Colors of Alkmaar - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle
The city of Alkmaar welcomes guests with a decent choice of destinations and traditional cordiality. Prepare yourself for a variety of pleasant surprises and multifaceted experiences from this stunning destination. Alkmaar consists of stair-step bridges, canals, ancient paved bridges, gabled roofs, crowned Gothic cathedrals, narrow streets, which suddenly end in historical squares, and the atmosphere of an ancient place typical for the old-fashioned towns of the Netherlands. But the real heart of this amazing city is its residents. Local people are very friendly and hospitable, they differ in moderation and thrift in everything. At the same time, they are always ready to help and assist you.
The first reference to Alkmaar was documented in the 10th century. At that time it was a fortress on the border in the war against the inhabitants of the Frisian islands. Nowadays it is a famous ancient city, which means "surrounded by water". In the Netherlands, Alkmaar is famous for its huge cheese fair and for the sewing factory that produces a uniform for sailors. On the beautiful antique narrow streets, you will enjoy numerous souvenir shops. The road to the main street of the city passes by the original turret "hofie" of the complex Hof von Sonoy.
Alkmaar has several unique hotels, and there won’t be equal in any other city in the world. One of these hotels is Bed & Breakfast Prins Hendrik occupying an old cheese farm built in … Open
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Alkmaar and surroundings
Reference information
Cathedrals and basilicas near Alkmaar
♥ Sint-Josephkerk, Haarlem, 29 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Grote of Sint-Bavokerk, Haarlem, 29.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Kathedrale Basiliek van Sint-Bavo, Haarlem, 29.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basiliek van de H. Nicolaas, Ijsselstein, 30.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basiliek van de H. Johannes de Doper, Laren, 52.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Kathedrale Sint Maarten, Utrecht, 65.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Sint Catharinakathedraal, Utrecht, 65.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Sint-Josephkerk, Haarlem, 29 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Grote of Sint-Bavokerk, Haarlem, 29.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Kathedrale Basiliek van Sint-Bavo, Haarlem, 29.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basiliek van de H. Nicolaas, Ijsselstein, 30.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basiliek van de H. Johannes de Doper, Laren, 52.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Kathedrale Sint Maarten, Utrecht, 65.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Sint Catharinakathedraal, Utrecht, 65.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
Survived castles around Alkmaar
♥ Castle 'Ilpenstein Castle' , 23.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Brederode Castle' , 24.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Huis ter Kleef' , 29.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Slot Heemstede' , 33.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Muiderslot' , 39.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Huys Dever' , 44.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Slot Teylingen' , 47.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Ilpenstein Castle' , 23.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Brederode Castle' , 24.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Huis ter Kleef' , 29.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Slot Heemstede' , 33.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Muiderslot' , 39.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Huys Dever' , 44.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Slot Teylingen' , 47.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
Unique landmarks in Alkmaar and around
Electric Ladyland Fluorescent Museum
From the series “15 Unofficial Man-Made Wonders of the World”
Check on the map: Distance from Alkmaar center - 29.9 km.
The opening of the museum took place in 1999. The ground floor houses an amazing gallery with paintings that glow in the dark. Visitors have an opportunity to buy any exhibit they like and carry a piece of the unique museum home. In addition to static installations, the collection of natural minerals that glow in the dark is worth noting. All those mineral were brought by the owner of the museum from different parts of the world. …
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Anne Frank Huis
From the series “Apartment-museums of great celebrities”
Check on the map: Distance from Alkmaar center - 30.1 km.
The building where the museum is located was built in 1635. It has changed its status many times over the years. Initially, the luxury mansion belonged to one of the wealthy citizens. A warehouse and a small factory for the production of household appliances were located in it later. The factory, which was engaged in the production of additives for jams opened in this building in 1940. Anne Frank's father was one of the employees of this factory. …
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Sauna Deco
From the series “Most Extraordinary Thermaes, Baths and Saunas in the World”
Check on the map: Distance from Alkmaar center - 30.1 km.
A real Turkish hammam is available to visitors of the Deco complex, as well as two saunas and a hydromassage pool. A courtyard is equipped with a beautiful seating area with a terrace and a garden. Another attractive feature of the sauna is a high-class massage parlor, which employs some of the best specialists in the city. The history of the bath complex is very interesting and inextricably linked to the famous Parisian department store Le Bon Marche. …
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Saudi Arabia to Open 38 Hotels in Diriyah
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
24.04.2024
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
24.04.2024
Colors of Alkmaar in photos
Search for popular touristic sites on Alkmaar map
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Alkmaar. Learn the best periods to visit Alkmaar to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Alkmaar.