Alkmaar, Netherlands
Region: Noord-Holland
Geographic Coordinates: 52.633300, 4.750000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 20.0°C (50°F to 68°F)
Climate: Cold and wet in winter, mild and rainy in spring and autumn, and warm with occasional rain in summer.
Population: 109896
Language: Dutch
Alkmaar is a beautiful city located in the northern part of the Netherlands. It’s known for its historic architecture, Charming canals, And vibrant cheese market. Alkmaar is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a glimpse into Dutch culture and history. One of the most iconic landmarks in Alkmaar is the Waagplein. This historic square dates back to the 14th century and was once used as a weighing station for goods such as cheese, Grain, And meat.
Today, It serves as the site of Alkmaar’s famous cheese market where locals don traditional costumes and sell wheels of Gouda cheese to visitors from around the world. Another must-see attraction in Alkmaar is the Stedelijk Museum. Housed in an impressive 16th-century building that was once home to orphaned children, This museum features exhibits on local history and art. Visitors can admire works by Dutch masters such as Jan Steen and Pieter Saenredam or learn about Alkmaar’s role in World War II. For those interested in religious history, Alkmaar has several beautiful churches worth visiting.
The Grote Kerk (Great Church) dates back to the 15th century and boasts an impressive organ with over 5, 000 pipes. The Kapelkerk (Chapel Church) is another notable landmark known for its stunning stained glass windows. Aside from its rich cultural heritage, Alkmaar also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city’s many parks are perfect for picnics or leisurely strolls while cyclists will enjoy exploring nearby nature reserves like Geestmerambacht or Schoorlse Duinen. no visit to Alkmaar would be complete without sampling some local cuisine.
From fresh seafood at De Oude Herberg to traditional Dutch pancakes at De Oude Stadsmuur, There are plenty of delicious options to choose from. And of course, No trip to Alkmaar would be complete without trying some of the city’s famous cheese! Overall, Alkmaar is a charming and historic city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art and culture or outdoor adventure and culinary delights, This Dutch gem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Alkmaar Cheese Market
- Waagplein
- Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar
- Grote Kerk (St. Laurenskerk)
- Biermuseum De Boom
- Beatles Museum
- Molen van Piet (Windmill)
- Victoriepark
- Hof van Sonoy
- De Rijp village nearby
- Agriculture: Alkmaar is known for its dairy farming industry, which produces cheese and other dairy products.
- Tourism: The city attracts a large number of tourists every year due to its historic buildings, museums, and cultural events.
- Manufacturing: Alkmaar has a thriving manufacturing industry that includes food processing, textiles, and electronics.
- Healthcare: The city has several hospitals and healthcare facilities that provide medical services to the residents of Alkmaar and surrounding areas.
- Retail: There are many shops and stores in the city center that sell clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and other goods.
- Education: Alkmaar is home to several schools and universities that offer courses in various fields such as engineering, business management, art & design etc.
- IT & Software Development: There are many companies based in Alkmaar which provides software development services to clients across the globe.
- The Siege of Alkmaar in 1573 marked a significant moment during the Eighty Years’ War, as the city successfully defended itself against a Spanish siege.
- William II, Prince of Orange was born in Alkmaar in 1626 and played an important role in the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain.
- Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen was a renowned Dutch painter who lived and worked in Alkmaar during the 16th century.
- For over 650 years, Alkmaar has been home to one of Europe’s most famous cheese markets, attracting tourists from all over the world.
- Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck is a celebrated composer and organist who spent much of his life working at Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk but was born and raised nearby in Deventer.
- The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was one of history’s most powerful trading companies with its headquarters based in Amsterdam but also had an important presence throughout Holland, including Alkmaar.
- Willem Blaeu is a cartographer originally from nearby Uitgeest who lived and worked in Amsterdam during the late 16th century.
