Giethoorn, Netherlands: the Town with No Roads
When thinking of traveling by water throughout a city, Venice is usually the first City name that springs to mind. What if waterways were the only way to get around town?
Such is the case for Giethoorn, Netherlands, a small town of about 2,600.
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Known as the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn Netherlands was planned & constructed as a waterway town in AD 1230. No roads were constructed; the only way to navigate the town was by boat (today, locals call them “punters” or “whisper-boats”).
(Click thumbnails to enlarge)
About 7.5km of waterways run through the old part of Giethoorn, each averaging about one meter deep. Today, a bicycle path is the only road through the old town.
There are many small islands throughout old Giethoorn, accessible by wooden bridges. On each of these islands resides a house or group of homes. Many of the homes are original several-century old constructions, still with thatch roofs.
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Giethoorn is a quiet, peaceful town located in the Northwest of the Overijssel province. The town appreciates visitors and tourism is a major industry.
Feel free to pay Giethoorn, Netherlands a visit next time you’re in the area.
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What a beautiful idea. Maybe next vacation!
Such a beautiful place! I love it.
This is simply fantastic! What an amazing place to live! Do you know how people get in and out of town?
I just stumbled across this blog a few hours ago and have already read each article. Please accept my hearfelt gratitude on a job well done. Keep up the good work.
What a place!! Reading the article makes me feel that it’s be a vacation that must be experienced once in a lifetime….definitely a must go to place.Absolutely fabulous!!
Anyone ever lose their lawn mower in the drink, I wonder?
the human shire
What drives the economy there. Are they all commuters?
Google Maps shows that they have built a road based community south west of the old town. These are very great articles though, keep writing.
It’s very unique place, I LOVE IT!!
i really want to spend my whole life time there with my lovely family
Reblogged this on Hindsight and commented:
This is so beautiful.
Wow! beautiful place.