Gouda Cheese Market - Gouda

Although Gouda people found the sea route to the East Indies via Cape Horn, the flourishing of the VOC and the Golden Age largely passed the city by. But not entirely: Gouda profited fully from the increasing trade during the Twelve Year Truce. Thanks to its unique location on the only North-South waterway, the city attracted more and more shipping. The invention of Gouda clay pipes also boosted the Gouda economy. But of course, Gouda became world-famous thanks to its cheese!

The Gouda Cheese Market takes place weekly on Thursdays from April to August from 10am to 12.30pm (except on Ascension Day). As you approach the market square, you can hear the handclapping of cheese traders and farmers. The cheeses are touted by the cheese girls. Once sold, the cheese is transported by horse and cart, which stop at the Gouda Weigh-house. The cheese boys load the cheese onto the original scales of the Waag.

In the historical city centre, all sights are within walking distance: the fairy-tale town hall on the market square, the Sint-Janskerk with its beautiful Gouda glasses and the museums. In the atmospheric streets, along the typically Dutch canals, you will discover numerous authentic shops with (Gouda) specialities, such as syrup waffles and, of course, cheese.