If you ever thought that the small villages of fairy tales didn't really exist then you are mistaken, because the small village of Giethoorn in The Netherlands is a fairy tale hamlet come to life.
The village, which is a big tourist attraction, is known as the "Venice of the Netherlands" and is so enchanting that you'll want to move there after one visit.
Giethoorn was founded in the early 1200s and has no roads. The only way people get around is by walking or boating.
Check out more photos and facts about this neat little town below...
1. This is the village of Giethoorn in The Netherlands
This village has no roads at all. We all live in a world where we can't imagine ourselves without a car or a bike to commute from one place to the other, but for Giethoorn all the people who live here cover their distances by walking on foot. If it is a longer route, then they are likely to take their whisper boat.
2. No roads but plenty of pathways on land and water
You may be wondering that how could a city or a village exist without even having any roads at all, but, this village exists and does just fine without any automobile traffic. If you are curious about how people manage things, then you should read further.
3. People use whisper boats to get around
Whisper boats, as the name suggests, are noiseless. Even when the boats are moving around the city, they don't make much sound and as a result, little to no noise is created.
4. This is the real reason why the village is so peaceful
For a minute, imagine your city to be without any cars, trucks, buses, etc. Doesn't it seem so peaceful without the noise pollution that is created by the vehicles, by their honking and the sound of their heavy engines? Well, this is pretty much the secret to the serene environment of this beautiful village.
5. Loud noises here can be quite startling
The loudest sounds that we can think of are the sirens of the trains or the ones given out by the factories. But, here in this village, the loudest sound one can hear would be probably of quacking of a duck. Though it goes to say that these sounds can be heard only when there are not many tourists in the village -- but it's always overcrowded and flooded with tourists!
6. "Venice of the Netherlands."
The magical village is also known as the Venice of the Netherlands and it was founded around 1230. So, if you are going to visit Holland anytime soon, a Giethoorn visit is a must add to your to-do list.
7. The people who inhabited the city dug up peat deposits
Removing all that peat left room for the water to flow in.
8. The holes were transformed into lakes, ponds and canals
In due time the digging activity was intensified. Due to this reason, the spots that were initially the holes were transformed into beautiful lakes.
9. Land of bridges
As time passed, the village was turned into an island and it was connected together with more than 176 bridges.
10. Doesn't it look like a fairy tale?
Don't you feel like moving to this place because it is just so heartwarming?
There's also this awesome looking pub!
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