How to spend top weekend in Alkmaar - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Boat Excursion on the City’s Canals

In order to see all architectural landmarks of Alkmaar, get acquainted with the historical heritage of the Netherlands, and simply diversify your vacation, you can try a boat excursion on the numerous canals of this gorgeous city. Such excursions are usually held starting from the mid-spring and up to the mid-autumn. A typical excursion lasts one hour.

This time is enough to see beautiful buildings constructed several centuries ago, merchant houses, and bridges. Therefore, don’t forget to take a camera. You will be able to find an excursion not far from the hotel where you stayed. You will get into a boat with a flat bottom that has no roof. At a glance, such boat doesn’t look very comfortable. You might also think that it is better not to make an excursion in such a boat when it is raining. However, as soon as the excursion starts, you will understand the choice of the watercraft.

In Alkmaar, there are bridges that are located not far from the water surface, so a boat with a roof or even a boat with sitting people cannot pass the bridge. Such boat excursions are incredibly interesting to attend! You will not only learn much interesting about Alkmaar and its history from the tour guide who speaks three languages but will also bend and stoop head together with other passengers when the boat will cross a low-level bridge. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Ice Skating Rink

In Alkmaar, there is a wonderful sports complex where visitors can try many various sports. There is even an ice skating rink. It is a famous ice skating rink that hosted many important competitions, such as ice skating championships in 1977 and 1987. As the ice is artificial, the rink is open all year round. Having explored all main landmarks in Alkmaar, consider spending some time on the rink as it is both entertaining and good for health. Of course, you can rent the skates and other gear.

Alkmaardermeer Lake Recreation

If you are tired of exploring Alkmaar, it is the right time to visit Alkmaardermeer Lake that is located in North Holland. The lake appeared as a result of flood yet during the middle ages. There is a port in the eastern part of Alkmaardermeer Lake. This part of the country is a recreational zone, so you can easily spend time there as a tourist. The lake is not big, but it is suitable for different kinds of water sports. The most typical types of active recreation are the following: waterskiing, surfing, motorboat riding, yachting, and fishing. However, you can always relax on the shore and simply admire the surrounding nature. Everyone will find an activity to fit their taste.

Excursion to the Shoemaker’s Workshop in Zaanse Schans

While enjoying your holiday in Alkmaar, devote one day to a visit to the town of Zaanse Schans. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the town from Amsterdam by car. If you take a train, the ride will be nearly an hour long. Zaanse Schans is a true museum in the open air. While exploring it, you will visit the shoemaker’s workshop where you can order klompen, traditional Dutch shoes. Local people have been wearing klompen since the medieval times. The unusual boots are very durable.

Residents of cities and towns do not wear them, but in villages, it is not rare to see people in klompen. The Dutch must even marry wearing the traditional shoes and then hang them on the wall. This old tradition is believed to bring good luck to families. Of course, you can buy these shoes in most souvenir stores, but it is much more interesting and memorable to buy klompen in a special workshop. The price starts from 30 euro for the pair.

The choice of models is truly mesmerizing – different colors, glossy surface, wood carving, various decorations, classy everyday klompen, klompen on a heel, shoes with crystals, and so on. The shoes will be made especially for you from poplar – this wood is easy to work with, but it is very durable at the same time. It takes approximately 10 minutes to make a pair. When leaving the Netherlands, you will take an unusual souvenir with you that will help you to remember your vacation.