Alkmaar, Netherlands

Located in the Province of North Holland about 10km inland from the coast and 40km north-west of Amsterdam.

Alkmaar, known as the City of Cheese, is well known for its traditional cheese market and is a popular cultural destination. A beautiful city with plenty to do, it has a special atmosphere due to its canals and historic buildings.

The old city of Alkmaar is an oval and is about one kilometre from east to west making everything within walking distance. Alkmaar was an important provincial city in the 17th century and the old city layout is mainly from this period.

In Alkmaar, you can go for lovely walks, go shopping, or enjoy a meal or a drink in one of the many restaurants and pubs in the Waagplein Square.

Things to see and do

* Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk
* Alkmaar's Cheese Market
* Beatles Museum
* Holland Cheese Museum
* National Beer Museum "De Boom"

General Information

Cruise Season - March-Nov
Currency - Euro (€) (EUR)
Language - Dutch
Land area - 29.51 km2
Population - 94,216
Time – GMT plus 1
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
International Country Code - +31

Transport links

Major airports are, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which has international flights from Amsterdam, located 48 km from Alkmaar and Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which has international flights from Rotterdam, located 97 km from Alkmaar.

Alkmaar has two railway stations – Alkmaar and Alkmaar Noord served by intercity trains.

Local bus services connect Alkmaar to surrounding villages and towns, up to about 30 km away.