.

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