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Alkmaar: A Charming Dutch Gem
Located in the picturesque Netherlands, Alkmaar is a delightful city that captivates visitors with its rich history, scenic canals, and enchanting architecture. With a population of approximately 110,000, this quaint town offers an authentic Dutch experience away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
Alkmaar’s main attraction is undoubtedly its world-famous cheese market. Dating back to the 16th century, the tradition of selling and weighing cheese continues every Friday from April to September. Tourists flock to witness the colorful spectacle as cheese carriers parade through the streets in traditional costumes, making it a must-see event.
The city’s charming Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved buildings, some dating back to the 16th century. Exploring this area feels like stepping back in time, with historic landmarks such as the Waag (Weigh House) and the Grote Kerk (Great Church) standing as proud testaments to Alkmaar’s heritage.
For art enthusiasts, the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar showcases an impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including works by local painters like Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen and Caesar van Everdingen.
Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the city’s picturesque canals or take a stroll in one of the beautiful parks, such as the Alkmaarderhout, the oldest municipal park in the Netherlands.
Whether you’re a history buff, a cheese lover, or simply seeking an idyllic escape, Alkmaar offers a delightful blend of culture, tradition, and natural beauty that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
Middle Ages
Alkmaar originated on a beach embankment, over which a long country road ran to the south of Holland.
It was originally an agricultural settlement, centered around the Sint-Laurenskerk, founded in the 10th century, in the western part of the later inner city. The fields lay on the beach wall. Slightly to the east of this were the lower peat and clay soils of the Mient.
On June 11, 1254, Alkmaar was granted city rights by William II of Holland. At that time, the city mainly served as a border fortress and a base in the fight against the West Frisians.
In the summer of 1517, the city and its surroundings suffered from looting by the Arumer Zwarte Hoop. During the Eighty Years’ War, the Alkmaar Franciscan priests and friars were arrested by the Calvinist Geuzen under Diederik Sonoy in June 1572 and murdered in Enkhuizen on June 25, 1572 because of their loyalty to the Catholic faith, after horrific torture. The murdered clergy are now known as the martyrs of Alkmaar. In 1573 Alkmaar was besieged by the Spaniards, who had camped in Oudorp. However, the Alkmaarders kept them at a distance with boiling tar and burning fagots. This event, which led to the famous expression Bij Alkmaar begins the victory, is still celebrated every year on October 8 during Alkmaar Relief.
CHEESE MARKET
aLKMAAR IMPRESSION
The current coat of arms is based on the original coat of arms, which was probably granted in 1254, when Alkmaar received city rights from Count Willem II of Holland.
The castle shown is possibly the Torenburg, a 13th-century fortress that has since disappeared in Alkmaar. The oldest seal of Alkmaar, from 1299, shows the edge inscription Sigillum liberi oppidi de Alcmare. Later versions of the coat of arms, in the 16th and 17th centuries, had the edge lettering Sigillum salarium civitatis Alcmarienseis.
The coat of arms shows a shield with a fortress of silver on a red field. The shield is held by two lions rampant and is crowned by a green laurel wreath. Under the shield is a white ribbon with the motto Alcmaria victrix (“Alkmaar is the victor”), a Latin version of the expression At Alkmaar the victory begins, which dates back to the time of the Alkmaar Relief.
alkmaar cheese town
The Alkmaar cheese market has been a tradition for more than four centuries, and is nowadays visited by 100,000 people every year. The ‘market’ takes place on the Waagplein, in front of the monumental Waag building. In the 18th century, a cheese market was held four days a week and lasted until 1 am. On average, 300 tons of cheese were converted per market day. Since 1939, Alkmaar has been the only city that still trades cheese in this traditional way. Today, the cheese markets are open every Friday from April to September
09.15 09.50 u: performance by the carillon
09.50 – 11.00 u: Verbal presentation to visitors, in Dutch, German, English and French or Spanish
11.00 – 11.20 u: performance by the carillon
11.20 – 12.00 u: Verbal presentation to visitors, in Dutch, German, English and French or Spanish
12.00 – 12.20 u: performance by the carillon
12.20 – 12.55 u: Verbal presentation to visitors, in Dutch, German, English and French or Spanish
12.55 – 13.00 u: ‘closing’ of the cheesemarket
The cheesemarket takes place at the square named Waagplein in Alkmaar
