This fairytale Dutch village has no roads, only canals and boats

You can easily visit Giethoorn any time of year, though every season brings its own distinct flavour.

Spring, from April to June, is widely hailed as the most stunning time to go. The village gardens are bursting with blooms, the weather is usually spot on, and the countryside is lush and vibrant.

Summer means long, balmy days perfect for being out on the boats. Just a heads-up, though: it’s peak season, so expect to share the waterways with larger crowds arriving from across the world.

Autumn paints the whole landscape in gorgeous golden colours, bringing a much quieter, more relaxed feel that’s perfect for photographers and walkers.

Winter is a totally different ballgame. On the rare occasions it gets cold enough for the canals to freeze over completely, the village transforms into a genuine fairytale setting where locals and visitors literally ice-skate from house to house.

Image Credit: Canva