One of the Oldest Cheese Markets in the World

If you think your local farmer’s market is impressive, wait until you hear about a little place in the Netherlands that’s been dealing in cheesy goodness since before America was even a twinkle in history’s eye. Welcome to Gouda, home to one of the oldest cheese markets in the world—and a must-visit for anyone whose travel plans revolve around their taste buds.

A Cheese with Serious Seniority

Gouda itself isn’t some trendy newcomer to the cheese scene. According to The Cheese Professor, it’s been produced in the Netherlands since 1184, making it one of the oldest cheeses still in production today. Back then, the city of Gouda became the central hub where wheels of the good stuff were distributed far and wide—kind of like the Amazon of medieval cheese, minus the overnight shipping.

And here’s the best part: no two goudas are exactly alike. The surrounding “Cheese Valley” produces varieties that range from sweet and creamy to bold and tangy, each farm putting its own signature spin on the classic. Whether you’re nibbling it fresh in the Netherlands or snacking on it in Wisconsin, you’re tasting a tradition over 800 years in the making.

Photo: From Dutch Countryside - Holland's Gouda Cheese Market

The Theatrics of Cheese Trading

Every Thursday from April to September, the market transforms Gouda’s town square into a stage. Imagine rows upon rows of glossy orange cheese wheels stacked like edible currency, delivered on horse-drawn carts right in front of the ornate city hall.

Here’s where it gets delightfully old-school: farmers haggle over prices using a ritual known as handjeklap—literally “little hand clap.” Once they agree on a price, they slap each other’s hands in a rhythmic exchange to seal the deal. Forget signing contracts; this is cheese commerce at its most charming.

More Than Just Cheese (But Mostly Cheese)

While the cheese steals the spotlight, the market also tempts with syrup waffles (stroopwafels for the initiated), stalls of regional produce, and artisan crafts. Street performers—think choirs, chamber musicians, and the occasional barrel organ—add a soundtrack to your snacking.

For a final sprinkle of history, step into the Waag, or Weighing House, built in 1668. Here, you can check out the original scales that once weighed those hefty wheels, back when “light” gouda wasn’t a thing.

So, if you ever find yourself in the Netherlands between April and September, swap your grocery store run for a Thursday morning in Gouda. You’ll walk away with more than cheese—you’ll take home a slice of history. And possibly, let’s be honest, several slices of cheese.