Discover Alkmaar: experience art, pleasure and nature in North Holland
Alkmaar is a charming city in the heart of North Holland. Here, travelers will find an unforgettable vacation experience, especially if they appreciate culture, history and nature.
Alkmaar combines tradition and modernity in a unique way, making the city an ideal destination for anyone who wants to experience the authentic flair of the Netherlands. The historic old town of Alkmaar invites you to take relaxing strolls along picturesque canals and impressive architecture. A canal cruise through Alkmaar offers a relaxing way to experience the city from a different perspective. The tours take you through the picturesque waterways and offer interesting insights into the history and architecture of the city.
Culture-loving vacationers can discover local art and history at the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar. The Grote Sint-Laurenskerk is one of the city’s architectural highlights. The famous cheese market in Alkmaar is an absolute must. It takes place every Friday from April to September on the Waagplein. Here, visitors experience a unique spectacle that illustrates and keeps alive the traditions of the cheese trade in the region.
For nature lovers, Alkmaar offers the perfect starting point to explore the nearby dunes and beaches. Whether cycling, hiking or simply enjoying the fresh North Sea air – the surrounding area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.
The small Dutch town also has plenty of culinary delights to offer. The gastronomic scene ranges from cozy cafés to first-class restaurants serving both traditional Dutch and international cuisine. In the city and the surrounding region, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared fish in one of the cozy restaurants. The proximity to the coast ensures that fish dishes here are particularly fresh and tasty.
Places of interest in Alkmaar
The mighty Grote Sint-Laurenskerk stands in the middle of the small and beautiful old town of Alkmaar. The church building is better known in the city as the Laurenskerk or Grote Kerk.
One of the oldest museums in the Netherlands is located in Alkmaar. The Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar was opened in 1875 and is now housed in a modern museum building on Canadaplein.
Cheese as far as the eye can see …The cheese market in Alkmaar is the oldest and largest cheese market in the Netherlands. If you watch the hustle and bustle here, you will learn a lot about traditional life and the cheese trade in the Netherlands.
Alkmaar is the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding area. How about a bike ride from De Rijp to a cow hotel and the smallest candy store in the Netherlands?
There are several ways to discover a city. On foot, by bus, by bike … The sights in Alkmaar can ideally be experienced on foot or by boat. I tried both options and can't really decide which I liked better.
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On the road with culinary delights
Alkmaar is a city of indulgence. Whether sweet, cheesy, hearty meaty, vegetarian or vegan, the restaurants in Alkmaar offer a huge selection of delicious dishes.
Hotel recommendations
There are people who are happy when their nights in prison come to an end. Anyone who checks into The Fallon Hotel Alkmaar is voluntarily going to prison and is happy to stay a little longer!
Hotel Alkmaar
The Fallon Hotel Alkmaar
ApartHotel Trendy by Urban Home Stay
Grand Hotel Alkmaar
Travel information
Arrival
Mit dem Flugzeug
Eine internationale Anreise erfolgt über den Flughafen Amsterdam-Schiphol.
Mit dem Zug
Es gibt zwei Bahnhöfe Alkmaar und Alkmaar Noord. Der Hauptbahnhof Alkmaar befindet sich näher am alten Zentrum. Es gibt zu beiden Bahnhöfen direkte Verbindungen aus zum Beispiel Nijmegen, Maastricht, Den Haag und Den Helder (meistens 2 Züge pro Stunde).
Es gibt auch Verbindungen aus Amsterdam und Utrecht (meistens 4 Züge pro Stunde). Von Amsterdam benötigt man etwa 35 Minuten bis Alkmaar.
Mit dem Bus
Von Amsterdam nach Alkmaar: Es gibt zahlreiche Busse, die von den umliegenden Dörfern und Städten in Nord-Holland und Friesland zum Busbahnhof von Alkmaar fahren.
Von Alkmaar nach Bergen aan Zee: Der Bus fährt normalerweise zweimal pro Stunde und ist eine einfache Möglichkeit, Bergen aan Zee zu erreichen.
Mit dem Auto
Aus Süden kommend kann man gut über die A9 anreisen. Aus Norden fährt man auf der A7 bis Middenmeer und dann über die N42 in Richtung Alkmaar.
Mit dem Schiff
Aus Großbritannien kann man die Fähre von Newcastle nach IJmuiden nehmen. Die Überfahrt dauert etwa 16 Stunden. From the port, take the train to Alkmaar’s train stations.
By bike
Two national cycle routes pass through Alkmaar: the LF7 and the LF15.
On the way in ...
By bus
There are two bus stations, one at the canal and one at the train station.
On foot
The center of Alkmaar is not particularly large. It is easily possible to explore it on foot.
By bike
As in many Dutch towns, the bicycle is one of the most important means of transportation in the city. The cycle paths are very well developed.
By boat
In the summer months it is possible to travel through the canals by boat.
By car
The old town can only be entered by car at certain times.
Parking
There are 8 public parking garages in Alkmaar and free P+R parking around the city center.
Alkmaar parking garages
Singel parking garage (center west)
Karperton parking garage (north center)
Kanaalschiereiland parking garage (Overstad)
De Vest parking garage (at Theater De Vest and Paardenmarkt)
Kazerne parking garage (above the fire station)
Schelphoek parking garage (center east, easy to reach from Haarlem and Amsterdam)
De Kwakel parking garage (Overstad)
Grote Kerk parking garage (center west)
P & R parking lots
Ter Keesomstraat in Oudorp, side street Edisonweg.
Terrain Bergermeer on Robonsbosweg (next to Camping Alkmaar).
Bicycle parking is also available in Alkmaar. There are free bicycle parking spaces on the Canadaplein, on the Ridderstraat and at the station.