Renting a sloop on Giethoorn
8 h€ 150-300 Calm
A day of boating from Giethoorn through the Dorpsgracht and across the Bovenwijde, in a whisper boat without a boating licence. What it costs and which route suits families with kids or couples.
Boating in Giethoorn almost always starts at the same bottleneck: the narrow Dorpsgracht with its little bridges and thatched roofs. A full day gives you enough time to truly make your way through that ribbon village and then continue onto the Bovenwijde, an open lake where you can enjoy a leisurely picnic on board. Rental companies are dotted at various spots along the village, from South to North. Book ahead during the season, because on sunny weekends the whisper boats are gone by eleven.
You don't need a boating licence as long as the boat is shorter than 15 metres and travels no faster than 20 km per hour. The maximum speed in the village is also six km per hour. It's definitely family-friendly: little current, shallow water and plenty to see. In rain, opt for a sloop with a canopy or a covered boat.
Checklist
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Sloep vooraf reserveren
Lunch en drinken meenemen
Zonnebrand en pet mee
Regenkleding in tas
Cash voor terras bij Olde Maat Uus
Telefoon opgeladen voor route
Reserve a whisper boat for six to eight people with a rental company in Giethoorn-Zuid or Noord and let them know your departure time.
Listen to the briefing on speed, keeping to starboard and the stopping points along the village.
Spend the first hour and a half cruising at walking pace through the Dorpsgracht, and check at every little bridge whether oncoming traffic is approaching.
Moor near Olde Maat Uus for a coffee or a short walk through the museum village.
Head out via the Bovenwijde for an open stretch with more room, perfect for a picnic on board.
Head back well before your return time, top up fuel if needed and return the boat clean.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Book preferably in the early or late season for fewer crowds on the Dorpsgracht.
- Ask the rental company for a navigation map with mooring spots and places to eat.
- Reduce your speed extra when passing canoes and paddleboarders.
- Bring life jackets in the right size for children (often free with the boat).
- Avoid the midday window of 12 to 2 pm in the village, that's when it's busiest.
Variations
- - Kies een sloep met overkapping bij regenachtig weer.
- - Wissel halverwege van schipper zodat iedereen mag sturen.
- - Verleng naar de Wieden voor een extra uur op open water.
- - Kook avondmaal in een vakantiehuis in Belt-Schutsloot na het inleveren.
- - Vaar in plaats van zelf met een rondvaartboot voor een ontspannen versie.
by PlayTryBe team