Excellent day trip to Giethoorn, a little north and east of Amsterdam. Giethoorn's name originates from the first inhabitants discovery of hundreds of goat horns (giethoorns) in the marshland which were remnants of a 10th century flood.
Described as the 'Venice of the North' - quiet, serene and remote. Remote yes, quiet - not so much, especially not on as beautiful a day as I visited. The economy of the village is based almost entirely on tourism so it was not a surprise how busy it was. I have posted some pictures below of the village, and more can be found in the Giethoorn gallery page.