Experiencing Dutch Cheese Markets

Honestly, experiencing the Dutch cheese markets is an absolute must when visiting the Netherlands!

There are five traditional cheese markets in total throughout the Netherlands. Out of those five cheese markets I have visited three of them. And I am super keen to experience the other two. I definitely have them pencilled in for the next time I return!

Traditionally, Dutch dairy farmers took their cheese to the town’s market square to sell them. This is believed to go back as far as the Middle Ages when dairy farmers began producing cheese on a larger scale.

Today, there are five that take place in different parts of the country during the Spring and Summer months. Each market takes place in the town’s market square. 

There are some great public transport links, so all the markets are easy to get to. Making experiencing Dutch cheese markets a perfect day trip if you’re staying in one of the major cities. And whilst you’re checking out day trips, be sure to pay a visit to Delft!

It’s a place you can go to eat and buy cheese, yes! And ok, the huge yellow cheese wheels are predominately for businesses and traders. But, you’ll also experience and have an insight into Dutch culture and history. You’ll witness traditional practices, such as traditional dress and costume. Handshakes (handjeklap). Cheese weighing. And, how the wheels were transported along the canals, on wooden bar rows and horse and cart. Although the actual cheese markets aren’t in operation any longer, the towns have kept up these traditional cheese markets as tourist events.

The five Cheese Markets, or kaasmarks! Consist of: Edam, Gouda, Alkmaar, Hoorn and Woerden.

They take place on different days during the week. There are two on a Thursday but at different times during the day. So it is possible to visit more than one, or potentially all of them on your trip to the Netherlands! Depending on how much you love cheese!

Edam: Every Wednesday 10:30 am to 12:30 pm from the beginning of July until the end of August. There is also an evening cheese market and fair which usually takes place on the first Saturday of August.

Gouda: Every Thursday 10:00 am to 12:30 pm roughly from mid-April each year until the end of August. That’s every Thursday apart from 29th May, Ascension Day.

Alkmaar: Every Friday 10 am to 1 pm from the end of March until the end of September.

Hoorn: Usually every Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:45 pm from mid June until the end of August. However, be sure to check the website and facebook as I found the dates seem a bit uncertain for this particular cheese market.

Woerden: Every Saturday 11:00 am to 1:00 pm from the beginning of May until the end of August.

The different Cheese Markets:

Dating back to the 16th century. The opening and closing of the market are marked by the traditional ringing of a bell. During the market, you’ll witness the traditional acts of the bell ringing, the arrival of the cheese by canal boat and horse and cart, weighing, handjeklap and traditional dress.

Edam is traditionally sold in a sphere shape rather than in a flat face, wheel shape like how the majority of cheeses are packaged and sold in the other cheese markets. The market is quite close to Amsterdam, so is pretty convenient for a day trip if that’s where you’re staying.

Unfortunately, we were unlucky with the weather on our visit to Edam. But, as the saying goes, it is what you make of it! The volunteers readily handed out cheese, which was really delicious and much appreciated! And towards the end of the market we vacated into the shelter of one of the cafes for coffee and appeltaart. Where we got chatting with some of the volunteers and locals. A really friendly, happy community despite the market being a washout!

The Gouda cheese market has taken place every Thursday for centuries. And just as they did centuries ago, the farmers and traders agree on a price by the clapping of their hands (handjeklap). The cheese is still delivered by horse and cart, weighed and stacked neatly in the front of the town hall where they are sold.

This was the first cheese market that I visited. I got there early, so was able to walk around the square where the cheese wheels had been laid out in preparation for the market. Honestly, I found the whole experience totally amazing. I was in awe of the whole experience. And, being an hour away from Amsterdam by train, it’s not far for a morning trip to experience this amazing cultural event.

Around 45 minutes from Amsterdam by train. Alkmaar is thought to be the oldest and biggest cheese market in the Netherlands. Dating back to 1365 when the town appeared to have its own cheese scale.

It is certainly a large cheese market and was very busy when we visited. But it was certainly worth it. You’ll experience all of the traditions of a cheese market. The transporting of the cheese, traditional (handjeklap) handshakes, throwers and negotiations amongst traders. If you’d like, you can even stand on the cheese scales and be weighed yourself! Or have your photo taken with some of the cheese girls in their traditional dress. You can even buy a cheese bag with different samples from one of the cheese girls.

Hoorn is located just north of Amsterdam. During the 19th century, Hoorn was one of the biggest cheese markets in the North of Holland. Hoorn cheese market dates back to the Golden Age (17th century). Hoorn offers a traditional show of carrying and weighing of the cheese and its trading.

In 1885 the first batches of cheese were transported from the countryside to the town centre to be traded. During the market today you’re provided with a glimpse of the past as volunteers dress in traditional clothes of those times. You’ll witness the transporting of the cheese, antique tractors, and cheese negotiations. The market is around 40 minutes by train from Amsterdam.

From each of the markets I have visited, I have always had the feeling of community and community spirit. It really adds to the positive atmosphere and vibe. The cheese markets are fascinating and something special to experience. The reenactments really do give you an insight into the history of the cheese markets of the Netherlands. Plus, the cheese is pretty tasty!

A visit to a cheese market is honestly a must! Also, a stroll around each of the towns themselves, or having lunch on a terrace is a real treat in itself!