Alkmaar is a historic city located in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. The city center is characterized by charming canals, narrow streets, and historic buildings.
Known for its picturesque beauty, Alkmaar is a lively city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a blend of history, art, and natural beauty.
It is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore the Netherlands beyond well-known cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Alkmaar Cheese Market
Alkmaar Cheese Market (Alkmaar kaasmarkt) is the largest cheese market in the Netherlands.
While it’s believed that Alkmaar has had a cheese market since 1365, there is no definitive evidence to confirm this. However, the Cheese Transport Association was established in 1593, giving the market a history that spans at least 400 years.
The Alkmaar Cheese Market is held every Friday from April to September, with the Night Cheese Market taking place every Tuesday evening in July and August.
Every Friday
Event period: March 28th – September 26th
Hours: 10:00- 13:00
Night Market: Tuesdays (July & August)
Night Market Hours: 19:00- 21:00
MAP：Houttil 26 Alkmaar
URL：Alkmaar kaasmarkt
Dutch Cheese Shop >>
Beer Museum
Once a brewery, the Beer Museum (Biermuseum) now showcases valuable beer-making tools and equipment. Visitors can also taste three different types of beer.
De Boom, a bar attached to the museum, is open daily from noon to midnight and tends to be busier than the museum itself.
Candy Shop
Visit a Dutch candy store! The candy shop (Inde Soete Suyckerbol) across from the Beer Museum offers a wide variety of delicious sweets.
Waag Square
The city center of Alkmaar is characterized by its charming canals, narrow streets, and historic buildings.
Waag Square (Waagplein), located in the heart of the city, is a lively area filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Cheese Museum
The large building in front of Waagplein is home to the Cheese Museum (Hollands Kaasmuseum) and the tourist information office. It’s a great place to learn more about the history and significance of Alkmaar’s famous cheese.
House with the Bullet
The “Huis met de Kogel” (Dutch for “House with the Bullet”) is a historic building famous for the bullet lodged in its façade. The bullet dates back to the 17th century during the Siege of Alkmaar in 1573, part of the Eighty Years’ War.
Legend has it that a Spanish soldier fired a bullet at the house, but it lodged in the wooden beam of the façade without causing significant damage. Over time, the bullet remained embedded as a symbol of resilience. Today, it serves as a historical landmark and a reminder of Alkmaar’s past.
Visitors can spot the House with the Bullet while walking along Verdronkenoord street.
Ice Cream Shop
The ice cream shop IJssalon De Mient, near the Cheese Museum, serves incredibly delicious ice cream. With a wide range of flavors, it can be hard to choose just one.
I tried the lemon sorbet (Citroen sorbet) and cinnamon (Kaneel). The cinnamon flavor was rich and delicious!
Restaurants and Cafes
There are many cafes and restaurants along Alkmaar’s canals. The seats on the Platte Stenenbrug bridge over the canal are especially popular, offering a great view while you dine or relax.
Shopping Street: Langestraat
Langestraat is a prominent street in the city center of Alkmaar. As the name suggests, “Long Street” is one of the main shopping streets, lined with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. This street offers a lively atmosphere, perfect for shopping and dining.
In addition to shopping, Langestraat offers a glimpse into Alkmaar’s history, with beautifully preserved facades showcasing the city’s rich heritage.
St. Lawrence Church
The Grote Kerk, also known as St. Laurenskerk (St. Lawrence Church), is one of the most prominent churches in Alkmaar, with significant historical and cultural importance.
Inside, visitors can admire the impressive organ built by the renowned organ builder Jacobus C. Schnitger in the 17th century. It is considered one of the finest Baroque organs in the Netherlands, and the church’s acoustics make it an ideal venue for organ concerts and other musical events.
Windmill
The windmill (De Molen van Piet), built in 1769, was originally used for milling flour. While it no longer serves this function, it remains an iconic symbol of Alkmaar.
Beatles Museum
The Beatles Museum (Het Beatles Museum) houses an extensive collection dedicated to the legendary British rock band. With 1,200 square meters of exhibition space, it is the largest Beatles museum in the world.
