Dutch cheese markets: Gouda, Alkmaar and Edam
Cheese types, markets, day trips and gift buying for expats
The Netherlands produces more cheese per capita than almost any country in the world. For expats, understanding Dutch cheese is both a practical skill (it ends up in your fridge every week) and a cultural one. The historic cheese markets in Gouda, Alkmaar and Edam are among the most genuinely Dutch experiences you can have in the country, and each is easy to combine with a wider day trip.
This guide covers how to read Dutch cheese labels, which types to know, when and where the markets run in 2026, what to buy as gifts, and how to plan each trip from Amsterdam or other Dutch cities. It pairs well with our day trips guide and our Amsterdam visitors guide for hosting family and friends.
3
Historic markets
<1 hr
From Amsterdam
Free
Entry to all markets
Table of contents
Book cheese market tours and Dutch experiences
Guided cheese market tours with transport, tastings and expert commentary. Gouda, Alkmaar and combined day trips available. Also canal cruises and Amsterdam attractions for visiting family.
Browse cheese tours on TiqetsAffiliate link. No extra cost to you, keeps our expat guides free.
How to read Dutch cheese labels
Age categories: jong to overjarig
Dutch supermarkets and cheese shops label hard cheeses mainly by age category. Once you understand the six main terms, navigating any Dutch cheese counter becomes straightforward.
| Label | Age | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jong (young) | ~4 weeks | Very mild, soft, creamy | Kids, mild sandwiches |
| Jong belegen | 8-10 weeks | Soft but more flavour | Everyday sandwiches |
| Belegen | 16-18 weeks | Firm, noticeably more flavour | Dutch default, cheese boards |
| Extra belegen | 7-8 months | Stronger, saltier, firmer | Cheese boards, stronger taste |
| Oud (old) | 10-12 months | Very strong, salty, firm | Nibbles with beer or wine |
| Overjarig (very old) | 12+ months | Intense, crystalline, crumbly | Speciality gifts, cheese lovers |
Fat content: 30+, 48+ and 50+
You will often see numbers like 30+, 48+ or 50+ on Gouda-style cheeses. These indicate the percentage of fat in the dry matter of the cheese, not in the whole product. The practical takeaway is simple: if you want strong, rich flavour, pick 48+ belegen, extra belegen or oud. If you want lighter sandwiches or are watching fat intake, 30+ jong or jong belegen works well. The most common full-fat Gouda-style is 48+.
Cow, goat and sheep milk
Most supermarket Gouda is from cow's milk. You will also find:
- Geitenkaas (goat cheese): often harder and more Gouda-like than the creamy French chèvre you might know, though soft fresh versions also exist. Flavour ranges from mild and creamy to sharp and caramelised in older versions.
- Schapenkaas (sheep's cheese): less common but available in specialty shops, often as a nutty, firm cheese well suited to boards. A good choice for guests who want something less ordinary.
Core Dutch cheese types to know
Gouda
Gouda accounts for well over half of all cheese made in the Netherlands, making it the dominant type by volume. It is a semi-hard cheese that can be eaten at all ages: from very young and creamy to over-aged, crystalline wheels with intense, almost caramel notes. Traditional farm Gouda (boerenkaas) is often made from raw milk and aged on wooden shelves, giving more complex flavours than factory-produced versions.
Gouda is the safest gift choice: almost everyone likes it, and you can easily pick different ages to create variety.
Edam
Edam comes from the town of Edam, north of Amsterdam, and is traditionally sold as a spherical cheese with red or yellow wax. It is semi-hard with a lower fat content (around 40%) than many other traditional Dutch cheeses. Young Edam is mild and slightly salty, great with fruit. Aged Edam becomes nuttier and more intense, well suited to cheese boards.
Edam travels extremely well due to its wax coating, which is why it became one of the most exported cheeses historically. An excellent gift for visitors flying home.
Maasdam / Leerdammer
Maasdammer is the Dutch take on a Swiss-style cheese with big holes, made with specific bacteria that release gas during maturation. It is semi-hard, slightly sweet and nutty, similar to Emmental but usually a bit softer due to higher moisture. Often sold under brand names like Leerdammer, it is popular on sandwiches and children's boards.
Leyden (Leidse kaas)
Leidse kaas is a traditional spiced cheese from Leiden, flavoured with cumin and caraway seeds. It is semi-hard, leaner than standard Gouda, and has a warm, spicy aroma that works very well with beer or on festive platters. A distinctive choice for a Dutch cheese gift box.
Goat cheese (geitenkaas)
Dutch geitenkaas exists both as soft fresh logs and as harder aged versions that mature like cow's-milk Gouda. Flavour ranges from mild and creamy to sharp and caramelised. Specialty shops offer variations with herbs, fenugreek, smoked rind and more. A good choice for guests who want to try something beyond standard Gouda.
