Experience Alkmaar through a variety of discoveries: from traditional cheese trading at Waagplein to art and brewing history, canals and a green park. Each place has its own focus, so you can shape your trip around the topics that interest you most.
Culture among churches, art and technology
The Grote Kerk is the largest church in Noord-Holland north of the North Sea Canal. Its permanent exhibition explores the church’s rich history, its monumental interior and the works of art it houses. Individual exhibition content may change. Both the building and its history and art are therefore at the heart of the experience.
The Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar offers a different perspective: its collection on the Bergen School comprises more than 280 works by artists who lived and worked in and around Bergen (NH). The connection to Bergen is therefore part of the subject, while the collection is housed in Alkmaar. Compared with the Grote Kerk, a visit to the museum focuses on an art movement and its regional connections rather than the history of a church interior.
The Beatles Museum Alkmaar adds another dimension with unique items belonging to the Fab Four from Liverpool and an exhibition area of 1,200 m². The scope and presentation of the collection may change. Those interested in brewing history will find a different focus at the Biermuseum De Boom: it explains brewing using tools, equipment and machines used to brew the “golden liquid” over the past 200 years. The museum is located in the historic building of the former De Boom brewery, where brewing technology and architectural history come together.
The Huis met de Kogel is also among Alkmaar’s historic sights: it is one of the city’s last two wooden houses. The Clarissenbolwerk offers a different experience. This former defensive structure is now a green park for walking and a meeting place.
Cheese trading at Waagplein
The Kaasmarkt takes place at Waagplein. Cheese has been traded there in the same way for hundreds of years; the market features cheese porters, cheese girls, cheese boys, market officials and traders. These different roles bring the traditional trade to life. If the market is a key reason for your trip, check the seasonal operating details in advance.
Canals, parks and nature in the surrounding region
You can explore Alkmaar’s canals on a sightseeing cruise or in a rental boat. Cruise schedules and providers, as well as the availability of rental boats, may change; check the details before your visit. This lets you plan your time on the water around the options currently available, separately from visits to museums or the church.
If you would like to include nature alongside the city’s attractions, the Eilandspolder in the Land van Leeghwater lies in the region around Alkmaar. This bird-rich area offers opportunities for walking and cycling, as well as trips by whisper boat or canoe. This gives you a choice between cultural discoveries in Alkmaar and a natural area in the surrounding region.
Waagplein is about a 15-minute walk from Alkmaar station. If the cheese market is a central part of your stay, check its seasonal operating details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Koedijk, Driehuizen, Schermerhorn, Oudorp, Stompetoren
Return to the main travel overview: Alkmaar.
