U.S. Army photo by Rita Hoefnagels.
Cheese markets in The Netherlands
SCHINNEN, The Netherlands -- When asked what comes to mind when thinking of The Netherlands, people will say: tulips, the Night Watch by Rembrandt, the waterworks, windmills and wooden shoes.
But there is more. The country is also known for its variety of cheese and its cheese markets. When visiting in spring and summer try to go to one of the following places and enjoy the hustle and bustle of these traditional and cultural happenings.
1. Alkmaar
Address: Van Ostadelaan 298, 1816 JH Alkmaar
The city of Alkmaar is famous worldwide for its cheese market. Cheese has been weighed in Alkmaar since 1593. Cheese carriers carry thousands of kilos of cheese from Waagplein square to the weighing house.
What used to be serious business has turned into a popular attraction for thousands of tourists. Cheese carriers are in action every Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from March 29 to Sept. 27.
2. Edam
Address: Jan Nieuwenhuizenplein 1135 WT Edam
The cheese market in the city of Edam has its own cheese named Edammer. The city got the everlasting right of holding a cheese market in 1573 from William, Prince of Orange.
Cheese is transported to Edam by wagons and boats every Wednesday morning between July 3 and Aug. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
3. Hoorn
Address: Roode Steen 1, 1621 CV Hoorn
Hoorn used to have one of the most important cheese markets. Since June 2007 the market has been re-established and is open in 2019 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday beginning with June 18 and ending with the last market of the year on Aug. 27. Cheese is transported by wagons drawn by horses to the Roode Steen Square where the cheese carriers take over.
4. Gouda
Address: Markt, 2801 JG Gouda
For three centuries, the famous Gouda cheese was traded on the Market Square in the center of Gouda. Every Thursday morning from April 4 to August 29, farmers from the region bring their cheeses to the market in by horses drawn special cheese carriages. Between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. the cheeses are then weighed, tested and sold.
5. Woerden
Address: Kerkplein, 3441 BG Woerden
Every Saturday between May 4 and August 31, farmers from the area bring in their self-made cheeses to be traded at the Market in Woerden.
The market is open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is located in the center of town. Everybody knows about the first keg of herring, the first asparagus, and the first Beaujolais. Woerden is known for the first grass cheese. This particular cheese is produced from milk from cows that go outside for the first time after winter and eat grass.
Cheese tasting on “Graskaasdag”, held in 2019 on June 1, is a big feast in Woerden. Once a year, at the time of the Woerden holiday week, a special old fashion and traditional cheese market is held with lots more activities.
On August 31, the cheese is brought to the market by people in traditional costumes with horses and wagons. The Woerden cheese song is sung as the market opens under the guidance of the local harmony. After the trading, the farmers and traders have a “tug-a-war” match.
All these markets have more activities then just the cheese market. Many will also have demonstrations of old crafts and stands with traditional Dutch items such as wooden shoes. If you want to experience some Dutch traditional culture, then this is where you will find it.
Story by Rita Hoefnagels, USAG Benelux Public Affairs