Sightseeing in Alkmaar - what to see. Complete travel guide

The most “cheese” city of Holland, Alkmaar is not just a huge center of cheese making, but also the most important trading center. Travelers are traditionally attracted by this city because of its trade fairs that take place in Alkmaar from April till the end of October, numerous historical sights and wide choice of excursions.

Waag-plein is considered the center of the city and all main sights of Alkmaar are gathered around it. Here you can visit the building of Scale chamber created in 1390. The building was used as a chapel until the end of the 16th century. Now it is used as the Museum of Cheese, quite an unusual and original place. All exhibits in this museum are connected with cheese making. By the way, you can try and purchase local cheese on trade fairs that are conducted in Alkmaar each Friday. Even if you don’t plan to purchase anything, it’s still recommended visiting such events as these fairs look more like theatrical performances than usual trading spots. Here you can meet street musicians, artists, craftsmen, and many souvenir outlets.

From historical point of view Cassandra square is an important destination as here is located Grotekerk church. It was built in the beginning of the 16th century. Nowadays the church attracts thousands of tourists who come to listen to the music of the church’s ancient organ. The Historical Museum and an old library are located just nearby and if you take a walk along the Langestrat street, you will reach Waag-plein, passing by a magnificent town hall building, several old houses and cozy valleys. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Other sights of Alkmaar include the National Museum of Beer, “the Beatles” Museum, Piet windmill and Alkmaaria park there stand several monuments. Both national and European cuisine can be found in multiple restaurants and taverns of this amazing city.

Those fond of unusual historical sights should go to the House with the kernel, that is located in the heart of the city. The exact date of construction of the house is unknown, but according to available historical data, it was erected in the late 16th century. Many interesting legends are associated with this house. When the city was besieged by the Spanish, a cannonball hit the house. However, the building did not collapse from such powerful impact, more than that, it was able to survive for many years after. Surprising is the fact that none residents of the house were injured by such hit. 

The house of the city guard is another interesting historical building; its construction was completed in 1618. This is a very unusual house, built in the shape of the letter "T", and it is much more engaging to the admire it from the inner yard. For many years city guards lived in this, and when the guard was disbanded, the city archive was founded in this historic building. Despite the fact that it is closed for tourists, the ancient architectural masterpiece can be admired by everyone. 

In the historic district of Alkmaar an old mill De Groot has been preserved; it was built in 1769 and for many years was used to grind grain. It is remarkable that this old mill is still sometimes used for its intended purpose, so well preserved it is. There are no tours available for tourists, so the mill can be admired from outside only. 

After Dutch Cheese Museum the most visited cultural centre of the city, comes the City Museum. It is located in a two-story historical building, and the first floor of the museum is an interesting collection of Dutch paintings of the 17th century. The second floor also houses a collection of ancient works of art, but also there is a very interesting collection of old toys. Several rooms of the museum are reserved for temporary exhibitions, and here interesting cultural events are often hosted. Among the most interesting religious sites is the Great Church of St Lawrence. Built in the late 15th century, it is a vivid example of the Gothic style. The most valuable artefact that is stored in the walls of this church is the pipe organ of the year 1511 - the oldest of the existing in the Netherlands.