- Albert Heijn founded one of Holland’s largest supermarket chains after opening his first store as an independent grocer at age 21 on Laatstraat street in downtown Alkmaar on May 27th, 1887 – which is now known as Albert Heijnplein.
- Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar
- Beatles Museum
- National Beer Museum De Boom
- Cheese Market Alkmaar
- Grote Kerk (Great Church)
- Biermuseum De Boom
- Waagplein (Weighing House Square)
- Molen van Piet (Piet Windmill)
- Kranenburgh Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Rijksmonument de Oude Apotheek (Old Pharmacy Monument)
- AZ Alkmaar is the most well-known sports team in Alkmaar, Netherlands.
- The club was founded in 1967.
- AZ Alkmaar has a rich history of success, including winning the Eredivisie (Dutch league) twice and reaching the UEFA Cup final in 1981.
- Other notable sports teams in Alkmaar include AZ’s women’s football team, who have won multiple Eredivisie titles.
- Alcmaria Victrix is a cycling club that dates back to 1902.
- Kaeskoppenstad: This is a medieval festival that takes place in June, where the city transforms into a medieval town with knights, craftsmen, and musicians.
- Alkmaar Pride: This is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that takes place in August with parades, parties, and events.
- Victorie Sail: This festival celebrates Alkmaar’s maritime history and takes place every five years when tall ships sail into the city’s harbor.
- Cheese Market: The Cheese Market is held every Friday from April to September in the Waagplein square. It is one of the most popular events in Alkmaar where visitors can see cheese being traded traditionally.
- Jazz & Sail Festival: This event combines jazz music with sailing activities and takes place in August.
- Kunst tot de Nacht (Art until Night): An art festival that occurs on one night each year during which various museums and galleries stay open late for visitors to explore their exhibits.
- Kermis (Fair): A fair that occurs twice a year during which rides, games, food stalls are set up around town for several days at a time.
Food in Alkmaar
- Kaas (cheese) – Alkmaar is known for its cheese market and has a variety of cheese shops and restaurants featuring local cheeses.
- Haring (herring) – a traditional Dutch snack that can be found at many fish stands in the city.
- Stroopwafels – a sweet treat made from two thin waffles with caramel syrup in the middle.
- Bitterballen – deep-fried meatballs typically served as an appetizer or snack.
- Poffertjes – small, fluffy pancakes often served with powdered sugar and butter.
Popular Restaurants in Alkmaar
- De Binnenkomer – a cozy restaurant serving traditional Dutch dishes like stamppot and bitterballen
- De Koning Eten & Drinken – a modern restaurant with international cuisine and outdoor seating
- Het Gulden Vlies – a historic building converted into a restaurant serving French-inspired cuisine
- Hofman Café Restaurant Bar- located in the heart of the city, offering typical Dutch food such as croquettes, fried fish fillets, salads, sandwiches etc
- Café Wonders – A cosy café that offers great coffee options along with some delicious food options such as burgers fries etc
- Alkmaarderhout Park is a large urban park that offers plenty of walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for visitors to enjoy.
- Geestmerambacht Recreation Area is a nature reserve that features cycling paths, hiking trails, and water sports activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
- De Hoornse Vaart Sports and Recreation Centre is an indoor swimming pool complex that boasts fitness facilities and sports courts for those who want to stay active.
- Victoriepark is a small park located in the city center where visitors can find a petting zoo, playgrounds, and gardens to explore.
- Klimcentrum Alkmaar is an indoor climbing center suitable for all ages and skill levels who want to challenge themselves physically.
- Molen van Piet Windmill Museum provides guided tours of the historic windmill while showcasing traditional Dutch milling techniques through exhibits.
- Alkmaar Cheese Market is a weekly outdoor market where visitors can watch the traditional cheese weighing ceremony while sampling local cheeses from vendors.
- Boats4rent Alkmaar offers boat rentals or guided tours so you can explore the beautiful canals of Alkmaar at your leisure.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions some activities may be closed or have limited capacity/availability at this time.
