The Gouda Cheese
and Crafts Market
Cheese has been traded for over 300 years in the Markt, which is also known for its world-famous City Hall. On Thursday mornings cheese farmers from all over the district used to come to Gouda in their cheese brakes. In the nearby Tiendeweg the horses were unharnessed, after which the brake was pushed by hand to the Markt, where the farmer was assigned a place by the market superintendent and bargaining could take off. When a cheese trader approached a brake, the farmer removed his tarpaulin and started bargaining. After the lot was sold the brake left for the Kaaswaag for the cheese to be weighed. The trader paid the farmer according to the weighing slip he received. Most of the time payment was made in the beerhouse at the end of the market day.
The traditional Gouda cheese market is still held on Thursday mornings (starting mid-June and lasting until early September). Still we find farmers and traders doing what they have done for ages: haggling, bargaining. Lots that have been sold still go by cheese brake to the Waag to be weighed. Supplying and carrying-off, bargaining and weighing, all these still are as spectacular as they used to be and can be observed at a very close distance. This also goes for the typical Dutch cheese boys and cheese girls, the latter regularly offering bits of Gouda cheese to visitors. If you wish to have your picture taken with them this will be no problem at all. Meanwhile the cheese boys are seen loading and unloading the cheese brakes. Although preparations always start really early, the Kaasmarkt does not start until 10.00 hrs and closes about 12.30 hrs, when the last cheeses have been sold and carried off.
Once you find yourself in the Gouda Cheese and Crafts Market you surely won’t miss the ‘Burgerhal’ citizens’ hall below the City Hall.The Kaasmarkt is accompanied by a crafts market, presenting traditional, mainly Gouda crafts and products like pottery, clay pipes, clogs, farm produce, syrup waffles and - of course - cheeses.
Furthermore there are special activities organised for both young and old.
Where?
The Gouda Cheese and Crafts Market is held right in the very heart of the city centre, the ancient Markt, situated between the City Hall and De Waag. The Markt is within easy reach from the railway station and the ‘P’ areas and garages.
When?
In 2010 the Gouda Cheese and Crafts Market is held Thursdays from 24 June to 29 August.
Start
The market opens at 10.00 hrs and closes around 12.30 hrs. The Gouda Cheese and Crafts Museum remains open until 17.00 hrs. Still, Gouda has lots more to offer, so just hop in at the ‘VVV Het Groene Hart’ tourist office, also found in the Markt.
The Gouda Cheese and Crafts Market is held right in the very heart of the city centre, the ancient Markt, situated between the City Hall and De Waag. The Markt is within easy reach from the railway station and the ‘P’ areas and garages.
When?
In 2010 the Gouda Cheese and Crafts Market is held Thursdays from 24 June to 29 August.
Start
The market opens at 10.00 hrs and closes around 12.30 hrs. The Gouda Cheese and Crafts Museum remains open until 17.00 hrs. Still, Gouda has lots more to offer, so just hop in at the ‘VVV Het Groene Hart’ tourist office, also found in the Markt.
