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Embark on an exceptional journey with our esteemed Giethoorn Boat Rental services!
Positioned in Giethoorn’s northern realm, adjacent to the captivating Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Wildeboer’s Boatyard preserves the age-old craft of traditional boat-building. This family-run business, rooted in a passion for handcrafted oak punts, has been bestowing the quintessential punting experience upon tourists and locals since 1933.
The Dutch punt, recognized for its stability and safety, was traditionally utilized for transporting goods in an era before the advent of roads. ‘Punteren’, the act of guiding these boats through narrow ditches with long poles, is a time-honored practice that has shaped Giethoorn’s fame. Initiate your exploration of Giethoorn’s intricate canal system and beautiful waterways with our top-rated Giethoorn Boat Rental services.
Our punts have been thoughtfully redesigned over time to enhance passenger safety and comfort. The widened and raised sides, along with the flat-bottomed structure, ensure stability, even under windy conditions on the lake. Each boat is outfitted with spacious box seats, allowing for convenient storage and comfortable seating. Cushions and warm fleece blankets are provided to maximize comfort. There’s no better way to uncover the charm of Giethoorn and its neighboring wetlands than aboard an authentic Wildeboer oak punt!
Should you have any queries or if our available time slots don’t match your schedule, we are just a call away at 0031 (0)521 361203 or 0031 (0)6 54258546.
Experience the breathtaking nature of National Park Weerribben-Wieden from the water.
Why a Wildeboer punt is the best way to discover Giethoorn!
Our boatyard’s location is an ideal starting point to go about exploring this lovely area. You could choose peace and quiet, heading out for the Weerribben, the pretty villages of Dwarsgracht and Giethoorn North and surrounding nature reserve. Or, explore the bustling tourist scene along the main canal in Giethoorn South and enjoy the quintessentially Dutch scenery. Along the way, you can step out and relax at a café terrace, visit a museum, stop off at one of the small landing stages in the reed-beds or visit the island in the middle of lake Bovenwijde.
The electric outboard motor is easy to use. We will provide you with extensive instructions before you set off and a map of the waterways to help you find your way around.
All for your convenience and safety!
If you’re driving, you will be pleased to hear that we have a free private car park at the boatyard. If you’re on foot, we are less than a stone’s throw from the local bus stop.
Rental options and rates
You can hire a traditional oak punt online right here for two hours, three hours or a full day. You can even book a boat for a weekend or longer. Safety comes first and we provide children’s life jackets free of charge.
Do you think comfort and safety are important? So do we!
We have made our boats slightly wider and raised the sides to make them more spacious and safer. Because the punts are flat-bottomed they are very stable, even out on the lakes where there is some wind.
The boats for up to 8 people are all equipped with spacious locker boxes where you can store your belongings and sit comfortably. We are happy to provide you with cushions, and on nippy days we’ll give you a nice warm fleece blanket to keep you snug and comfortable.
You can reach us
from 9am to 5pm.
We speak English
+31 (0)521 36 1203
For general questions
You can contact us by
e-mail.
info@punterwerf.nl
Beulakerweg 48
8355 AJ Giethoorn
View on map
If you’re planning a visit to this enchanting village or simply curious about its unique charm, you’ve come to the right place. Giethoorn, often referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands,” is a picturesque destination renowned for its idyllic canals, quaint thatched-roof houses, and tranquil atmosphere.
To help you navigate through the wonders of Giethoorn, we have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to enhance your understanding and make the most of your experience. Whether you’re seeking information about transportation, attractions, or local customs, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and unravel the beauty and mysteries of Giethoorn together!
Giethoorn is a beautiful village in the province of Overijssel, known for its canals and romantic atmosphere. A fun way to explore this village is to rent a boat and sail around the canals. There are several boat rental companies in Giethoorn that offer boats at a reasonable price.
Our Boat Rental offer the best whisper boats in Giethoorn. These boats are easy to operate, even if you have never sailed before. We also offer Guided tours and more.
If you want to rent a boat, it is wise to arrange this in advance to make sure there is a boat available. You can book online or contact us by phone or mail. We also offer the possibility to rent a boat on the spot, but it is better to make a reservation.
