Thousands of visitors from all over the world visit the city Alkmaar for its cheese market, a particular spectacle which includes a market filled with cheese and hauling cheese carriers.
In 1365 Alkmaar was granted weighing rights and a weighing scale, and in 1612 this number increased to four. Exactly when the first cheese market took place is shrouded in mystery. Old documents have been found that confirm the cheese market definitely took place in 1622, but there is also evidence that the cheese bearer’s guild was founded in 1593; we can therefore deduce that there must have been a cheese market at that time as well.
When is the cheese market in Alkmaar?
The cheese market Alkmaar 2022 will take place from March 25th untill september 23th, every friday from 10 am untill 13.00 pm on the Waagplein. In 2022 there will be the evening cheese markets on Tuesdays in July and August from 19.00-21.00.
Program Friday Cheese Market Alkmaar
- 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 β 11.20 u: performance by the carillon
- 11.20 β 12.00 u: Verbal presentation to visitors, in Dutch, German, English and French or Spanish
- 12.00 β 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: βclosingβ of the cheesemarket
Tour / Excursion from Amsterdam to Cheese Market
Unfortunately, there is no tour from Amsterdam to the cheese market in Alkmaar. However, there is a tour on Wednesdays in July and August to the cheese market in Edam, including a visit to the Cheese Experience and a visit to a cheese farm. Price of the tour is just β¬ 29,50
Where is the cheese market in Alkmaar?
The cheese market takes place at the square named Waagplein in Alkmaar.
Directions by Car
The Cheese Market is in the town centre of Alkmaar. You can use the PRIS (Parking Route Information System) to find directions to the car parks.
Directions by Train
There is a direct connection to Alkmaar from Amsterdam Centraal Station, with trains departing four times an hou
The cheese market is surrounded by a fun art and craft market. This is where you can find real Dutch βpoffertjesβ, herring, farm cheese, a clog maker, craft stalls and much more!
Hotels nearby the cheese market in Alkmaar
The city of Alkmaar is also ideal as a holiday destination to discover the Netherlands from there. From the city you can easily travel to Amsterdam, Schiphol, Haarlem, De Zaanse Schans and Volendam.
Our favorite overnight locations in Alkmaar are:
- Trendy penthouse in the city centre
- Family hotel Alkmaar -> Top location
- Indoor camping Alkmaar -> Unique location
- Golden Tulip Hotel -> 2 km walking distance of the cheese market Alkmaar
Other cheese markets around Amsterdam
- Cheese market Edam – Wednesday mornings in July and August
- Cheese Market Gouda – Thursday morning from April to August
Popular links
Are you planning to visit the best (flower) activities in Holland? Make sure to check out the most populair activities:
- Everything you want to know aboutΒ Keukenhof Gardens
- Check out our information about theΒ Flower ParadeΒ in Holland
- Our top sightseeing tours for exploring the flower fields
- Buy Keukenhof quality tulip bulbs online and create your own tulip garden
- Check out our hotel tips for visiting Keukenhof and the tulip fields
- Stay informed about the blooming of the flowers in Holland with our freeΒ Flower Forecast
- Want to experience the real thing? Visit aΒ tulip farmΒ in Holland
- See the best flower events during your visit to Holland? Check it out in ourΒ events calendar
- Visit the unique flower experience center all year round
- This flower attractions are open all year
- Our tips forΒ the most populair tours in AmsterdamΒ during your stay in Holland
- Get the most out of your visit with ourΒ tips for visiting Amsterdam
- Read more about the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket