Private Workshop for Wooden Shoe Making in Simonehoeve

If you’re heading to Amsterdam and want a taste of true Dutch craftsmanship, the Private Wooden Shoe Making Workshop at Simonehoeve offers a charming, hands-on experience. Priced at around $84.58 per person, this two-hour session allows you to craft your own wooden clog—a symbol that’s as iconic as windmills and tulips—in a scenic farm setting just outside the city. Guided by expert clog makers, you’ll learn traditional techniques, try your hand at shaping a wooden shoe, and finish with a personal souvenir to take home.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the personalized attention you get—no crowds, just your group—and the opportunity to see Dutch traditions in action, combined with the fun of creating something tangible. Plus, the inclusion of cheese tastings and a tour of the cheese and clog farm makes this a well-rounded cultural visit.

One thing to keep in mind is that the workshop can be physically demanding—it involves manual work with sharp tools—so it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness and a bit of patience. If you’re a fan of authentic craftsmanship, enjoy trying your hand at traditional skills, or are simply curious about Dutch culture, this experience will suit you well.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: Make your own wooden shoe from a block of wood under expert guidance.
• Cultural insight: Learn about traditional Dutch clog-making and cheese production.
• Includes tastings: Enjoy cheese, Dutch biscuits, and fruit wine during the visit.
• Private setting: Only your group participates, offering undivided attention.
• Physical activity: The workshop involves manual work; moderate fitness is recommended.
• Flexible timings: Multiple start times allow you to fit this into your schedule easily.

An Authentic Dutch Cultural Experience in a Picturesque Setting

We love the personal touch of this workshop. Unlike larger, often hurried group tours, the private format allows for more interaction and tailored guidance from skilled clog makers. At Simonehoeve, you’re not just watching a demonstration—you’re actively involved in shaping your own wooden shoe, which makes for a memorable souvenir and a meaningful connection to Dutch traditions.

The scenic farm environment is an added bonus. Situated just outside Amsterdam, Simonehoeve combines the rustic charm of a working cheese and clog farm with the opportunity to learn about Dutch craftsmanship firsthand. The tour of the cheese farm includes tastings of various cheeses, traditional Dutch biscuits, and fruit wine—perfect for those wanting to indulge in local flavors. The cheese tasting is notably enjoyable, with visitors praising the “stunning views” and the quality of the cheese.

The workshop itself involves demonstrations of both manual and machine-assisted clog making. The step-by-step explanations cover everything from shaping the wood to engraving details, giving you insight into how traditional Dutch clogs are crafted. However, we should note that completing a full clog during the workshop can be quite time-consuming and physically demanding, as one reviewer pointed out, “it was interesting but tiring,” with some participants unable to finish their shoe in the allotted time.

Instead, many choose to paint a blank wooden beer opener as a fun alternative—a creative and simple keepsake. This flexibility allows everyone to leave with a personalized souvenir, even if they don’t finish a full clog.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

The two-hour experience is split into roughly 1.5 hours of making and engraving your wooden shoe, plus time for the cheese farm tour and tastings.

Start at Simonehoeve in Katwoude, where you’ll meet your guide and get a quick briefing. The workshop begins with an explanation of how traditional Dutch clogs are made, including demonstrations of manual tools and modern machines. You’ll learn some tricks of the trade, with your instructor sharing insights into this centuries-old craft.

Once the demonstration wraps up, it’s your turn. You’ll be provided with a block of wood and all the necessary tools—saws, chisels, and engraving devices. The process involves shaping the wood into the familiar clog silhouette, which can be quite physically demanding, especially for those not used to manual labor. As one reviewer noted, “the workshop is physically demanding,” but this authenticity adds to the charm.

Participants can choose to finish their shoes or switch midway to painting a clog-shaped bottle opener or a wooden beer opener. The latter is less time-consuming and still provides a memorable, personalized item to take home.

After the making session, your guide will lead you on a tour of the cheese farm, where you’ll learn about Dutch cheese-making traditions. The tasting includes multiple cheese varieties, Dutch biscuits, and fruit wine, with many visitors describing the experience as “stunning” and the cheese as “delicious.” The farm setting adds a peaceful, pastoral beauty to the visit, and the guide’s commentary helps you understand Dutch dairy heritage.

Food and drinks are available at the farm’s restaurant if you want to extend your visit or relax after the workshop.

Value and Practicalities

Pricing at $84.58 per person offers good value for a private, interactive experience that combines craft, culture, and culinary delights. Compared to larger group tours, this private workshop offers more personalized attention and a chance to truly engage with the craft. The inclusion of the cheese farm tour enhances the culture, making this a well-rounded, memorable activity.

The duration of around two hours makes it ideal for travelers with limited time but a curiosity for authentic Dutch traditions. The multiple start times provide flexibility, and the mobile ticket makes it easy to plan around your day.

One key consideration is transportation—the experience starts at Simonehoeve, located outside of central Amsterdam. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation or plan to rent a bike or drive there, as public transit options are nearby but not directly connected.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This workshop is perfect for culture enthusiasts, craft lovers, or anyone who wants a tangible souvenir from their trip. If you enjoy trying hands-on activities and want to understand Dutch skills beyond the usual sights, this is a lovely choice. It’s also suitable for adventurous travelers with moderate physical fitness, as the workshop involves manual work with sharp tools.

However, if you’re looking for a quick sightseeing stop or have mobility issues, the physically demanding nature and outdoor farm setting might not be ideal. It’s best suited for travelers aged 16 and older, given the use of sharp equipment.

The Sum Up

The Private Wooden Shoe Making Workshop at Simonehoeve offers a charming blend of craftsmanship, culture, and gastronomy. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Dutch traditions on a personal level, especially if you’re interested in authentic, hands-on experiences. The personalized guidance and scenic farm location make this more than just a craft class—it’s a small window into rural Dutch life.

The inclusion of cheese tastings and the opportunity to create a personal keepsake elevate this experience beyond a simple tourist activity. While the workshop can be physically demanding and time-consuming, many find the effort well worth the memorable result.

If you’re after an interactive, cultural, and authentic activity, and don’t mind getting your hands a bit dirty, this workshop will serve you well. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate traditional skills and want a unique souvenir to remember their trip to the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the minimum age is 16 due to the handling of sharp equipment and the physical nature of the work.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this experience is typically booked around 22 days in advance, ensuring you secure a preferred time slot.

Are transportation options provided?
No, transportation to Simonehoeve is not included, so you’ll need to plan your own way there, such as driving or public transit.

Can I finish my wooden shoe during the workshop?
It’s possible but may be challenging, as some participants find the process physically demanding and require more time. Many finish a painted bottle opener instead.

What’s included in the price?
You get use of all equipment, a semi-finished wooden shoe, a blank wooden beer opener, and the cheese farm tour with tastings.

Is the workshop physically demanding?
Yes, shaping and engraving the wood require moderate physical effort, so it’s best for those with reasonable mobility.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travel plans.

This experience offers a genuine slice of Dutch life, combining skill, scenery, and delicious cheese. Whether you’re a craft lover or simply curious about local traditions, it’s a memorable way to spend a couple of hours outside of Amsterdam’s busy streets.