Cheese markets: Gouda, Alkmaar and Edam
These markets are re-enactments of historic cheese trade, not bulk retail markets. You go for the spectacle, tastings and small purchases, not for weekly groceries. Entry is free at all three. Always check the official event websites or local tourist offices for exact dates, as start and end dates can shift slightly each year.
Gouda cheese market
Thursdays, April to late August 2026
10:00 - 12:30
Thursday mornings
Markt, Gouda
In front of the Gothic town hall
50-60 min
Direct train from Amsterdam
The Gouda market takes place on the Markt in front of the Gothic town hall, one of the most photographed squares in the Netherlands. You will see farmers and traders in traditional clothing, horse-drawn or hand-pulled carts, and handjeklap, the traditional handshake used to seal deals. Markets run every Thursday from early April to late August, with a break on Ascension Day.
Gouda is an easy day trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam: about 50-60 minutes by direct train from Amsterdam and 20-30 minutes from Rotterdam, plus a short walk into the historic centre. After the market, explore Gouda's canals, the stained-glass Sint-Janskerk, and the stroopwafel shops.
Book Gouda cheese market tours via TiqetsAffiliate link. No extra cost to you, keeps our expat guides free.
Alkmaar cheese market
Fridays late March to late September 2026, plus Tuesday evenings in July and August
10:00 - 13:00
Fridays (+ Tue 19:00-21:00 Jul-Aug)
Waagplein, Alkmaar
Waag weighing house
~35 min
Direct train from Amsterdam
Alkmaar's cheese market on Waagplein is one of the oldest and largest in the country, running from the last Friday of March to the last Friday of September every Friday from 10:00 to 13:00. In July and August there are also Tuesday evening markets from 19:00 to 21:00. The iconic elements include the cheese-carriers' guild, barrows loaded with up to 160 kg of cheese, weighing at the Waag building, and guild members explaining the process.
Alkmaar is around 35 minutes by direct train from Amsterdam, followed by a 15-minute walk through the old town. After the market, explore the canal ring and Alkmaar's independent shops. The evening Tuesday markets in summer offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience than the Friday morning peak.
Browse Alkmaar cheese market tours via TiqetsAffiliate link. No extra cost to you, keeps our expat guides free.
Edam cheese market
Wednesdays, July and August 2026
10:30 - 12:30
Wednesday mornings
Kaasmarkt, Edam
Historic village centre
~45 min
Bus/train from Amsterdam
Edam's market is smaller and more intimate than Alkmaar, running for about eight weeks in summer on Wednesday mornings in July and August. Cheeses arrive by historic boats and wagons, and the entire village centre feels like a period setting. It is very different in vibe from Alkmaar's large-city spectacle and is preferred by visitors who find the latter too crowded.
Edam combines well with Volendam or Marken in a single day trip from Amsterdam, by bus or bike, making it ideal for hosting visiting family. Occasional special night markets also take place in high summer.
Note: Always verify the exact dates and times on official event websites or local tourist offices before travelling. Exact start and end dates can shift slightly by year.
Affiliate link. No extra cost to you, keeps our expat guides free.
| Market | Day | Season | From Amsterdam | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkmaar | Friday | Late Mar - late Sep | ~35 min train | Big, famous, busy |
| Gouda | Thursday | Apr - late Aug | ~55 min train | Classic, scenic, balanced |
| Edam | Wednesday | Jul - Aug only | ~45 min bus/train | Small, intimate, village feel |
What to look for when buying cheese
Age and style for the recipient
- For "safe" gifts to non-cheese-geeks, choose jong belegen or belegen: approachable but with real flavour.
- For foodies or beer and wine lovers, go for extra belegen or oud Gouda, or a matured boerenkaas with visible salt crystals.
- For adventurous friends, include one spiced cheese (Leidse kaas with cumin) and one hard goat cheese.
Packaging and transport
Most shops in tourist centres and cheese markets can vacuum-pack cheese, which dramatically extends shelf life and makes transport and customs clearance easier. Avoid buying fresh, soft cheeses for long flights. Hard and semi-hard cheeses travel much better. Ask for non-refrigerated storage advice if you do not have a fridge in your hotel; most hard Dutch cheeses tolerate several hours at room temperature when well-packed.
Raw-milk vs pasteurised
Most supermarket Gouda is pasteurised. Some boerenkaas (farmhouse cheese) is made from raw milk, giving deeper flavour but also potential import restrictions in some countries. If you are flying outside the EU, check your home country's rules: some prohibit raw-milk cheese while allowing sealed hard pasteurised cheeses.
Tasting tip: At markets and most specialist shops you can sample before buying. Just ask "Mag ik proeven?" (May I taste?). This is standard practice and expected in any good cheese shop.
Book cheese market tours and Amsterdam experiences
Guided cheese market tours include transport, tastings and expert commentary. Available for Gouda, Alkmaar and combined day trips. Also book canal cruises and Amsterdam attractions for visiting family.
