"Alkmaar, The Netherlands" Top 5 Page for this destination Alkmaar by penumbra

Alkmaar Travel Guide: 125 reviews and 345 photos

Alkmaar is north-west of Amsterdam and so is not on a main train route. However, the town is worth a stop if you would like to get pictures of the Dutch in some traditional clothing. Timing is critical though because the costumes only come out for the cheese market on Fridays (10am – noon) from April through August. There are other attractions in town worthy of a visit of course, but if you’re going to visit anyway, try to time it for the Friday morning cheese market. Your camera will be glad you did.

Head for the main street (Langestraat) in the center of town. At one end, closest to the train station is the Grote Kerk (Sint Laurenskerk). At the other end is the Waagplein with the cheese market, cheese museum and beer museum. Near the center of the street is the 16th century city hall (stadhuis). After that, enjoy the canals and the narrow streets of the old town center.

Last visit to Alkmaar: May 2002
Intro Updated Dec 9, 2006
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Reviews (8)

Waaggebouw Things to Do (6)

Originally a chapel for the Holy Ghost, this 14th century building was converted to a weigh house in 1582. Today it... more travel advice

Straatorgel Favorites (2)

Walking down a shopping street in the Netherlands can whisk you back in time with more than just the scenery. On this... more travel advice

Grote Kerk Things to Do (6)

Finished in 1520, Sint Laurenskerk houses the tomb of Floris V, Count of Holland (1254 -1296). It also houses the... more travel advice

Stadhuis Things to Do (6)

Half way along the main downtown street (Langestraat) is the 16th century Town Hall. Finished in 1520, the building and... more travel advice

Comments (4)

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SWFC_Fan Feb 3, 2007 at 2:34 AM

Thanks for visiting my Santorini page! Excellent tips here! Alkmaar looks like a nice town to visit from Amsterdam. I've added it to my potential weekend break destinations list!
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Pixiekatten Jan 30, 2007 at 3:35 AM

Cheesemarket? Sounds like Alkmaar is a town I would have loved.. Mmm.. cheese! :)))
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KiKitC Dec 19, 2006 at 6:51 PM

Thanks for visiting...I'm sure with that much beer, someone can find the 5 foot deep mud pit in the middle of the road...
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tremendopunto Dec 19, 2006 at 3:38 AM

Nice informative page! One of my uncles is crazy for the cheese and fish market there. The beer of the Netherlands is great, too ;-) By the way, a bottle of Everest beer was drunk too fast, so the monkeys and crows had no chance to steal any ;-)