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Edam cheese

Taste, buy and discover

A horse and cart at the evening cheese market in Edam A mother and her children walking through the streets of Edam A mother and daughter carrying cheese

What is the history of Edam cheese?

Today, the Netherlands produces some 27 million Edam cheeses a year. And yet there is no longer a cheese farm in Edam! What exactly is the situation?

Origin of Edam cheese

The original Edam cheese was a small spherical cheese weighing about 1.7 kg. The cheese originated in the rural villages around Edam.

In the 14th century, Edam grew into an important port for the export of dairy products, including cheese. This is probably why the cheese shipped from here was named 'Edammer'.

Cheese markets

The cheeses were traded at various regional markets. For instance, a number of North Holland markets were famous for trading cheese such as Amsterdam, Purmerend, Enkhuizen, Alkmaar, Hoorn and Edam. Because of the abundance of water in North Holland, the cheeses here were brought in boats.

Men throwing up cheeses during the evening cheese market in Edam

In Edam, cheeses were supplied by water until 1922: directly from the farmer to the merchant. At the centre of this were the cheese carriers, who carried the ball-shaped cheeses off and on wooden 'berries' or stretchers. This colourful spectacle can still be admired every Wednesday morning in July and August during Edam's Cheese Markets.

Cheese tasting and buying

In the Kaaswaag Edam you not only learn everything about cheese making, but you can also taste and buy cheese! Moreover, in the historic weighing house, which dates back to 1778, you will find a permanent exhibition on the art of cheese making.

An aerial photo of the Cheese Market in Edam

Crazy about cheese? - You can't believe your luck!

  • Henri Willig Wine & Cheese Shop

    A family at the Henri Willig cheese shop in Edam

    There has been a cheese shop here since 1947. You will find home-made cheeses, cheeses from the Beemster, organic and foreign varieties, and of course Edam cheese.

    Visit Henri Willig

  • Story of Edam Cheese

    In the historic centre, experience how the glorious history of Edam cheese comes to life and discover all about the cheese of the past and the present! Dive into this story interactively at The Story of Edam Cheese.

    Discover the story

  • Cheese walk Edam (3km)

    A family taking in the cheese experience box at the Edam Tourist Office

    Do you know where the cheeses used to be stored and how Edam became the centre of cheese export? Walk, taste and discover the history of cheese yourself. The route leaflet is on sale at VVV Edam for €2.50.

    Pay a visit to the VVV

More Hidden stories

  • Get lost in Edam

    Get lost in Edam A family walking through the streets of Edam

    Edam is the perfect destination to get lost in! Discover the hidden gems.

  • Legends of Edam

    Legends of Edam Paintings on the wall at the Edam Museum

    Discover the stories of the works of art the Mermaid, Grote Meid & Langebaard.

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