Giethoorn and its surroundings
Giethoorn, the aquatic sports centre of the “Kop van Overijssel”, has more waterways than roads. The characteristic high bridges, the countless vonders (plank bridges), the farms with thatched roofs and well-kept gardens, built on islands, along with the famous punt, form the characteristic image of this green and pleasant town.
National Park Weerribben-Wieden.
Near Giethoorn lies the biggest and most important fen in North-west Europe: National Park Weerribben-Wieden. Explore it!
For more information: info@molgroenewegen.nl or call: +31 521-361359
History
In the thirteenth century, refugees from the Italian town of Perugia (Umbria), who fled from the plague, settled here. Pictured is the famous 13th century fountain of Perugia, which may have been seen by the first inhabitants of Giethoorn. The new inhabitants found masses of horns from wild goats, which most likely drowned during a flood in 1170. The settlement was eventually named “Geytenhoren”, which translates to “goat horn”. The goat horn can also be found in Giethoorn’s coat of arms, along with a cross, which references the bishop of Utrecht, who then ruled this area.