Renting a boat in Giethoorn is a fun and unique way to explore this beautiful village. It is an experience that you will not soon forget and a must-do if you are in the area. So take your chance and rent a boat in Giethoorn for an unforgettable day on the water.
Wildeboer boatyard offers a range of boating experiences to suit everyone. Join a group tour, book a private boat tour, or hire a private boat and sail the canals and waterways at your own pace without a skipper or guide. Whichever you choose, sit back and enjoy the beauty of this idyllic village, the charming thatched farmhouses and the cute wooden bridges.
Read on for a general description, or make your reservation right away using the button below.
Giethoorn, known as the Dutch Venice, is an historic water-village in the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. The park, located at the tip of Overijssel province in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, is the biggest continuous ancient peat-bog remaining in North Western Europe. Around 2800 people make their permanent home in this fairytale village. You can rent a boat at one of Giethoorn’s boat rentals and sail through the small canals yourself.
Our ‘village with no roads’ is famous for its criss-crossing canals, graceful footbridges, beautiful gardens and extensive lakes. The best thing to do is to rent a boat at one of Giethoorn’s boat rentals. Of course, there are also lovely shops and boutiques such as the Wapen van Giethoorn, Venice, Het Rode Pleintje and “In Den Coop’ren Duikhelm”. You can snack or dine at our many restaurants, ice cream parlours and cafes and even spend the night at the many hospitable hotels and bed and breakfast places.
At the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Moat Uus, you can experience how life used to be in Giethoorn. Stories told by our residents reveal all kinds of special customs and the traditional ways of peat extraction.
Don’t miss the chance to see inside an authentic Gieter farm. The fisherman’s cottage and the boathouse provide a unique impression of the simple existence in this water-rich village. There is a film, a museum shop with coffee corner and there is plenty to discover for children. An audio tour in several languages is avaiable free of charge.
Discover the beauty of Mother Nature at the Museum De Oude Aarde (The Old Earth). The museum houses a unique collection of beautiful gemstones, minerals and fossils donated by explorer René Boissevain (the founder of the museum). Discover the amazing shapes and brilliant colours of rare stones you never dreamed existed. Here you will find the largest fossil egg in the world, an outstanding Amethyst geode from Brazil and a petrified tree trunk from pre-historic America.
And there is more:
Gloria Maris Shell Gallery
Rhoda pottery shop
Gallery Krikke
There are lots of ways of getting around on the water. You can join a group tour, book a private boat tour, or hire a private boat and sail the canals and waterways at your own pace without a skipper or guide. You also have a wide choice in vessel type. Perhaps you would prefer a sloop, a whisper boat a Dutch punt, or a canoe or kayak. You can even go paddle boarding, windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Wildeboer Punterwerf is a full-service wooden boat yard specialising in the construction, care and rental of authentic Gieterse boats such as the Punter and the Vlot. Our boats are all equipped with spacious seating boxes and cushions, and on nippy days, we’ll give you a nice warm fleece blanket to keep you snug and comfortable.
You will find the full range of boats on the Giethoorn.com website. Of course, you are free to contact any of the other boat rental companies in the village.
Because our boatyard is not in the middle of Giethoorn, you can:
Our traditional punters are hand-made from seasoned (french)oak and have a capacity for up to 8 passengers. We designed them with slightly higher sides to protect small children, making them an ideal family boat. Their shallow draft and flat bottoms provide a very stable platform for even the most nervous land-lubbers. Children are fitted with a life jacket for free and we have a few in adult sizes for those who want them.
To preserve the peace of the nature reserve around us, all boats in Giethoorn are fitted with whisper-quiet electric outboard motors. That’s why we call them ‘whisper boats’.
Looking for boat rental options in Giethoorn? Look no further! At Giethoorn Boat Rental, we offer beautiful, stable, and safe boats that can accommodate up to 8 people. Our hourly rates start at €32 (with a minimum rental of 2 hours in the morning) and go up to a maximum of €160 for the whole day. In the afternoon, we require a minimum rental of 3 hours, and our boats are available for rental from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Whether you’re planning a short excursion or a full day of exploration, our competitive pricing and flexible rental hours ensure that you can make the most of your time on the picturesque canals of Giethoorn. Experience the freedom of cruising the waterways at your own pace with Giethoorn Boat Rental!
