The Cheese Market of Alkmaar

The city of Alkmaar is famous worldwide for its cheese market. Cheese has been weighed in Alkmaar since 1593. Cheese carriers carry thousands of kilos of cheese from the ‘Waagplein’ square to the weighing house. What used to be serious business has turned into a popular attraction for thousands of tourists.

The Holland Cheese Museum

Alkmaar has much more to offer than a cheese market alone. And what better way to discover this city than during a walking tour along the almshouses, monuments and museums of Alkmaar. The walk also takes you to the 14th century weighing house, where you can visit the Holland Cheese Museum on the second and third floor.

Opening of the Cheese Market

Cheese carriers can be seen in action every Friday between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. from the first Friday of April until the first Friday of September. You’ll be surprised at how important cheese used to be and still is for the city of Alkmaar.

Find out more about Dutch Cheese and other Traditional Dutch Icons.