A day full of fun
Every summer, on Wednesday mornings in July and August, the historic centre of Edam turns into one big cheese festival. This summer, I went there myself to experience the atmosphere. The Cheese Market takes place on the Jan Nieuwenhuizenplein, near the 1778 Cheese Weighing House. Here you can see traditional cheese carriers at work, hear market vendors loudly touting their wares, Edam cheeses are weighed and you can taste for yourself. Entry is free and the square soon fills up with visitors wanting to watch, taste and enjoy together.
An archetypal Dutch spectacle
When I arrived in Edam at 9.30am, the village was still quiet. I had accidentally mistaken an hour, but that actually worked out well. This allowed me to explore the town at my leisure first. Here and there, residents were already preparing for the Cheese Market. You notice how proud people are of this tradition here. Slowly the square filled up and a cosy tension arose: everyone was waiting for the moment when the bell would sound.
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The market takes off
Punctually at 10.30 a.m., 'Jan Adriaensz. Leeghwater' rang the bell at the Kaaswaag. From then on, the square really came alive. The music of the Kaaskapel, the murmur of the crowd and the smell of fresh cheese created a lively atmosphere. I stood at the front of the gate and watched the spectacle with others: handclapping market vendors, running cheese carriers and a little further away, piles of golden yellow cheeses brought in by boat. From the water, they went up the quay, then made their way to the square.
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Taste, buy and enjoy
Around the square were market stalls selling cheeses, local products and souvenirs. I tasted different types of cheese and took home an Edam cheese. It is fun to compare together which flavour is the favourite. During the demonstration, what was happening was explained in several languages, making it not only entertaining but also educational. It is one of those places where you keep watching and listening, especially when you are out and about together.
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Peace on the water
After the Cheese Market, I walked through the city centre for a while. During the market, but also on other days, you can take a tour of Edam's canals with the Cow Boat. As you glide quietly along the water, the skipper tells you about the town's history and you look out over the monumental centre together. That seems like a great way to end the day in a relaxed way, so I will definitely keep that in mind for a next visit.
Practical tips for your outing
- Location: Jan Nieuwenhuizenplein, Edam
- Times: every Wednesday in July and August, 10.30-12.30 a.m.
- Entrance: free
- Accessibility: Edam is about 20 minutes' drive from Amsterdam. Parking is available around the centre; there are also good bus connections from Amsterdam North.
- Food & drink: within walking distance, you will find cafés for coffee, apple pie and lunch, often with local cheese on the menu.
Frequently asked questions
Every Wednesday morning in July and August, from 10:30 to 12:30.
On Jan Nieuwenhuizenplein in the centre of Edam, near the historic Kaaswaag dating from 1778.
Cheese carriers, hand-clapping market vendors, cheese weighing, performances by the Kaaskapel and cheese tasting.
No, admission is free and the event is suitable for young and old.
Visit the Cheese Museum, take a boat trip on the Cow Boat or walk along the canals and monuments.
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