The IJsselmeer was created in 1932 when an inland sea, the Zuiderzee, was closed by a 32 km dam, the Afsluitdijk. This fresh water lake’s average depth is 5-6 meters (16-19 feet) and its surface freezes over entirely during the winter.
4. Gouda
The city of Gouda is located in the south of Holland and was established in 1272, and if the name seems familiar, it’s because this is the origin of the famous Gouda cheese. Gouda’s traditional cheese market is held every summer and is a remarkable experience, bringing together all the local farmers who bring their homemade cheeses for sale.
Traditional cheese tasting is done by pushing a hollowed cylinder into a cheese wheel, and each purchase is done in the traditional way, allowing tourists to see the celebratory weighing ceremony.
