Gouda city tour, church with stained glass extravaganza

Culture and History tour in Gouda

Tour Price : Depending on starting point. Please email me stating your group size. Duration : In Gouda about 2 hours. Languages: Dutch, English, German, also with a translator in Japanese and other languages

Cheese lovers have all heard of Gouda, that  popular brand of Dutch cheese. It originates from the Gouda area, one the most serene and picturesque towns in the Netherlands. Nestled between Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the grass covered South Holland Province. 

Our private car tour to this historic town will take you to a place that is not widely known, but whose beauty and history will captivate you.

Every Thursday, from June to August, Gouda holds its annual cheese market in its wide-open market square. A seemingly inexhaustible supply of Gouda cheese forms numerous rows of large, round yellow wheels stacked next to and on top of one another. That market is the continuation of a centuries-old tradition of farmers from the areas that surround Gouda to sell their products in this market square.

St. John’s Church is home to the incredible and world famous series of XXL Gouda Stained Glass dating back to the 16th and 17th century, which shows numerous biblical stories in grand size and luminous colour. Closed for visitors on Sundays!

In addition to its long-standing heritage of cheese making, Gouda is also known for its other industries, such as white clay pipe, crisp syrup cookies, and dark pottery. The local art museum is interesting and merits a visit as it holds the best of the cities production.

The awe-inspiring architecture of historic churches and buildings are set against the backdrop of green countryside pastures, canals and the Gouda River. Just outside of the town the Gouda and Holland IJssel Rivers are visible, and here is where we witness something strange. The water tables actually rise far above the green pastures. Rain water is pumped up contunuously  to these higher ring waters. It makes Holland an engineering marvel.

From Amsterdam, it would take approximately 40-50 minutes to reach Gouda. For smaller groups of 3-4 people a car is available, while for larger groups the mode of transportation would be a minibus or train, which would cost more. The prices of the tours vary depending on number of passengers and the starting point. Lerger groups may go by train at rebate prices.

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