Plizio Visual Lab
Taste Gouda and Edam from the specialist cheese shops near Waagplein.
Enjoy these fluffy Dutch mini pancakes at a cafe on the main square.
Order these crispy meat croquettes at a canal-side traditional brown café.
Explore the old town area for independent boutiques and characterful vintage shops.
Buy vacuum-packed pieces from a local fromagerie to safely take home.
Head to the main shopping street for well-known fashion brands.
Take a walk along the green star-shaped remnants of the old city walls.
Relax in what is known as the oldest city park in the Netherlands.
A remarkably serene historic courtyard tucked away in the center.
Water temperature…
Alkmaar is a historically significant city in the province of North Holland, best known for its traditional cheese market. The city achieved national fame in 1573 during the Eighty Years' War when it became the first Dutch town to successfully repel a siege by Spanish forces. This victory marked a critical turning point in the Dutch struggle for independence and is commemorated annually on October 8th. The cityscape is characterized by easy on the eye canals and historic structures such as the 14th-century Waag (Weigh House) and the Great St. Lawrence Church. The cheese market on the Waagplein has been conducted according to strict traditions since 1593 and remains one of the country's most prominent cultural attractions. In addition to its cultural role, Alkmaar serves as an essential regional commercial center for the surrounding agricultural districts.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 82 | 69 | 56 | 41 | 56 | 63 | 80 | 96 | 78 | 93 | 90 | 92 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Just outside Alkmaar, the Strand van Luna beckons as a modern, artificially created local recreation oasis. The calm inland water and the clean sand area offer families a safe environment for splashing around and building sandcastles. Especially in high season, the facility fills up quickly, which is why a visit on weekdays is often quieter.
Muziekvereniging Excelsior operates as a theatre venue in Alkmaar.
Puncher Comedy Club is a theatre and comedy venue in Alkmaar.
The Schermerhek is a historic city gate located in Alkmaar.
The Accijnstoren is a notable historic tower located in Alkmaar.
