If you want to discover the many sides of centuries-old Gouda, put on your walking shoes and go for a walk along the routes of ExploreGouda.nl.
The web app features twelve surprising themed routes that allow you to explore the city at your own pace. Will it be Gouda as a beer city? Would you rather take a look at the artistic side? Or are you going for vegan and vintage, or do you want to learn about Erasmus, who grew up in Gouda? The choice is yours!
Historic Gouda: in the footsteps of Erasmus
Walk with Erasmus through the historic heart of Gouda. Starting at the town hall on the Markt, the Erasmus Audio Trail from ExploreGouda.nl takes you past places where the young Erasmus spent his childhood. As you walk through the city, admire the famous Gouda stained glass windows of St. John's Church and discover stories about monasteries, the old hospital, and the plague victims who were cared for there. At the ten stops along the route, you can read more about Erasmus, his family, and his world. With one click on the audio player below the text, Erasmus comes to life in a radio play full of everyday moments, astute observations, humor, and emotion.
Artistic Gouda: the Art & Gallery Route
Discover the creative soul of Gouda with the Art & Gallery Route. This walk of almost four kilometers takes you through the rich art and craft history of this artistic city. Stroll past contemporary artworks, atmospheric studios, and top galleries. From Galerie Montulet, Domo Eclectica, Galerie De Hollandsche Maagd to art mecca Unit4Art. The route also takes you past Museum Gouda, St. John's Church with its famous Gouda stained glass windows, and Gouda Station, where the route starts. If you look around carefully when you arrive by train, you will see sculptures in the niches under the roof by artist Jo Uiterwaal. These represent Gouda's industries: from waffle bakers, pottery makers, cloth makers to candle makers.
Vintage, vegan & more: sustainable Gouda
The Vintage, vegan & more route treats you to the city's best sustainable hotspots. Stroll through the charming streets of Gouda and meet more than 20 'green' entrepreneurs. Taste fair trade chocolate at Chocoladeatelier PUUR, enjoy a vegetarian meal at Lunchcafé Curcuma or vegan cakes at Vegan Patisserie Lente, and dive into the world of vintage LPs at Rock Maniac. Also make the crossing to the creative breeding ground GOUDasfalt, where you will find vintage furniture from Wievanzoethout alongside Vuigmakers, which makes belts from old bicycle tires. This route is not a circular walk; from the last point, you walk back to the start or another location in Gouda on your own.
Adventure in Gouda Museum Harbor
Looking for a fun outing for the whole family? Then the Hunt in the Museum Harbor route is just the ticket. The Museum Harbor is home to historic ships that used to sail in and out of Gouda. Now they are still there, inhabited and sailing, ready to be discovered. Go on a treasure hunt along the IJsselkade, through narrow alleys, and at the Mallegatsluis. Along the way, you will learn all about the maritime past. Take a close look at a ship's engine, learn how to tie sturdy ship's knots, and answer twelve questions. All the answers give you a letter. If you guess the word, you have a chance to win a prize.
Stop off at Museumhavencafé IJsselhuis to relax with a drink or a tasty lunch. For those who haven't had enough walking, there is also a fun Museumhavenroute for adults! Both routes are available in Dutch and English.
Stumbling over the past: the Stolpersteine route
Every year on May 5, we celebrate freedom. A moment to reflect on the past with the Stolpersteine route. The walk takes you past fifteen locations and 127 Stolpersteine in the historic center. The memorial stones or stumbling stones with a brass plate are a project by German artist Gunter Demnig. They bear the names of the Gouda victims of the Nazi regime. In total, Gouda has 389 Stolpersteine. The route is more than a walk through the city; it is a journey through history.
To the route
More routes on ExploreGouda.nl
With ExploreGouda.nl, you can discover many more routes. How about the Land Subsidence Route? About land subsidence in the center of Gouda—the city is built on clay and peat—and how the city deals with it. The Beer Route takes you through Gouda's rich beer history and contemporary breweries. The web app also features themed routes about Gouda icons, antiques & curiosities, the Oude Cleywech, and a Children's City Safari. Something for everyone!
