Tourists from all over Europe and the world enjoy visiting the small city of Alkmaar (Netherlands). The medieval architecture, narrow streets, numerous canals, cheese market, and the laid-back lifestyle of the locals make this northern city of the Netherlands an attractive destination. The local authorities have successfully developed the tourism industry, attracting an increasing number of visitors each year, which contributes to the city’s economy.
General information
The small town of Alkmaar is located in the north-west of the Netherlands, in North Holland (province), 37 kilometers from Amsterdam. It is served by rail and road routes, as well as the Noordholland Canal. The town is home to several engineering factories, metalworking and food production facilities, and a shipyard, but tourism plays a significant role in its economic prosperity.
According to 2022 data, there are about 110,000 people living here.
Alkmaar means “surrounded by water” in Dutch. Like many Dutch towns, it is crisscrossed by canals. The narrow streets, low-rise buildings dating back to the 17th century, and the old-style architecture make it a unique destination. There are plenty of attractions to explore, ensuring an unforgettable vacation experience.
Attractions
There are many sights in Alkmaar that leave visitors surprised and delighted to come in contact with them. So, in the city there are several buildings dating back to the distant Middle Ages. Among the famous sights of Alkmaar in the Netherlands are the Late Gothic Church of St. Lawrence (the structure was built in 1470-1512), the Town Hall building, built in the early XVI century, residential buildings of the XVI and XVII centuries. There are museums for tourists: the history of Alkmaar, the history of the struggle against the Spanish, cheese, beer, and The Beatles.
Cheese Market
Cheese has been sold in Alkmaar since ancient times, but to this day, the townspeople continue the tradition and delight visitors with the cheese market. The “Cheese Market” is held from late March to September. Every Friday, in the Vagplein square, near the Chamber of Weights and Measures, a ceremony of wholesale sale of golden cheese heads is performed in front of crowds of tourists.
“Alkmaar Gold” is brought to the square by local farmers on boats along the canals. Under the supervision of a special inspector, the product is unloaded and laid out in rows right on the square.
The market opens at 10 a.m. with the sound of a bell. Sellers and buyers engage in bidding, and an inspector is present to sample the goods and negotiate their price. The goods are then weighed. This task is performed by specialized loaders.
The Guild of Loaders consists of four groups, each consisting of seven members. The loaders are dressed in white clothing and wear hats adorned with ribbons. Each group has a specific role to play. The oldest member of the group is responsible for setting up and maintaining the accuracy of the weighing device. The team members load eight heads of dairy product onto a curved stretcher and use ropes to carry them to the weighing station.
Then the product is loaded onto carts, and the buyer takes it away from the market. The entire ceremony lasts until 12:30. Finally, visitors can purchase a ten-euro bag of sliced cheese and various souvenirs.
Cheese Museum
The theatrical performance attracts a lot of tourists, which the residents of Alkmaar take advantage of and raise the price of “Alkmaar Gold” in the central part of the city at all retail outlets.
Visitors who are captivated by the performance can continue exploring the history of dairy products at the Cheese Museum, which is located on the second and third floors of the Chamber of Weights.
Among the exhibits are many tools for making cheese at home. By watching presentations and videos, visitors can learn about the history and technology of making this dairy product, as well as the role it played in the development and growth of Alkmaar. For younger visitors, there is a game-based quest.
- The attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tickets cost 6 euros for adults and 2.5 euros for children aged 4 to 12.
- Official website: www.kaasmuseum.nl.
Gruyères is a “cheese city” in Switzerland
St. Lawrence Cathedral
The cathedral was built from 1470 to 1518, and during the construction phase, it was named “Grote Kerk” (which translates to “Great Church”). Built in the Brabant Gothic style, the cathedral is a magnificent structure that serves as a prominent landmark in the city.
Huge columns-arches let in a lot of daylight to the interior of the church. This gives visitors the opportunity to see in detail the unique carved ceiling and wall decoration. Inside the church there are organ installations: a small organ, authored by master Jan van Covelens, and a large one, built in the middle of the XVII century. By Jacob van Hagerber. The small one is one of the oldest working instruments in the country, and the big one claims to be the most beautiful instrument in the world.