Browse cheese tours and Dutch experiences on TiqetsAffiliate link. No extra cost to you, keeps our expat guides free.
Day trip itineraries
All three markets sit within an hour of Amsterdam and most other Dutch cities. They work well as standalone day trips or as anchors for wider explorations. See our full day trips guide for train logistics and NS Dagkaart information.
Friday: Alkmaar market + beach afternoon
Train from Amsterdam Centraal to Alkmaar (~35 min). Morning at the cheese market on Waagplein (10:00-13:00). Lunch in Alkmaar's old town. Afternoon to nearby beaches at Egmond aan Zee or Bergen (~20 min by bus). Return evening.
Thursday: Gouda market + Utrecht
Train from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to Gouda. Morning cheese market (10:00-12:30). Lunch and explore Gouda's canals, Sint-Janskerk and stroopwafel shops. Afternoon: quick train to Utrecht (20 min) for canal-level cafés and the Dom tower. Return evening.
Wednesday: Edam + Volendam or Marken
Bus from Amsterdam Centraal to Edam (bus 316, ~45 min). Morning cheese market (10:30-12:30). Walk or cycle to Volendam (20 min) for the harbour and smoked eel. Optional: ferry to Marken for the wooden houses and Marker Museum. Return to Amsterdam by mid-evening.
For expats hosting family: cheese + canal cruise
Combine an Alkmaar Friday morning market with afternoon Amsterdam canal cruise and evening at the Rijksmuseum. Pairs well with the I Amsterdam City Card if your visitors plan two or more full days in Amsterdam. Book canal cruise and museum tickets via Tiqets to skip queues.
For expats living in the Netherlands: use cheese markets as anchors for hosting relatives. One cheese day plus nearby windmills, tulip fields in spring, or a historic town makes for a full and genuinely Dutch day out. Markets themselves are free; you only pay for tastings and purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dutch cheese should I try first as an expat?
Start with Gouda belegen (48+), the standard Dutch sandwich cheese with real flavour. Then try a piece of oude Gouda to understand the intense, crystalline style. Add Edam jong for something milder and lighter. From there, branch into Maasdam, Leidse kaas and geitenkaas.
Where should I go for the best cheese market experience?
Alkmaar is the most famous, with a big show, guild and many visitors, running every Friday from late March to late September. Gouda gives you the classic town-hall backdrop plus a strong link to the cheese itself (Thursdays April to August). Edam provides a more intimate village experience that many people find more authentic (Wednesdays July and August only). If you only have one Friday in spring or summer, Alkmaar is the default. For smaller crowds, Edam or a Thursday in Gouda is better.
Are cheeses at the markets more expensive than in supermarkets?
Yes, generally you pay a tourist-market premium. But you are also getting higher-quality artisanal or farm cheeses, tasting advice, cut-to-order service and vacuum packing. For everyday sandwich cheese, Dutch supermarkets remain cheaper. For special gifts or tasting experiences, markets and specialist shops are worth it.
Can I taste cheese before I buy at Dutch markets?
At cheese markets and most specialist shops you can sample small cubes before choosing, especially in touristy areas like Alkmaar, Gouda and central Amsterdam. Just ask: 'Mag ik proeven?' (May I taste?)
How much cheese can I bring home from the Netherlands?
Within the EU you can transport cheese for personal use freely. For non-EU countries there may be limits or restrictions on animal products. Some countries allow sealed hard cheeses but not soft or raw-milk cheeses. Always check your own country's customs website before flying.
What does 48+ mean on Dutch cheese packaging?
The number refers to the percentage of fat in the dry matter of the cheese, not in the whole product. 30+ cheeses are relatively leaner and milder. 48+ is the most common full-fat Gouda-style. 50+ cheeses are richer and creamier. If you want strong flavour, pick 48+ belegen, extra belegen or oud. For lighter sandwiches, 30+ jong or jong belegen works well.
What is the difference between jong and oud Gouda?
Jong (young) Gouda is aged about 4 weeks: very mild, soft and creamy. Jong belegen is slightly older with more flavour and ideal for sandwiches. Belegen is firmer with noticeably more flavour, the everyday favourite for most Dutch people. Extra belegen is stronger, saltier and firmer. Oud and overjarig (very old) are very strong, salty, crystalline and crumbly, perfect as a nibble with beer or wine.
What is boerenkaas and how is it different from regular Gouda?
Boerenkaas is traditional farmhouse cheese made from raw (unpasteurised) milk, often aged on wooden shelves. This gives it more complex, deeper flavours compared to factory Gouda. Most supermarket Gouda is pasteurised. Boerenkaas is usually sold at markets and specialist shops. Note that raw-milk cheese may have import restrictions outside the EU.
Official resources
- goudsekaasmarkt.nl — official Gouda cheese market site with exact 2026 dates
- kaasmarkt.nl — official Alkmaar cheese market with schedule and guild information
- vvvedam.nl — Edam tourist information including cheese market dates
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