Alkmaar Cheese Market
Alkmaar, Netherlands
Porters in white carry wheels of cheese on wooden barrows across the Waagplein in front of the old weigh house. The market runs on Friday mornings from April to September; arrive before 10 for a place.
The Alkmaar cheese market (North Holland, Netherlands) takes place on the Waagplein in front of the historic Weigh House and has been documented since at least 1593. Cheese carriers in traditional work clothes bring the round cheeses to the buyers on wooden barrows. The Weigh House now houses the Dutch Cheese Museum.
The market is held on Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm. In 2026 the season ran from 27 March to 25 September; check the dates for 2027 in advance (as of October 2026). In July and August there is also a Tuesday-evening market. The ceremony is explained in several languages, including English and German, and the carillon plays at 11 am and noon. The square is cleared at around 1 pm, so if you want a good spot, arrive early.
- Nearest town
- Alkmaar, Netherlands
- Category
- Food & drink
- GPS
- 52.6327, 4.7496
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Netherlands: No motorway tolls for cars. 100 km/h on motorways between 6:00 and 19:00.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
© Arhu · CC BY-SA 3.0 nlBeemster Polder
© Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chữ Hán: 徵國單) - Wikimedia Commons - © CC BY-SA 4.0 International. (Want to use this image?)… · CC BY-SA 4.0Zaanse Schans
© Henk Monster · CC BY 3.0Volendam
© dronepicr · CC BY 2.0Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Campsites nearby
- Camping AlkmaarCampsite2 km from Alkmaar Cheese MarketTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- de ZonnehoeveCampsite5 km from Alkmaar Cheese MarketTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camperplaatsen Recreatiehaven BroekhornMotorhome stopover6 km from Alkmaar Cheese MarketMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping de KolibrieCampsite7 km from Alkmaar Cheese MarketTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping De VoetelCampsite8 km from Alkmaar Cheese MarketTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping BakkumCampsite11 km from Alkmaar Cheese MarketTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Netherlands · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Alkmaar Cheese Market?
Alkmaar Cheese Market is in Alkmaar, Netherlands, at GPS 52.6327, 4.7496. It is about 11 km from Castricum.
Can you camp near Alkmaar Cheese Market?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Alkmaar, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 127 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Alkmaar Cheese Market?
Alkmaar Cheese Market is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: North Holland: Marken, Edam, Hoorn and Alkmaar.
What is there to see near Alkmaar Cheese Market?
Places worth a stop nearby: Beemster Polder (14 km), Zaanse Schans (18 km), Volendam (27 km) and Zuid-Kennemerland National Park (28 km).
When is the best time to visit Alkmaar Cheese Market?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)