Kaasmarkt Alkmaar: Friday mornings and some Tuesday evenings
The cheese market in Alkmaar is every Friday morning in April through September from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
In addition, evening cheese markets are organized again: every Tuesday evening in July and August from 7:00-21:00 pm.
A fun craft market/braderie is always held around the market.
CHILDREN’S CHEESE MARKET
On Fridays in July and August, it is possible for children aged about 6 to 12 to take a tour of the cheese market. The guide will take the children to the part not normally open to the public. Here they get explanations and have a great view of what is happening in the market.
Perhaps the very best part of this “children’s cheese market” is that the kids get to stand on the cheese scales themselves. From the cheese carriers, they then receive a weighing certificate.
When
The children’s cheese market is during the months of July and August and runs from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
You can order tickets through the VVV webshop or by phone at 072-5114284. You can also book at the counter and pay directly (provided there is still room). FULL=FULL.
Where?
On Waagplein. in Alkmaar
Tickets can be ordered by phone at 072-5114284
or at [email protected].
You can also make reservations at the front desk (subject to availability). FULL=FULL.
For whom
The Children’s Cheese Market is for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The guide will take the children to the part not normally open to the public. Here they get explanations and have a great view of what is happening in the market.
Perhaps the very best part of this “children’s cheese market” is that the kids get to stand on the cheese scales themselves. From the cheese carriers, they then receive a weighing certificate.
Cheese has been traded in the weighing square since the year 1365!
In 1365 the town owns one cheese scale; by 1612 there are four. The founding date of the Cheese Carriers Guild is June 17, 1593.
The market has always taken place in Waagplein. This square has been enlarged several times. In two centuries, it was enlarged no less than eight times to its present size. This shows the great importance of the cheese trade to the city. In the 17th century, cheese was traded on Fridays and Saturdays from May until All Saints’ Day. In the 18th century, even four days a week.
For visitors to the cheese market, 10 a.m. is the opening. However, a lot of work goes into this. Trucks full of cheeses from the factories of Campina and Cono, drive up to near the Waagplein.
So-called setters start early, starting at 7 a.m., to set the cheeses. Under the watchful eye of the market master, they place some 30 .000 kilos of Gouda cheese in long rows on Waagplein. The number of cheeses is around 2,400. By 9:30 a.m. everything must be ready.
