Cheesemarkets Edam 2023

The famous Edam Cheesmarkets, where the round yellow en red cheeses be brought in by boats are held during the summer holidays in July and August on Wednesday morning. Exact dates in 2023 are not  available yet.

Every Wednesday 10.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 

In 1526, Charles the Fifth granted Edam the right to the Waag (weighing house) and, in 1576, William of Orange granted the right to the Waag in perpetuity. The current Waag was built in 1778. Official cheese markets were held here until 1922.

Tradition lives on in today's cheese markets. Under the watchful eye of the market supervisor, farmers bring 'Noordwester Edammer' to market by boat or horse-drawn cart. They then have their cheese 'laid down' by special cheese carriers who are also members of a special cheese bearers guild. The traders take a sample the cheese using a special cheese drill and taste the cheese to assess its quality. If it is found to be of acceptable quality, the cheese bearers transport the cheese to the weighing scale in the Waag, where the old ritual of bargaining and clapping hands take place, after which the the cheese is loaded up again.

A professional explanation is also given.

SUGGESTION: Combine your visit to the Cheesemarket with a historical boattour through the beautiful canals of Edam by the Tourist Information Boat (Praam or Cow-Boat) for only € 7,50.