Cows and cheese
Discover the story of cheese before it becomes cheese in the Dairy Barn. From milking the cow to curds, whey and finally a delicious cheese, Cows & Cheese teaches you everything about this traditional Dutch craft. It's one of the most educational attractions in the park and also one of the most fun, because you get to join in yourself.
Milk a cow with your own hands
Inside the Dairy Barn you'll find two cows that you can milk yourself. Discover how farmers have been milking cows by hand for centuries, long before modern machines existed. It might feel a little strange at first, but that's all part of the fun!
Experience the cheese-making show
Outside the Dairy Barn, you can watch a fun show all about making cheese. You'll see how milk is transformed step by step into a delicious wheel of cheese, from curdling the milk to pressing the curds. The show is presented in an easy-to-understand way, so even the youngest visitors can follow the entire cheese-making process.
Do you know everything about cheese making?
How is cheese made?
Cheese is made by curdling milk, which separates into solid curds and liquid whey. The curds are then pressed, salted and left to mature, gradually developing into a delicious cheese with its own unique flavour.
What kind of milk is used to make cheese?
Most cheese in the Netherlands is made from cow's milk, but goat's milk and sheep's milk are also popular. Each type of milk gives the cheese its own unique flavour and texture.
What is the difference between young and aged cheese?
The difference lies in the ageing process. Young cheese matures for only a few weeks, giving it a mild and creamy flavour. Aged cheese matures for several months or even years, making it firmer with a stronger, more crumbly taste.
