Everyone know Gouda cheese - the world-famous cheese has its origin in the Dutch town of Gouda in Netherlands. In keeping with the reputation, a cheese market takes place every Thursday from April to August in the historic center between the Waaghaus and the town hall. During your holiday in the Netherlands you can get to know the Dutch traditions and rituals around cheese and of course take a few samples. The famous Gouda cheese is not made in Gouda itself, but in the region around the city, which is also known as the Cheese Valley.
To discover Gouda, take the time to stroll along the canals , especially behind the church and at the Gouda museum, you will pass magnificent buildings from the Middle Ages and discover picturesque alleys. A well-known attraction of the city is the St. Johannes Church, which is famous for its stained glass windows.
The old town of Gouda offers typical Dutch small town charm. A stroll through the narrow streets, past the many shops and cafes, is one of the things that you should definitely indulge in. Some of the city's highlights include:
Some of the highlight place to visit in Gouda
• The St. Johanniskirche, at 123m long, it is the longest church in the Netherlands. And that's not even the most striking thing about it: the Gouda glass windows show biblical events and largely date from the 16th century.
• The traditional cheese market in the historic center, which takes place from April to August
• The Christmas season, when the whole city center shines with thousands of candles - an unforgettable experience
More things to do in Gouda
- Gouda's 15th-century city hall
- Gouda’s municipal museum
- Red Lion Windmill
- Traditional Dutch Bikes
It takes just under an hour to get to Gouda from Amsterdam on the train and the city is just the right size for a day trip. So why not treat yourself to some good cheese, some even more amazing sights, and spend an afternoon in Gouda.