Regular cheese market
On Thursday mornings, the Market Square in Gouda transforms into a lively scene full of history. You will see traders and farmers in traditional clothing, stacks of golden cheeses, and the famous handjeklap bargaining that determines the price—just as it has been done for centuries.
We start just before 10:00 a.m., so that the Market Square can be officially opened at 10:00 a.m. with the ringing of the bell. Our speaker will guide
you through the story behind the market. With enthusiasm and knowledge, they explain the traditions, the weighing of the cheeses in the Weigh House (Waag), and the special role of the traditional handjeklap bargaining.
Around 11:00 a.m. there is a musical intermezzo. Each week something different can be heard on the square: sometimes a jazz band, sometimes an authentic street organ, or a brass band. Meanwhile, the horse and cart bring the cheeses to the Weigh House to be weighed.
Enjoy the spectacle, take a photo with the cheese girls and experience the atmosphere of the past. The morning ends at 12:30 p.m. with the announcement of the winners of the famous cheese guessing contest.
Crafts market
Next to the cheese market you will find the Crafts Market, where artisans demonstrate their traditional crafts. You might meet a clog maker, basket weaver, candle maker, beekeeper, wool spinner, broom maker, woodworker, mustard maker, glass engraver or mosaic artist. The selection of crafts varies from week to week.
Cheese making
Between the stalls you can taste local delicacies. Of course Gouda cheese, but also stroopwafels, poffertjes, and even a biscuit made with Gouda cheese. There is also a stall with typical Gouda and Dutch souvenirs for visitors looking for a more modern keepsake.
You will see traditional techniques come to life, ask the artisans questions and hear the stories behind each craft. This way, you don’t just taste cheese—you experience the rich tradition and creativity of Gouda.
Under the yellow tent on the Market Square, you can see how cheese is truly made. Our cheesemakers demonstrate step by step what is involved, from fresh milk to a firm cheese. You will learn about curdling, cutting and pressing, and discover why time and patience are so important for the flavour. Feel free to ask questions—sometimes you might even be able to lend a hand.
Cheese guessing
Do you dare to take a guess? Try to guess the weight of a stack of cheeses and win a great prize. Everyone can take part: young or old, from the Netherlands or from far beyond. Fill in your card, take a good look at the cheeses and try to guess the weight as closely as possible.
At 12:15 p.m., the cheeses will be weighed live in the Weigh House by the Weighmaster.
Just before 12:30 p.m., the winners will be announced. And of course, they won’t be going home empty-handed!
Children's cheese market
During the school holidays, a special Children’s Cheese Market takes place behind the Weigh House (Waag). Here, children can enjoy traditional Dutch games, such as a memory game with (real?) cheeses, shuffleboard with mini cheeses, and various skill games. They can dress up as a farmer’s boy or a cheese girl, or quietly sit down and colour a picture.
The most athletic farmer and the cheese girl create a cheerful atmosphere and help with the games. This way, even the youngest visitors can experience the cheese market in their own way.
