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Cheese market · Edam

Edam Cheese Market

The Edam cheese market runs on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 12:30 in July and August, in front of the Kaaswaag on the Jan Nieuwenhuizenplein. Everything is free to watch. In 2026 there was also one evening market, on Saturday 8 August.

When
Wednesdays, 10:30 to 12:30
Season
July and August
Where
Jan Nieuwenhuizenplein, by the Kaaswaag
Tickets
Free
From Amsterdam
Bus 314 towards Hoorn
The Kaaswaag cheese weigh house on the market square in Edam
Photo: P. Hughes, CC BY-SA 4.0

Market Dates

The next dates have not been announced yet. It last ran 8 Aug 2026.

What Happens

The farmers bring their cheese in by boat and unload it at a quay by the square. Cheese carriers take it to the market on wooden barrows, and once it has been inspected, buyer and seller agree a price per kilo with handjeklap. The cheese is weighed in the Kaaswaag and a horse pulls it away to the warehouse in a cheese cart.

A bell, usually rung by a guest of honour, opens and closes the market, and speakers explain each step in several languages. There is also a cheesemaking film, a contest to guess a cheese's weight, and a stall selling cheese and souvenirs.

History

Cheese was traded on this square until 1922. The market came back in 1989 and is now run by more than 90 volunteers, with support from BeemsterKaas.

The Kaaswaag

The weigh house holds a permanent exhibition about cheesemaking, where you can also taste and buy cheese. Published opening times disagree, so check before a visit outside market hours.

Getting There From Amsterdam

Edam has no railway station. Take bus 314 from Amsterdam towards Hoorn and get off at Edam busstation.

Cheeses to Taste Here

Edam

What it tastes like and how it's made

Edam Holland

What it tastes like and how it's made

Noord-Hollandse Edammer

What it tastes like and how it's made

Where to Stay near Edam

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Questions People Ask

Is the Edam cheese market free?

Yes. The organisers say everything at the market is free to attend.

When is the Edam cheese market?

Wednesdays from 10:30 to 12:30 in July and August. In 2026 it ran from 1 July to 19 August, with one extra evening market on 8 August.

Is there a train to Edam?

No. Edam has no railway station; take bus 314 from Amsterdam towards Hoorn and get off at Edam busstation.

Official site: kaasmarktedam.nl/. Dates, hours and prices checked 22 October 2026; confirm on the official site before you travel. See all cheese markets.