Gouda Cheese Market

For more than 300 years, cheese has been traded on the Market Square in Gouda. Cheese farmers from the surrounding area used to arrive on Thursday mornings with their cheese carts. The traditional Gouda Cheese Market is still held every Thursday morning.

Alkmaar Cheese Market

Since 1939, Alkmaar has been the only city in the Netherlands where cheese is still traded on a traditional cheese market in this authentic way. Visitors from all over come to see this unique spectacle.

Evening cheese markets: in July and August on Tuesday evenings (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm). Around the market there is often a lively craft fair and street market.

Edam Cheese Market

Just like in the past, cheese is still delivered by boat by local farmers. After unloading, cheese carriers bring the cheese to the market. Following inspection, the price per kilo is determined by bargaining and a handshake.

The Edam Cheese Market mainly takes place in front of the Kaashal at Jan van Nieuwenhuizenplein.

Woerden Cheese Market

At the Woerden Cheese Market, authentic farmhouse cheese is traded. Traders and cheesemaking farmers display their cheeses, while the auctioneer guides visitors through the world of cheese. The classic “handshake deal” is still very much part of the tradition.