Dutch Countryside

Alkmaar Cheese Market
2026-06-19 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-26 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-03 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-10 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-17 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-24 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-31 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-07 10:00 - 13:00 UTC and 7 more dates | Alkmaar Cheese Market, Waagplein 2, Alkmaar, Noord Holland, 1811JP, Netherlands
Alkmaar Cheese Market

Alkmaar Cheese Market

Thousands of visitors from all over the world come specially to the Alkmaar cheese market. It is therefore a special spectacle with a square full of cheese and lugging cheese carriers. The cheese market is held just over 40 kilometres from the centre of Amsterdam.

In 1365, Alkmaar has weighing rights and one scale, but in 1612 these are already four. When the first real cheese market has taken place, it is covered in mists. Old documents have been found that clearly state that the cheese market took place with certainty in 1622, but there is also evidence that the cheese carrier guild was established in 1593; from this we can conclude that there must have been a cheese market back then.

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Alkmaar Cheese Market 2026

Alkmaar Cheese MarketWhen is the cheese market in Alkmaar?What can i expect at the Alkmaar Cheese Market?Program Alkmaar Cheese Market 2026How to get to the Cheese Market in Alkmaar?New in 2026: Book a direct tour from Amsterdam

When is the cheese market in Alkmaar?

The cheese market in Alkmaar is held every Friday morning. The first cheese market of 2026 is on Friday 27 March and the last cheese market is on 25 September. The market starts at 10 am and lasts until 1 pm.

What can i expect at the Alkmaar Cheese Market?

During the cheese market in Alkmaar, the judges and traders go to work. They inspect the cheeses. They do this not only by looking at the cheese; the cheese is beaten and cut in half. They also take out a piece of cheese with a special cheese drill. They smell the cheese and check how elastic the piece is; this tells something about the fat content. Furthermore the cheese is crumbled between the fingers and of course tasted.

Program Alkmaar Cheese Market 2026

Although the cheese market does not start until 10 a.m., the work begins at 7 a.m. Under the watchful eye of the market master, they place about 30,000 kilos of Gouda cheese in long rows on the Waagplein. The number of cheeses is around 2,400. Everything must be ready by 09:30 hrs.

TimeProgram Alkmaar Cheese Market 20267:00 amPlacing the Cheeses | Trucks loaded with cheeses drive onto Waagplein, where the Alkmaar Cheese Market has been held since its inception. Under the watchful eye of the market master, the ‘setters’ arrange as much as 30,000 kilos of Gouda and Edam cheeses in long rows on the still quiet Waagplein. That’s about 2,400 cheeses! This must be completed by 9:30 am.9:30 amCheese Carriers | The cheese carriers arrive at the Waaggebouw. Anyone who is late has to pay a fine, which partly goes to a school in the town of ‘Alkmaar’ in Suriname.9:45 amCheese Father’s Roll Call | The head of the cheese carriers, the ‘cheese father,’ holds his roll call with the cheese carriers in the Waaggebouw. Are all the cheese carriers present? Are there any special matters on the market today? Which cheese carriers will work in which part of the Cheese Market?10:00 amThe Cheese Bell | At exactly 10:00 am, the cheese bell is rung. This opens the cheese market to visitors. The honor of ringing the bell usually goes to a well-known Dutch celebrity or a relation of the Municipality of Alkmaar.From 10:00 amInspecting the Cheeses | After ringing the bell, the inspectors examine the cheeses by tapping, tasting, and feeling them. A piece is taken from the cheese with a special cheese bore. The smell and elasticity of the piece of cheese that comes out of it indicate something about the fat content. They also look at the number of holes in the cheese; these should be perfectly distributed over the cheese.From 10:00 amThe Random Sample | Do you ever take a random sample? This term comes from the Cheese Market, where the inspectors use a cheese bore to take a piece from the cheese to taste it.After a positive inspection, the intense negotiation of the cheese price can begin. This is still done through the traditional method of ‘handjeklap,’ which means ‘hand-clapping.’ The final handclap signifies the completion of the cheese sale.From 10:00 amWeighing the Cheese | Once a batch of cheese is sold, the cheese carriers carry it on a berrie to the Weigh House. There, the cheese is weighed by the so-called ‘tasman’ (bagman). Where does the name tasman come from? It refers to the bag around his waist, where he keeps the collected money. The weighmaster ensures that the correct weight is billed to the buyer. After weighing, the tasman stamps the wooden berrie.From 10:00 amCarrying the Cheese Away | When a batch of cheese has been weighed and sold, the cheese carriers transport the cheeses across the market to the buyers’ trucks. Two cheese carriers carry the cheese on a berrie, and more than 100 kilos of cheese are on it! It is quite an art to keep the cheese berrie steady while walking. The Cheese Carriers must walk in a certain rhythm, which is called the ‘kaasdragersdribbel’ or ‘cheese carriers’ trot.’ This way, the berrie hangs still between the cheese carriers.12:30 pmThrowing the Cheese | The ‘ingooiers’ load the last cheeses onto carts and take them to the buyers’ trucks in Marktstraat. The cheese disappears from Waagplein, and in its place, cozy terraces are set up. Maybe you’ve worked up an appetite for a cheese sandwich… The restaurants and cafes in and around Waagplein will be happy to help you!