Today, the church hosts a variety of cultural events and unparalleled musical gatherings. Located in the central part of Alkmaar on Koorstraat, this landmark is easily accessible from the train station to the Wagplein cheese fair.
City Museum
On Canada Square, next to the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, there is another attraction — the city museum building, which was built in 2000. However, the museum itself has been operating since 1875. The institution introduces tourists to the history of the region, its culture and traditions. Tells about the heroic past (the war with the Spanish in 1573).
The Golden Age exhibition presents the work of the Dutch masters of the 16th and 17th centuries, including Caesar van Everdingen, Martin van Heemskerk, Jan de Baan, Frans Menton, and Willem van de Velde. Contemporary art is represented by the works of Elsie Berg, Charlie Thorpe, Jan Sluijters, and others.
- The attraction is open every day except Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Children can enter for free, adults pay 13.5 euros, and pensioners pay 9.5 euros.
- Official website: https://stedelijkmuseumalkmaar.nl/en/.
Beer Museum
Among the sights of Alkmaar in the Netherlands, we note the National Museum of Beer. You will learn about the intricacies of the technology of making this delicious drink, as well as the history of the development of the mechanisms and devices that accompanied the production process, by visiting the museum.
After visiting the National Beer Museum, you can enjoy a variety of beers on the first floor, either at a table for two or in a large group at the bar or standing tables.
For true enthusiasts, there is the opportunity to try a glass of good beer at Proeflokaal De Boom, which is located in the same building. There are many special Dutch beers available. During the summer months, a decked barge with a cozy terrace is docked.
An interesting fact! In 2016, there were about 400 breweries registered in the Netherlands.
- For adults, the entrance fee is 9.5 €, with a tasting or guide — 17 €, with a tasting of 2 types of beer and a guide — 24.5 €, and children under 12 years old can enter for free.
- Opening hours: Thursday from 13:00 to 17:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00.
- Location: Houttil 1, 1811 JL Alkmaar, Netherlands.
- Website: www.biermuseum.nl.
The Beatles Museum
The first guitar made in Alkmaar by John Lennon is kept here, and the entire exhibition is dedicated to the visits of the legendary four to Holland. In a gigantic building on the area of 1200 m², you will find an exhibition of unique items of the Liverpool Four. No Beatles museum can compete with the exhibits on display here.
- Address: Pettemerstraat 12A, 1823 CW Alkmaar, Netherlands.
- The museum is open from 11:00 to 16:30, with Monday as a day off.
- The entrance fee is 15 euros. This is a combined ticket that also includes a visit to the Elvis Museum and the Zesender Museum.
Where to stay
Accommodation in the Netherlands is not cheap for tourists, so it is necessary to book it in advance – this way you can save a few dozen euros. There is not a very wide choice of hotels in Alkmaar. To rent a decent room in the city itself and outside it is possible in a three-star hotel.
For example, Kings Inn City Hostel offers rooms starting at €42 per night, which is the minimum amount. On the other hand, the College Hotel Alkmaar charges a minimum of €191 per night. Both hotels are located in the city center. Additionally, accommodation options are available outside of Alkmaar. Most three-star hotels offer services ranging from €60 to €110 per night. You can rent apartments for accommodation, where the prices are similar to those in hotels, ranging from 70 to 110 euros per night.
How can I get to Alkmaar from Amsterdam?
The best way to get from Amsterdam to Alkmaar is to use the Dutch railway. Trains run from Amsterdam Centraal every 15 minutes in a given direction from 5: 29 am to 00: 13 am. When buying online on the carrier’s website www.ns.nl the ticket costs 8.4 euros in a second — class carriage and 14.03 euros in a first-class carriage. When buying at the ticket office in a vending machine at the station, the price is higher by 1 euro. The journey time is 40 minutes.
You can also take a bus or rent a car. However, there may be problems with parking at the final destination. You can also arrive in Alkmaar from Amsterdam by bike. The journey takes about 3 hours.
If you are planning a trip to Alkmaar (Netherlands), make sure to plan your cultural program, route, and accommodation in advance.
