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.
SAY CHEESE, SAY ALKMAAR !
All over the world, Alkmaar is known as the Cheese City. The Alkmaar Cheese Market has been a tradition since 1593 and is still held today.
About a hundred thousand people visit this colorful event every year!
The Cheese Market is free, for all ages and is easily accessible for people with physical disabilities.
Opening of the market
At the stroke of 10 a.m., the bell is rung. This is the sign that the cheese market is beginning.
Ringing the bell is often done by persons who are guests at the market, for example at the invitation of the municipality of Alkmaar.
It could be a famous Dutchman from the world of sports or TV or a foreign ambassador.
History
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.
In two centuries, it was enlarged no less than eight times to its present size…. In the 17th century, cheese was traded on Fridays and Saturdays from May to All Saints. In the 18th century, even four days a week.
Transportation
Bus: From coastal town Egmond aan Zee, Connexxion buses run to Alkmaar. (Bus 165)
Program (subject to change):
- 09:50 a.m.: tourists are welcomed
- 9:55 a.m.: the bell ringer is introduced 10:00 a.m.: the bell is rung and the market is open
- 10.05 – 10.50 h:oral explanations for visitors in Dutch, German, English and French
- 10:50 – 11:15 a.m.:the carillon will be played
- 11.20 – 12.05 h: oral explanations for visitors in Dutch, German, English and French
- 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.: the carillon will be played
- 12.30 p.m. end of cheese market Waagplein, Alkmaar
When and Where
The Alkmaar Cheese Market takes place in 2010 from April 2 through September 3, every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Waagplein.
Thousands of visitors from all over the world come specially to Alkmaar for the cheese market. It is therefore a special spectacle with a square full of cheese and lugging cheese carriers. Since 1593, the cheese market has been held at the Waagplein in Alkmaar.
A section of the market is specially reserved for groups. Led by our guides, this allows you to experience the market up close. In addition to the cheese market itself, take a look at the weighing area and the cheese carrier room.
For Groups
You can also combine a visit to the cheese market with a tour of the Dutch Cheese Museum and/or a city walk.
- Tour of Cheese Market (1/2 hour) *
Also possible are the combinations:
- Cheese Market & Cheese Museum *
- Cheese Market & City Walk *
- Cheese Market & Cheese Museum & City Walks *
- Expand visit Cheese Museum with cheese tasting *
Reservations: 072-5114284. Prices on request.
* min. 10 pers. per group