Whisper boats made of polyester, aluminium and steel are offered elsewhere in the village, but our authentic ‘Punters’ are traditionally made in seasoned (french)oak. Each is equipped with spacious seating boxes where you can store your belongings and sit comfortably together, just like with a sloop. Power is delivered by a 1000 watt electric motor, ready to sail all day (7.5 hours) at a gentle 6km per hour, Geithorn’s maximum speed. For outboard protection against other boats and hard moorings every boat is fitted with rubber bumpers.
We are located in the quiet northern part of Giethoorn. If you want to sail a route through the tourist part of the village, we’d advise you to allow at least 3 hours. If you plan to moor up for a while or stop at a terrace, then you should add an extra hour. For routes through the nature reserve add a further 2 hours.
When you choose Giethoorn Boat Rental, you not only get access to our fantastic boats but also enjoy additional benefits. Located at the quieter end of the village, we provide free private parking for your convenience. If you prefer public transportation, the bus stop is just a short 150-meter walk away from our yard. Embarking on your cruise from this serene location allows you to familiarize yourself with the boat without encountering heavy tourist traffic. Moreover, you have the opportunity to venture directly into the captivating nature reserves, away from the crowds.
To ensure a smooth sailing experience, we offer a comprehensive package. You’ll receive a detailed map showcasing various routes, instructions on handling the engine, and a navigation card. In the unlikely event that you find yourself lost, don’t worry! We are more than happy to assist you and guide you back on track.
By starting your journey away from the bustling tourist areas and venturing into the untouched natural beauty, you can create unforgettable memories while enjoying a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Explore the hidden gems of Giethoorn with confidence, knowing that Giethoorn Boat Rental is here to support you every step of the way.
Directly from our Giethoorn boat rental yard, you can explore everything this beautiful area has to offer. Take an idyllic route towards the Weerribben, through the village of Dwarsgracht. Or, float down to picturesque Giethoorn North and the nature reserve.
If you prefer a livelier trip, you can join the crowd in the southern part of Giethoorn. The whole village is very photogenic with its fairytale paths, waterways and bridges and beautifully landscaped gardens. Here you can moor up to visit
Giethoorn is very popular with tourists. The busy season runs from April through October. Outside the main season, there are still some boats in service. During the summer holidays, we have an absolute peak from mid-July to the end of August. The same is true for the public holidays in May (Pentecost and Ascension Day). It can be very busy on sunny days. Of course, you can always book one hour more in order to plan your trip.
Giethoorn has had 177 bridges since 2017.
The Giethoorn canals are about 70 cm deep and around one meter out on the lakes, though in some spots it’s a little deeper. Shallow or deep, water can always be dangerous and we take safety very seriously. We provide a life jacket for all children and any adult on request.
Of course, dogs are allowed on our boats. All our cushions are made of wipeable PU leather and after every trip the boats are thoroughly cleaned before the next guest boards.
We can’t control the weather in Giethoorn, so we offer to switch rentals to another day up to 24 hours in advance. If this is not possible, please discuss this with us before booking, and we will look for a suitable option should it be too rainy or windy on the day of booking.
Giethoorn has a tourist area which can be busy in summer with souvenir shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes. A supermarket and tourist information can also be found there.
No, there is no station in Giethoorn. Take the intercity Leeuwarden or Zwolle and get off at Steenwijk (intercity station) to continue by ‘bus 70’. Or rent a bicycle at the station for the last 4-5 kilometres. If you prefer to take a taxi, we recommend to book it in advance.
At Steenwijk station, you can take the ‘bus 70’ which will bring you to Giethoorn. To reach us, get off at the stop called “Lindenhof” which is only 150 meters away from our boat yard.
You can reach us
from 9am to 5pm.
We speak English
+31 (0)521 36 1203
For general questions
You can contact us by
e-mail.
info@punterwerf.nl
Beulakerweg 48
8355 AJ Giethoorn
View on map
