IS IT WORTH SEEING?
Yes, absolutely, a day trip to Alkmaar from Amsterdam is worth it, an ideal excursion, or to enjoy a short break for a couple of days. A lovely city with an enchanting old centre to explore.
I travelled by bus with a tour group for the day, which included a visit to the delightful village of Schermerhorn to see the historic windmills. We experienced the beautiful Dutch countryside and saw many iconic sites that North Holland is famous for, plus a few hidden gems.
About Alkmaar
Alkmaar is one of the oldest cities in the province of North Holland, in The Netherlands, situated about 40km from the capital, Amsterdam. A quieter city and a slower pace attracts people for a little retreat.
Originally a fishing village in the 10th century, Alkmaar later developed further from trade in agriculture. But it was always in danger of rising sea level, the land being only a few feet higher than the water. Hence, the city is characterised by low lying polders of reclaimed land and picturesque canals, primarily from works carried out from the 1500’s. The polders of Alkmaar are some of the oldest reclaimed landscapes in the world.
Alkmaar is a popular day trip from Amsterdam, or short stay, with many lovely accommodation options, such as The Grand Hotel Alkmaar, or The Grapelli Boutique Hotel, perfect for a getaway from the hustle and bustle.
Walking Tour
I took a guided walking tour of the inner city with a knowledgeable local who showed us around some of the main historic sights. It was a quiet day in October, pleasant for strolling around the charming streets and gorgeous canals. He imparted some fascinating stories and facts about the old town, and shared some of his favourite locations with us.
Dutch Architecture
I immediately loved the historic Dutch architecture featuring stepped gables and ornate facades, typical of North Holland, some dating as far back as the 16th century. Most of these medieval buildings have been well preserved. Houses along the canals were originally merchant houses and warehouses.
Canals
Alkmaar has a network of canals, most of which have existed from the 17th century and have served as a vital means of transport of goods, with warehouses line the canal banks.
The main canal in and out of the city is the Noordhollands Canal on the northern side, which is the historical shipping canal from Amsterdam.
Oude Gracht is the canal through the heart of the old part of the city.
Boat Rides
You can take a boat ride from Mient and explore the maze of canals and appreciate the city from the water. Boats pass under some very low bridges, so you have to duck down when going under.
For the more adventurous, you can rent a boat and sail yourself round the waterways here.
Market Square
The heart of the city is the Waagplein (weighing) Market Square, where the weekly Cheese Market takes place, attracting a crowd of people.
Restaurants and bars with outdoor seating surround the historic square which has been enlarged over the years.
Bistro Samen, Hermanos, and Mojo’s are some of the establishments at Market Square.
Weighing House
A national monument and the most prominent landmark in Alkmaar is the Waag Weighing House. Originally built as a the Holy Spirit Chapel Hospital in 1390, then converted to a weigh house in 1582, for weighing goods, primarily cheese.
Quite a lovely looking building with an ornate facade and probably the most photographed in the city.
The clock tower Waagtoren plays bells and trumpet at regular intervals, with a horses and knights mechanism revolving.
Dutch Cheese
Alkmaar is a cheese town, renowned world wide. In particular, gouda and edam cheeses are popular, which are produced nearby, and there are several cheese specialty shops in the city centre, selling all types of cheeses.
Cheese Market
The most famous event in the city is the traditional Cheese Market which has been running since the 1300’s, the oldest and the biggest in the country. It is held next to the Weigh House, every Friday, from March to September. With a festival atmosphere, it has become a huge attraction, for locals and tourists, with large cheese wheels on display, food stalls, craft stalls and kids activities. People come from everywhere for this vibrant cultural event involving cheese carriers, cheese tasting, cheese weighing and bidding. There are even traditional costumes worn and quite a show made of the cheese buying.
Cheese Museum
And of course, there is a Dutch Cheese Museum here. Kaasmuseum is located in the Weigh House, which covers the history of cheese making.
Kissing Cheese Girl Statue
A popular landmark near Waagplein cheese market, donated to the city by a cheese making company, the bronze statue gets kissed for goodluck.
Cheese Heads
It comes as no surprise that locals are often referred to as kaaskop, ‘cheese heads’. The cheese carriers at the market are also called cheese heads.
Grote Sint-Laurens Church
St Laurence’s Church, built in 1470–1520 has a tall tower, making it the largest structure in the city and in North Holland. Located at Koorstraat, it serves more as a cultural centre, a museum and concert venue rather than a traditional church. Website with events.
Inside this Brabant-Gothic style church are lovely stained glass windows, one which is a whopping 23 metres high.
Free to enter.
City Hall
The 16th century Stadhuis tower and Renaissance building is the Alkmaar City Hall, located on the main street Langestraat. A striking monument and architectural highlight of the city, offering historic insight to the city upon visiting, with its paintings and sculptures. The striped brickwork and staircase at the front with lion sculptures, makes for an impressive facade.
The monument serves as administrative centre, council chambers and wedding venue, as well as being a tourist attraction.
National Beer Museum
The building is from the 1600’s, when beer brewing was an important part of life in the town. Visit the Beer Museum to learn about the history of Dutch beer making in Alkmaar and partake in some beer tasting in the terrace overlooking the canal.
Located in the old De Boom Brewery building, open Thursday to Saturday only, this is one of only 2 dedicated beer museums in the country.
Windmill
There is only one windmill in the city, called De Groot, but there used to be many more. Built in 1769, it is a grain mill that was used for producing flour, but today is a private residence of the Piet family, hence you can not visit the inside.
The landmark is located on Clarissenbolwerk path along the canal, a very picturesque setting with surrounding parkland.
Other Interesting Sights
Whilst exploring the old town I noticed some other interesting sights and hidden gems, such as monumental statues, beautiful heritage buildings, cute courtyards and hidden cafes.
Snazzy Tips For Visiting Alkmaar
- Many of the locals can speak some English.
- Shops in Alkmaar generally open up quite late in the morning at 10am. Sundays they open at 12 noon and Mondays, not until 1pm!
- Do not swim in the canals.
- Fishing in the canals requires a licence.
- Cycling is popular around Alkmaar and you can hire a bike here.
- One day is plenty to explore the main sites of the old city, take a boat ride on the canals, and visit a museum.
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2 Comments
Well we just returned from The Netherlands and why did we not viit this beautiful town? We will make sure to on our next visit. We love this country and its beautify small towns. My husband would love the beer museum!
I loved visiting the villages around The Netherlands and probably visited this one too – but too many names to remember. I do remember visiting a cheese factory – the smell was interesting!