Step into the world of cheese at the Gouda Cheese Market
High-fives from cheese farmers in their traditional polder attire, cheerful cheese girls and boys, cheese crates, stately Friesian horses, and cheese—lots and lots of cheese! Every Thursday between April and September, Gouda transforms into a living piece of history with the famous Gouda Cheese Market. Here’s a rundown of the best of the Gouda Cheese Market!
Thursday = Gouda Cheese Market
If there’s one place that really knows its cheese, it’s Gouda. You can see it, and you can taste it. At the Gouda Cheese Market. Every year from early April through September, the cheese market is a regular fixture, turning Thursdays into Cheese Market Day. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you’ll experience a historic spectacle featuring cheese farmers, traders, cheese boys and girls, and plenty of Gouda cheese. It’s the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the centuries-old cheese trade, presented in a tourist-friendly setting.
When: Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
(April through August, except Ascension Day)
Where: Market near Gouda City Hall
Admission: free
Things to do after the Gouda Cheese Market
The Gouda Cheese Market is a great way to start a day trip or city break in Gouda. So stick around in Gouda after the cheese market and join in on the afternoon activities planned especially for Thursdays:
- Walking with the Gouda Guides Guild
Explore the medieval streets with a guide from the Gouda Guides Guild. During the Gouda Cheese Market season, they organize the “Historic Gouda” introductory walking tour. Every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Gouda Waag.More information.
Canal Tours With Reederij de IJsel, you can explore Gouda from the water on a cruise aboard the towboats Jan Salie or Jan Kordaat. The skipper will share fascinating facts and historical anecdotes. Departs at 2:00 p.m. from the Oosthaven.Or hop aboard the bright yellow boat of Bootje Kaas Gouda. Depart from Kleiwegplein for a boat tour past 11 historic sites.
- Baking Syrup Wafers
After the Gouda Cheese Market,Berg’s Bakery is hosting a workshop on baking syrup wafers. At 3:00 p.m., you’ll learn the finer points of baking and be treated to the aromas and flavors of Gouda. - Guided tour of the citymodel at Museum Gouda
Discover the city’s history and explore the interactivecity model from 1562 at Museum Gouda with a guide. (12:00 PM in Dutch and 12:30 PM in English) - Fiets Taxi Gouda
Starting in May, explore the medieval streets around the Markt with the eco-friendlyFiets Taxi Gouda.
Children's Cheese Market
For young cheese lovers, there’s a Children’s Cheese Market at Achter de Waag during the May and summer breaks. Here, children can learn about the history of Gouda cheese through play,withtraditional Dutch games and fun activities led by an energetic farmer and cheese girls. Fun and educational!
5 Traditions of the Gouda Cheese Market
- The ringing of the cheese bell
The cheese market begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. with the ringing of the cheese bell. After that, the square comes alive with farmers, merchants, and visitors.
's "Hand Clap" At the cheese market, farmers and traders negotiate in the traditional way using the famous "hand clap." With each clap, a price is called out until an agreement is reached, and the deal is sealed with a handshake.- Weighing the cheeses at the Gouda Waag
The cheeses are officially weighed at the historic Waag. This is done according to centuries-old traditions and rules. The weighing determines the price and is an important part of the trade. Tip: During the cheese market, you can also have yourself weighed on the original scale at the Gouda Waag. - Cheeses on the carts
Once the cheeses have been “sold,” the cheese boys toss them onto the carts, which are lined up with stately Frisian horses in front of them. It’s always a spectacular sight!
: A Charming Market & Crafts Fair Be sure to stroll through the crafts market, where you can sample and purchase the finest local products. Music and demonstrations of traditional crafts round out the experience of the Gouda Cheese Market.
A cheesy cheesy lunch after the Gouda Cheese Market
Of course, no visit to the Gouda Cheese Market is complete without lunch. So be sure to find a greatspot where cheese takes center stage. Check out Kaasbar Gouda, where everything revolves around the famous Gouda cheeses and cheese platters. Gewoon Gouds is also a popular choice, with a sunny terrace and dishes featuring local cheese. Or how about a High Cheese lunch at Museumcafé Gouda, a lunch inspired by the Gouda cheese tradition.
How did the Gouda Cheese Market come about?
The origins of the Gouda Cheese Market date back to 1198, when Gouda was granted the so-called staple right for cheese. All cheese from the region had to be traded in Gouda. As a result, this "yellow gold" soon came to be known as "Gouda cheese," and the city grew to become the cheese capital of the Netherlands. Today, Gouda cheese is produced worldwide, but the name “Gouda Cheese” remains associated with the historic trade in the cheese city on the IJssel.
