In Giethoorn zijn nog steeds gebieden en huizen alleen per boot bereikbaar. Doordat Giethoorn zo waterrijk is, wordt het vaak "Het Venetie van het Noorden" genoemd. 

Giethoorn is known from its small channels and the many small bridges. For many years people use special boats called ‘punters’ which are handcrafted and which are pushed forward with a wooden stick called a ‘punterstok’.

Next to the many small boats, Giethoorn is also reachable by walking or cycling. This is then also commonly used by many tourists.