On this city walk, we’ll tell you about the rise and eventual decline of the beer trade in Gouda and show you where beer was brewed in the city center.
Many people don’t know that Gouda was once the largest beer producer in the Netherlands and Europe. In its heyday, there were around 200 brewers; they were mainly located near the Westhaven and Peperstraat.
Local peat, very clean water, and excellent waterways connecting the city to the north and south all contributed to the brewing and trade of beer. Our beer was even shipped to Antwerp, where Gouda had its own unloading dock for beer, and it even reached cities in northern France.
Gouda beer was a major source of income for the city and its residents; Gouda was a wealthy city. You can still see evidence of that at City Hall.
But at some point, things took a turn for the worse. Beer production even disappeared entirely from our city for a time. We’ll explain how that was possible.
There are certainly still traces of this beer-making history to be found in our city. We’ll take you on a journey of discovery to the places that were important back then and that sometimes still hold memories of this fine brew.
This walking tour is offered in Dutch only.
Participants:
Maximum of 20 people per guide. If there are more people, we will assign an additional guide.
Booking:
You can book through our websiteuntil the start of the walk. You will then automatically see if and how many spots are still available.
On the day of the tour, you can also book and pay at the VVV only if online booking and payment are not possible. For example, for international participants.
Payment:
The rate in 2026 (unless otherwise stated) is €5 per person. Children under 12 are free. You must pay immediately via iDeal when booking.
Start:
2:00 PM at the Waag on the Markt.
Duration:
The walk takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Information
End: 15:30p.m.
