Cheese markets in Amsterdam: A cheesy day trip in the Dutch capital

Is the fame due to the famous cheese in Amsterdam or is Amsterdam famous for its cheese?

If you go to Amsterdam, you go to cheese. Holland is the largest exporter of cheese in the world and Amsterdam is the living image of this cheese tradition. There are hundreds of cheese stores in Amsterdam, so if you want to be eating in Amsterdam you can't miss the cheese.

It is necessary to mention that there are some cheeses that are more famous than others, for example, Edam and Gouda are the most famous internationally. However, some cheese stores have their own variety of cheese, so you will be able to taste soft, hard, aged and even spicy cheeses. You will have many to enjoy, will you dare to try them all?

Alkmaar

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the world of cheese offered by the rich Dutch culture, you should of course go to the world's largest cheese market where more than 2000 cheeses are presented, offering visitors a unique experience.

This market is located in the vicinity of Amsterdam, so you can easily reach it using the train to Alkmaar from Amsterdam Central Station, which will take less than an hour. Already in Alkmaar you can take a bike ride or walk to the Waagplein square where this prestigious cheese market stands.

Tourists can witness the cheese auctions held and enjoy the spectacle and authenticity of the market. In addition, visitors can participate in cheese tastings around the market, which gives them the opportunity to savor the different types of cheese that this great market has to offer.

This market is a historical recreation of the cheese trade of the Middle Ages and is held every Friday from April through September. Tourists will be able to see with their own eyes various ancient customs such as the traditional "handjeklap" which is a method of bargaining involving a handshake to close deals for the purchase and sale of cheese.

In Alkmaar you will also find the Dutch Cheese Museum, a special place to learn about the history and production of cheese over the years. It is located in the Public Weight building and is open from Monday to Saturday so you can stop by after going to the Alkmaar market.

The museum also offers the possibility of guided tours for visitors to experience the history of the machinery used since ancient times in the cheese-making process. In addition, for children there is a fun route where you can delve into the world of cheese using touch screens, films and interactive games.

Gouda

Known for its exuberant tradition and fantastic atmosphere, this cheese market is one of the main tourist attractions for visitors to Amsterdam. Just 20 kilometers from the city, this open-air market is held every Thursday of the year, where cheese vendors of colossal sizes come out dressed in classic garb and engage in the local trade.

This market is loaded to the brim with traditions. You can see horses carrying the cheese, as well as commercial traditions in the style of ancient times, recreating for the visitors real historical scenes that will transport them to these times.

In Gouda, tourists can visit numerous cheese stores where they can freely taste many varieties of cheese. In addition, in the surroundings you will find numerous specialized stalls where you can buy all kinds of cheeses, as well as other products.

Edam

Another great tourist attraction for cheese lovers is the Edam market. Known for its traditional Dutch architecture and rich cheese-making history, this town north of Amsterdam opens its cheese market every Wednesday from July to August.

Following Dutch traditions, this open-air market offers visitors a great number of cheeses to taste, as well as an insight into the cheese trading traditions of this beautiful town.

That said, for true lovers of cheese and Dutch traditions, it is possible to go to the Edam market on Wednesday, the Gouda market on Thursday and the Alkmaar market on Friday. And what better place to stay than Amsterdam which is the epicenter of all of Holland.

Woerden

Lesser known, but equally captivating, the Woerden market is a good attraction to go to if you are in Amsterdam. Woerden, known as the city of farmers, celebrates every year from May to August the cheese market with an auction following the old traditions. In Woerden, tourists will also have the opportunity to learn about the art of cheese making or better known as the Cheese Experience.

This market is a friendly option for those who wish to learn about the pleasures of cheese, sample a wide variety of them and buy some excellent specimens in a less crowded environment than the cheese markets in and around Amsterdam.

Volendam

The Volendam market is an outstanding tourist attraction in the vicinity of Amsterdam. Volendam is known for its rich cheese-making tradition and spectacular atmosphere. Throughout the market, visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market and observe the trading of local cheeses.

In addition, the market offers a wide variety of cheeses, giving visitors the opportunity to taste and learn about the different varieties of cheese on offer. The Volendam cheese market is an option to consider for those who wish to explore the Dutch cheese culture in an authentic and charming environment.