How to get to the Cheese Market in Alkmaar?

Tour from Amsterdam

By car

By train

New in 2026: Book a direct tour from Amsterdam

A convenient way to experience the Alkmaar Cheese Market is via an organised half-day tour from Amsterdam. Perfect for visitors without a car or those looking for a relaxed and well-organised trip.

Tour schedule:

08:30 – Departure from Amsterdam

10:00 – Arrival at the Alkmaar Cheese Market

12:00 – 14:00 – Free time to explore Alkmaar at your own pace

Receive a map with highlights and tips to help you get the most out of your visit

14:00 – Departure from Alkmaar

15:30 – Arrival back in Amsterdam

Places are limited so book your tickets in time. Check current availability and prices below and book your tickets easily.

Driving to Alkmaar is simple via the A9 highway. The city center is partially car-free, so plan to park nearby:

Kanaalschiereiland Parking (P1) – Pettemerstraat 3, 1823 CW Alkmaar

P+R Bergermeer – Bergerweg 62, 1817 MJ Alkmaar (Free parking + easy access to city center)

Parking Karperton (P5) – Bagijnenstraat 13, 1811 KA Alkmaar (Closest to the market square)

Direct trains run regularly from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar Station (approx. 35–40 minutes)

From the station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Waagplein

Train ticketsPriceOne-Way Train Ticket Amsterdam – Alkmaar€ 9.40More info

Luxury day trip from Amsterdam

Are you travelling from Amsterdam? Then the easiest way is to book a cheese day tour. This takes you directly from the centre of Amsterdam to the cheese market in Alkmaar. You will also visit a cheese farm in the Dutch countryside.

Flower Parade Noordwijk Lisse Haarlem
2027-04-14 09:00 - 2027-04-18 21:30
Spring is celebrated best with the world-famous Flower Parade that runs from Noordwijk via Lisse (Keukenhof Tulip Garden) to Haarlem. The flower parade drives no less than 42 kilometres. In 2027 the Flower Parade will be on Saturday 17 April. From 14 April to 18 April, there are several events surrounding the Flower Parade.

Flower Parade Noordwijk Lisse Haarlem 2027

What to expect at the Flower Parade?When is will the Flower Parade be held in 2027?How long does the Flower Parade take?What is the admission fee?How do I get to the Flower Parade?Where can i stay near the Flower Parade?

What to expect at the Flower Parade?

The flower parade in April is the largest spring flower parade in Holland. It is a unique parade because it is completely built up with spring flowers. The floats are mainly constructed with hyacinth flowers and of course tulips are also used in the parade. The Flower Parade is the event with which spring is celebrated in Holland and with a million visitors it is one of the most popular events in spring.

When is will the Flower Parade be held in 2027?

The Flower Parade will run in 2027 on Saturday 17 April. On Friday evening 16 April the illuminated flower parade will take place and on Sunday the parade can be admired in the centre of Haarlem.

How long does the Flower Parade take?

The Flower Parade runs on Saturday 17 April from half past 10 in the morning until 21:30 hrs. During this time the parade will drive from Noordwijk to Haarlem. A more than 42 kilometres long trip along various villages and cities. If you stand along the side, it will take about 1 hour before the entire flower parade is over.

What is the admission fee?

Viewing the Flower Parade in Holland standing by the roadside is free of charge. However, if you would like to watch from one of the stands, covered and with services such as a toilet, you must reserve a seat in advance. Below you can see a tickets and tours that are available in 2026.

DateLocationPrice16 AprilFlower Parade Night Edition grandstand seat + Keukenhof tour€ 139.50Book now17 AprilTour from Amsterdam to Keukenhof & Flower Parade€ 52.50Book now17 AprilFlower Parade VIP Tour from Amsterdam€ 139.50Book now17 AprilFlower Parade Grandstand Lisse + lunch€ 77.00Book now17 AprilFlower Parade Grandstand Lisse South + lunch€ 77.00Book now17 AprilFlower Parade Grandstand Noordwijk (Not covered)€ 29.50Book now17 AprilFlower Parade Grandstand Hillegom (Not covered)€ 29.50Book now17 AprilFlower Parade Grandstand Voorhout (Not covered)€ 29.50Book now18 AprilFlower Parade EXPO Haarlem + Keukenhof tour€ 94.50Book now

How do I get to the Flower Parade?

The flower parade travels from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Accessibility depends on where you want to watch the flower show. By car, all locations are easily accessible. By public transport, it is easiest to watch at Keukenhof Gardens, Noordwijk and Haarlem.

Check out the route of the Dutch Flower Parade

Where can i stay near the Flower Parade?

Even for a hotel, it is important to consider where you want to look. A hotel in Amsterdam is a good choice but often expensive. There are also great hotels in Noordwijk and Haarlem that are prefect for visiting the flower parade.

Check out hotel options for the Dutch Flower Parade

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