Event Details
Alkmaar Cheese Market – A Living Tradition Since the 16th Century
The Alkmaar Cheese Market is one of the most iconic and oldest markets in the Netherlands. Since at least 1593, cheese has been traded in the traditional way on the Waagplein in Alkmaar's beautiful historic centre. Every year from late March to late September, the square in front of the monumental Weighing House transforms into a spectacular stage for cheese carriers, traders and quality inspectors. The market draws more than 170,000 visitors each year from around the world.
2026 Dates
- Friday market: 27 March 2026 to 25 September 2026, every Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Evening cheese market: Every Tuesday evening in July and August (7 July to 25 August 2026), from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Location: Waagplein, 1811 JP Alkmaar
- Entry: Free of charge
How the Market Works
At 10:00 AM, the opening bell rings and trading begins. Quality inspectors first examine each cheese for fat content, moisture and the number of holes. Traders then negotiate the price per kilo using the traditional handjeklap, a ritual of hand-slapping and shouting out prices. Once a deal is struck, the kaasdragers (cheese carriers) dressed in white uniforms and coloured straw hats carry the rounds of cheese on traditional wooden barrows to the Weigh House. Each hat colour indicates guild membership. At 1:00 PM, the Waag tower bell signals the official close of the market. Carillon bell performances ring out from the tower at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
Highlights
- Cheese carriers in traditional dress with coloured straw hats representing their guild
- Traditional handjeklap price negotiation ritual
- Cheese weighing ceremony at the historic Weighing House
- Children's guided tours on Friday mornings in July and August (10:30 and 11:00 AM)
- Children can be weighed on the historic cheese scale and receive a weighing certificate
- Craft and artisan market surrounding the Waagplein
- Dutch Cheese Museum inside the Weighing House
- Special evening cheese markets in July and August
Dutch Cheese Museum
Inside the historic Weighing House at the edge of the market square, the Dutch Cheese Museum offers a deep dive into the history of Dutch cheese-making, trading and farming culture. Information is available in Dutch, German, English, French and Spanish.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: the market opens at 10:00 AM; the opening bell ceremony with a guest of honour takes place at 9:15 AM.
- Travel by train: Alkmaar is easily accessible from Amsterdam and other Dutch cities in around 30 minutes.
- Drivers can park at Schelphoek car park, a well-maintained option about 10 minutes on foot from the market.
- Cheese tasting bags are sold at the market for around €15, containing approximately 1 kg of cheese plus extras.
- Alkmaar is worth exploring beyond the market: the city centre features beautiful canals, around 400 national monuments and a lively dining scene.
