This Village Has Canals Instead Of Roads; Is Straight Up Fairytale Material
Giethoorn is a town in the province of Overijssel, and is located in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, about five kilometres southwest of Steenwijk. It’s in the Netherlands, if you haven’t guessed by the names. Though this picturesque town has earned another name – Venice of the north.
Giethoorn is a village without roads; instead this town features a series of small waterways that guide boats towards houses, establishments and city architecture.
The village was founded in 1230 and is famous for only being accessible by canal. While you can walk around town, the common mode of transport is by electric “whisper boats” that make a minimal amount of noise. There really are no roads – car horns, angry motorists and revving engines are left out of mind here.
Giethoorn is a popular tourist spot for weary city-slickers seeking some peace. Authors, poets and general deep thinkers also head here for Storybook inspiration.
Tranquility is a way of life here; according to the town’s tourism site, “the loudest sound you can normally hear is the quacking of a duck or the noise made by other birds.”
Wow.
(Lead image: K.K. Chu/Flickr)
Something to see for yourself? Check out Qantas flights to Europe here.
