Introductory walk Textiles

The Textile Industry in Gouda
This Saturday, everyone is invited to join a special themed walking tour organized by the Gouda Guides Guild. This time, the focus isn’t on picturesque streets or charming Old Dutch facades, but on spots you might easily walk right past. After all, they’re mostly found in the smaller side streets. The guide will take you on a journey through the history of the cloth (and other textile) industry in centuries past.

The Cloth Industry in Gouda
The history of the cloth industry is particularly fascinating. It took many steps to turn sheep’s wool into high-quality cloth. And for centuries, cloth was the finest and most durable material for making clothing designed to last. Consequently, various trades were involved in producing Gouda cloth.In various places throughout the city, we can still find reminders of this industry, which brought Gouda a certain reputation early on.

City Council’s Role For centuries, the city council has therefore done its utmost to implement measures to protect and promote this industry. After a period of decline, Gouda regained its place in the development of textiles when the city established its first true mechanized industry in the mid-19th century. This afternoon, on a walk of about an hour and a half, you’ll pass by several iconic sites of Gouda’s textile industry dating back to the Middle Ages. And these sites tell a story that is certainly worth telling—and one that has received little attention until now!

This introductory walking tour is offered exclusively in Dutch.

Participants:
Maximum of 20 people per guide. If there are more people, we will assign an additional guide.
Booking:
You can book via 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; this applies, for example, to 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.

Book a walk