Visiting the Alkmaar Cheese Market: Our Day Trip from Amsterdam
Just an hour by train from Amsterdam Zuid, Alkmaar is home to one of the Netherlands’ most unique traditions: the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market. After hearing about it from several friends, we decided it was finally time to see what all the fuss was about for ourselves.
We made the trip from Amsterdam to spend the morning watching the centuries-old cheese market in action, before exploring more of Alkmaar afterwards. From rows of huge wheels of cheese filling the square to the traditional cheese carriers rushing back and forth, it turned out to be one of those wonderfully Dutch experiences that you really have to see in person.
In this guide, we're sharing everything you need to know about visiting the Alkmaar Cheese Market, including when to go, how to get there from Amsterdam, what to expect, and our tips for making the most of your day trip.
What Is the Alkmaar Cheese Market?
The Alkmaar Cheese Market is a traditional cheese market held in the historic Waagplein in the centre of Alkmaar. Dating back centuries, it gives visitors the chance to see how cheese was traditionally traded in the Netherlands and is one of the city's best-known traditions.
During the market, the square fills with rows of large wheels of cheese while members of the Alkmaar Cheese Carriers' Guild transport them across the square on traditional wooden barrows. The cheeses are weighed at the historic Waag building, while demonstrations recreate the weighing, carrying and trading process that once formed an important part of Alkmaar's cheese industry.
Although today the market is primarily a demonstration for visitors rather than a working commercial cheese market, many of its traditions have been preserved. From the distinctive uniforms of the cheese carriers to watching them race across Waagplein carrying stacks of cheese, it offers a fun glimpse into a piece of Dutch history - and makes for a very different day trip from Amsterdam.
When Is the Alkmaar Cheese Market?
The Alkmaar Cheese Market runs from spring until the end of September, with the traditional market taking place every Friday morning on Waagplein in the heart of Alkmaar.
The Friday market begins at 10:00 with the ringing of the cheese bell, marking the start of the demonstrations and trading. If you're planning your day trip around the market, we'd recommend arriving a little earlier. It can get fairly busy, so getting there before it starts gives you a better chance of finding a spot at the front and getting a clear view of the action.
Our tip: Always check the official Alkmaar Cheese Market website before travelling, particularly if you're planning your visit around a specific date.
Is the Alkmaar Cheese Market Worth Visiting?
If you're looking for a day trip from Amsterdam that's a little different from the usual tourist attractions, we'd definitely recommend visiting the Alkmaar Cheese Market.
While the market today is more of a demonstration than a traditional working market, it's still fascinating to watch the cheese carriers in action and experience a tradition that has been part of Dutch history for centuries.
What makes this day trip even better is that there's more to Alkmaar than just the cheese market. Once the demonstrations finish, you can spend the rest of your day wandering through the historic streets, exploring the canals, and enjoying the city's relaxed atmosphere.
For us, it was a memorable morning and a great way to experience another side of the Netherlands, all within easy reach of Amsterdam.