Events

Gouda Cheese Market 2025: Complete Guide

gouda-market

When is the Gouda Cheese Market 2025?
The Gouda Cheese Market 2025 runs every Thursday from April 3 to August 28, 2025 (excluding May 29), typically from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.This year’s Gouda Cheese Market 2025 is the must-see gouda netherlands cheese market—so mark your diary!

What and Where: Gouda Cheese Market Location & Details

The historic cheese market Gouda is held in front of Gouda’s medieval Stadhuis (Town Hall) at Markt square, opposite the Waag (Weighing House)—now home to Gouda’s Cheese & Crafts Museum.

Timing: Every Thursday from 10:00 to 12:30, from early April through late August (no market on Ascension Day, May 29).

Why visit: A living tradition since the 14th century, where farmers, traders, merchants perform the time-honoured ritual of handjeklap—price-negotiation by clapping hands—before weighing cheese on the Waag scales.

Nearby you’ll find stalls selling syrups waffles, poffertjes, crafts, and demonstrations of cheesemaking and clog carving.

Table: Quick Overview of Gouda Cheese Market 2025

DetailInfo
DatesThursdays, April 3 – August 28, 2025 (except May 29)
Times10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
LocationGouda, Markt Square, by Town Hall & Waag, Netherlands
AdmissionFree
TraditionsHandjeklap negotiations, weighing at the Waag, live entertainment
NearbyCheese & Crafts Museum; stroopwafel stalls; crafts

Bag Policy & Visitor Tips

While official sources don’t explicitly list a bag policy, Gouda’s market square is pedestrian-friendly and busy—travel light is advised. Bulky bags could obstruct movement or attract attention. As a pain point often overlooked by competitors, practical planning for luggage is essential—especially for those arriving by train or touring from Amsterdam.

Tip: Radical Storage offers secure, convenient luggage drop-off points near central Gouda and train station—so you can explore the market hands-free and at your leisure.

FAQ Section

1. When is the Gouda Cheese Market held?
Every Thursday from April 3 to August 28, 2025 (excluding May 29), 10:00–12:30.

2. Where exactly is the market located?
At Gouda’s Markt square in front of the Town Hall, next to the Waag building.

3. What can visitors expect?
Live reenactments of cheese trading, handjeklap, weighing in the Waag, cheese tasting, and stalls with snacks and crafts.

4. Is admission free?
Yes—there is no entrance fee.

5. Is there a bag or luggage policy?
No official restrictions—but small bags recommended due to crowds. Radical Storage provides secure storage nearby.

6. How to get there from Amsterdam?
Take a train from Amsterdam Central to Gouda (approx. 55 min). The Markt is a short walk from the station.

Why Radical Storage is Your Best Bet

After the cheese-market spectacle, keep going. Radical Storage offers short-term storage at nearby lockers or partner shops. Drop off your bags, enjoy a canal cruise, head to the Cheese & Crafts Museum, climb St. John’s Church tower, or shop in the quaint alleys—all without lugging around a suitcase.

The 2025 edition of the Gouda Cheese Market is your prime chance to witness centuries-old tradition in full swing—every Thursday from April to August, on Gouda’s charming Markt. It’s free, visually captivating, and full of local flavor.

Ensure your visit is easy and enjoyable—Radical Storage has you covered for luggage storage, so you can savor the cheese, the culture, and the canals, totally hands-free. Radical Storage: making travel smoother, one cheese market at a time.

Alessia di Bari

Alessia is a content creator and full-time traveller with a passion for sharing her most adventurous experiences online and helping others creating the perfect trip possible.
Alessia is currently traveling from one country to another, trying to discover as much as she can about the world and its wonderful secrets. Read more about her adventure on the blog!