PowerPoint Show by Andrew

♫ Turn on Speakers

Venice of the Netherlands: The fairytale village without ANY roads where residents travel to their thatched-roof cottages by canal boat

Around 2,600 citizens dwell in the idyllic Giethoorn area, with homes backing straight onto the many water highways.

The magical village's thatched-roof farmhouses are located on islands, that connect up by 176 wooden arch bridges.

Visitors are forced to leave cars outside the village, and then travel by whisper boats which have noiseless engines. 

The village Giethoorn has no roads

But that doesn’t mean there’s no way to get around…

The most common mode of transportation is by “whisper boats”, which have noiseless engines...

Therefore, the village is very peaceful…

The loudest sounds you’ll hear is probably the quacking of a duck (well, when it isn’t flooded with tourists, of course)

Also known as “the Venice of the Netherlands”, this magical village was founded around 1230

Its first inhabitants found numerous peat deposits and dug many holes over the years

Eventually, these holes turned into lakes

The newly created islands were connected with more than 176 bridges 

Which gave the village a cozy fairy-tale touch… 

The idyllic Giethoorn has no roads or cars, and the only access to the area's quaint houses and public buildings are by boat on its beautiful canals or by walking over 176 wooden arch bridges.

Around 2,600 citizens dwell in the area, with island homes backing straight onto the water highways.

The magical village's four miles of canals and thatched- roof farmhouses date back to the 18th century.

Visitors are forced to leave cars outside the village, and then travel by boats on foot or on bike.

Thanks to nearly all travel taking place on the water, the village of Giethoorn has gained the nickname of Venice of the Netherlands.

Located in the province of Overijssel, the rustic settlement was founded by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region around AD1230. The metre-deep canals were later constructed by monks who needed a network to transport peat.

The colorful houses look like something out of a story, with vibrant plants and bushes decorating the exterior of the homes.

Unsurprisingly the stunning village lures many tourists who are keen to witness the settlement for themselves.

The village boasts a number of restaurants, where guests can paddle up for a bite to eat before heading back down the canal.

Everyone from residents to the postman has to do their commute on the water, docking their boats as they go.

Despite the busy action on the canals, the aquatic area is said to be very quiet and peaceful, thanks to the lack of cars.

During the frosty winter months, the village’s residents are able to use the network of waterways for ice-skating.