Henri Willig Cheese Farm Store

Offering a different perspective, this chain store offers an exclusive range of cheese products bearing its own Henri Willig brand, among which you will find some of the most famous cheese in Amsterdam.

This chain has its largest store in the city of Amsterdam under the name of Amsterdams Kaashuis located in Haringpakkerssteeg. This store has the largest variety of cheeses of this famous chain store.

Well, this chain of Henri Willig stores offers a wide variety of cheeses produced in its own cheese factories, as well as cheese-related delicacies, wines and gifts such as cheese-related kitchen utensils.

Kaasbar Amsterdam

To visit this restaurant is to find yourself giving you the opportunity to taste the best cheese dishes. After all, this restaurant is famous for specializing in cheese. Located in Amsterdam's De Pijp neighborhood, the Kaasbar Amsterdam offers a selection of wines, cocktails and unique Dutch cheeses.

The Kaasbar Amsterdam is known for its amazing dining experiences thanks to its focus on pairing cheese with wine or beer, giving visitors a true taste of Dutch food culture. All this makes Kaasbar Amsterdam an important destination for cheese lovers visiting Amsterdam.

De Kaaskamer

One of the most popular cheese markets in Amsterdam is Kaaskamer, a cheese store offering a wide variety of cheeses and dairy products. The store is renowned for its extensive selection of cheeses, which includes more than 400 different varieties, both local and international.

Not only does the store sell cheeses, but it also offers a variety of wines, breads and other products that perfectly complement the cheese tasting experience. In addition, the store's expert staff is available to provide advice on cheese and wine pairings, allowing visitors to enjoy their dining experience to the fullest.

Other cheese markets in Amsterdam

As mentioned above, there are a variety of cheese stores in Amsterdam, which offer a wide variety of cheeses, including goat cheese, witschimmel, roodflora, aged and semi-cured cheeses. Some of these stores are:

● Liedsestraat 52

● Haringpakkerssteeg 10-18

● Kalverstraat 105

● Singel 516-518

● Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182

● Westermarkt 66

● Reguliersbreestraat 24

Tours and tastings in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, there are several options for tours and cheese tasting sessions available to visitors. Here are some options you might want to consider:

● Tour of cheese and wooden shoe factories: This tour includes a guided visit to the cheese factory, wooden shoe factory and windmills of Amsterdam.

● Cheese and wine tasting: Enjoy a tasting session in Amsterdam that is ideal for food lovers. A guide will teach you how to recognize local cheeses and pair them with wine.

● Dutch cheese tasting with wine or beer: Taste 200g of cheese, washed down with the wine or beer of your choice. Start the tasting with six varieties of organic Dutch cheeses.

● Dutch cheese tasting in Amsterdam: Enjoy a cheese tasting at a cheese shop in Amsterdam and delight yourself with varieties such as the famous Gouda or Edam cheese. The tasting includes five different types of cheese with a special condiment, accompanied by two glasses of wine or any other beverage of your choice.

● Amsterdam cheese tasting with wine and beer pairing: Learn all about Holland's famous cheese in the heart of Amsterdam. Includes cheese and beer or wine samples.

● Guided tour of Giethoorn with cruise and cheese platter: Join a guided cruise through the charming city of Giethoorn and enjoy a delicious cheese platter during the cruise.

These experiences allow visitors to immerse themselves in Dutch cheese culture, explore a wide range of cheeses and learn about the wine and beer pairings that complement these culinary delights

Amsterdam Cheese Museum

Located a few steps from the Anne Frank House, on the other side of the Prinsengracht, is this small museum dedicated exclusively to Dutch cheese. An excellent tourist stop as visitors can taste and learn about the different types of cheese in the museum, including the most famous ones such as Gouda, Edam, Leerdammer, Leyden, Maaslander and Maasdam.

Dutch cheese varieties

Dutch cheese varieties you should know about include:

● Gouda: This cheese is characterized by its slightly sweet flavor and its light nutty touch. It has a soft and buttery texture and is perfect to be smoked or seasoned with various spices.