The Alkmaar Cheese Market is the oldest and largest cheese market in the Netherlands, with a tradition dating back centuries. This cultural spectacle takes place on the Waagplein, where approximately 2,400 cheeses (around 30,000 kg) are displayed, inspected, sold through traditional hand-clapping negotiations, and carried by cheese porters in their distinctive colourful uniforms.
The “market” is a historical demonstration that takes place every Friday from the last Friday in March through the last Friday in September. Additional evening markets are held on Tuesday evenings in July and August. They follow the same traditional process as the Friday morning markets.
Around the Waagplein, there’s a lively craft market with stalls selling regional products, including plenty of cheese, as well as Dutch treats like poffertjes and stroopwafels. You’ll also find arts, souvenirs, and a truly charming atmosphere. The surrounding market usually runs during the same hours as the cheese show, from 10am to 1pm, so visitors can enjoy both at once. And as a special touch, you’ll even see boats and gondolas loaded with cheese sailing through the canals near the square – a real step back in time!
There’s also a traditional Dutch market within walking distance where you can buy cheese and more on the Kerkplein. Click here to learn more about that market!
The Alkmaar Cheese Market has become a tourist attractions, drawing large crowds that can make viewing difficult, especially during peak summer months. Make sure to arrive early to find a good spot to watch the traditional cheese-carrying and trading demonstrations.
Visitors can witness the entire traditional process: the setting up of cheeses at 7:00 AM, the ceremonial bell-ringing at 10:00 AM, the unique testing methods where inspectors drill into cheeses (the origin of the Dutch term “steekproef“, meaning “taking a sample”), the famous hand-clapping price negotiations, and the cheese carriers performing their special “cheese carriers’ dribble” while balancing heavy stretchers loaded with over 100 kg of cheese.
2025 dates
28 March – 26 September 2025
Market days
- Tuesday (1 July – 26 August 2025)
- Friday (28 March – 26 September 2025)
Opening hours on market days:
Tuesday: 7pm-9pm (only between 1 July – 26 August 2025!)
Friday: 10am-1pm
How to get there
- The cheese market is easily accessible by public transport
- Alkmaar train station is just a 5-minute walk from Waagplein
- Only 35 minutes by train from Amsterdam
- Bus services available from surrounding villages
- By Car
- Follow the PRIS (Parking Route Information System) signs to parking garages
- Avoid driving into the city centre on Friday mornings
- Park in garages or lots around the centre, such as:
- P+R Bergermeer
- P+R Oudorp (with bus connections to the centre)
Find more markets in Alkmaar or more cheese markets in the Netherlands!
Featured images © Hart van Noord-Holland
