Many famous Dutch cheeses are named after towns and regions—and Gouda is the most iconic of them all.
Located in South Holland, Gouda is not only known for its creamy, delicious cheese but also for its beautiful medieval streets, charming canals, and its beloved stroopwafel.
Whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, Gouda has something for you.
Gouda’s Troubled Past
While Gouda is a picturesque and lively city today, its history is marked by hardship.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, the city suffered several devastating fires. In the 16th century, it was hit hard by deadly epidemics. From the 17th to the 19th century, Gouda was one of the poorest cities in the Netherlands.
During the Great Depression, Gouda residents were often discriminated against and mockingly called bedelaars (beggars).
But after nearly 500 years of adversity, Gouda has reinvented itself as a cultural hotspot, attracting visitors with its cheese market, cozy streets, and historical buildings.
What is Gouda Cheese?
Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk.
It’s smooth, creamy, and ranges in flavor depending on how long it’s aged—from mild and buttery to rich, sharp, and nutty.
Pale yellow in color with a slightly sweet aroma, it’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, cooking, or pairing with wine and fruit.
How Is Gouda Cheese Made?
Here’s a basic overview:
- Warm the milk to about 86°F (30°C).
- Add rennet, an enzyme that thickens the milk into curds.
- Cut the curds to release the whey.
- Drain and mold the curds, pressing them into a round shape.
- Salt the cheese, either through brining or dry-salting.
- Age the cheese in a cool, humid environment for weeks or even years.
Tasting Notes: The Ages of Gouda
Jonge (Young)
・Aged 1–2 months
・Soft, mild, and creamy
Belegen (Matured)
・Aged 4–8 months
・Slightly firmer, mild saltiness
Oude (Old)
・Aged 10+ months
・Firm, intensely flavored with notes of caramel and nuts
The Gouda Cheese Market
Held in the heart of the city at Markt Square, the Gouda Cheese Market is a lively reenactment of the historic cheese trading that once took place here.
Back in 1937, over 4.5 million kilos of cheese were sold here annually! Though industrial production replaced traditional markets in the late 20th century, Gouda revived the cheese market as a cultural celebration.
Every Thursday from April to August, you’ll see cheese wheels stacked on colorful wooden carriers (kaasbrikken), traders in traditional Dutch costumes, and festive local stalls selling bread, produce, and of course—cheese.
Every Thursday
Event period: April – August
Hours: 10:00- 12:30
*May not be held on national holidays
MAP：Markt 1 Gouda
URL：Gouda kaasmarkt
Sweet Treat: Stroopwafels from Gouda
Gouda isn’t just about cheese—it’s also the birthplace of the stroopwafel, a beloved Dutch sweet. These thin waffle cookies are sandwiched together with a gooey caramel syrup center. The name literally means “syrup waffle.”
Invented in the late 18th or early 19th century as a way to reuse leftover breadcrumbs and sweeten them with syrup, stroopwafels are now a worldwide snack sensation.
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Where to Try Stroopwafels in Gouda:
Kamphuisen Siroopwafelfabriek
At the Kamphuisen Stroopwafel Factory, you can step inside a working bakery and watch the stroopwafels being made fresh in front of you. After the demonstration, you’ll get to sample one—still warm and gooey from the oven.
hours：10 – 18（Closed on Sunday）
address：Markt 69, 2801 JM Gouda
URL：siroopwafelfabriek.nl/
Sightseeing in Gouda: History Around Every Corner
Gouda isn’t just about cheese and stroopwafels—this 800-year-old city is packed with history, charming architecture, and beautiful landmarks.
Here are a few must-see spots when exploring Gouda.
Oude Stadhuis (Old City Hall)
Standing proudly in the center of the Markt square, the Gouda City Hall is one of the oldest and most striking Gothic-style city halls in the Netherlands.
Built in the 15th century, its elegant façade, complete with red-and-white shutters and decorative spires, makes it a popular photo spot.
Don’t miss the carillon clock, which chimes every half hour and features a charming mechanical puppet show reenacting the granting of Gouda’s city rights.
Goudse Waag (Weigh House)
Located right next to the City Hall, the Goudse Waag once played a crucial role in the cheese trade.
This 17th-century Renaissance-style building was used to weigh and trade cheese, and today it houses a museum where you can learn all about Gouda’s cheese-making legacy.
Inside, you’ll find historical cheese-making equipment, interactive exhibits, and of course—a shop where you can take some cheesy souvenirs home.
Sint Janskerk (St. John’s Church)
St. John’s Church is a true masterpiece. It’s the longest church in the Netherlands and is famous for its 72 magnificent stained-glass windows—some dating back to the 16th century.
These towering windows, known as the Goudse Glazen, depict biblical scenes and historical events, and are considered among the finest in Europe.
Even if you’re not usually into churches, the atmosphere inside—especially when sunlight pours through the glass—is absolutely magical.
hours：9 – 17（Closed on Sunday）
Buy Tickets >>
MAP：Achter de Kerk 2 Gouda
URL：Sint Janskerk
Why Gouda Should Be On Your Netherlands Bucket List
Gouda may be small, but it offers a perfect bite-sized slice of Dutch culture, history, and flavor. Whether you’re here for the world-famous cheese, a fresh stroopwafel, or the charming streets and architecture, Gouda is the kind of place that leaves a sweet and savory memory.
Perfect for a day trip or a slow-paced weekend, this cheese city has a lot more depth than just dairy.