Historic city center
Alkmaar is full of history and character. From the iconic Waag and the hidden courtyards to the centuries-old mills and the impressive Great St. Lawrence Church: everywhere you encounter the city’s rich past. Discover the stories behind these monuments and experience why Alkmaar is such a special destination.
Waaggebouw met uurwerk
Once built as the Holy Spirit Hospital, where the poor and pilgrims found shelter. In the 16th century, the building took on its new function as a weigh house. The Waagplein then grew into a market square. More and more houses made way for the cheese market, where farmers brought their cheeses from the surrounding countryside.
Today, the cheese market attracts visitors from all over the world, from Germany and England to the US and Japan. From April to September, the bell still rings every Friday at 10:00 a.m. as the official start of the market, and deals are sealed with a traditional handshake!
In the Waag you will now find the Alkmaar Store / VVV and the Dutch Cheese Museum.
Hofjes
Anyone visiting Alkmaar should not miss the courtyards. A courtyard is a historic inner garden surrounded by houses. Alkmaar once had sixteen of them; today, six remain. The “provenhuizen,” as the courtyards in Alkmaar are called, are oases of peace hidden behind gates and impressive façades. The Wildemanshofje is open to visitors and truly a gem! Another tip is the Hof van Sonoy, once a monastery and now a lovely place to enjoy a terrace.
Fish markets
Like many old Dutch towns, Alkmaar had its own markets: for butter and grain, for peat, and usually also for fish. Records show that Alkmaar already had fish markets in the 16th century, where sellers displayed their catch on stone tables under a gallery.
Over the centuries, the fish markets changed appearance several times. In the 17th century they were renewed, and in 1755 stone columns replaced the original wooden ones. Later, in the 19th century, cast-iron pillars were added. Along the water, two statues still stand: a fisherman and a fishwife. The pump, marked with the year 1785, is another highlight; it was renewed in 1882. Until 1998, a weekly fish market was still held here every Friday.
House with the Cannonball
This special building is almost entirely made of wood and owes its name to a Spanish cannonball that struck during the Siege of Alkmaar. The cannonball is still visible today, in the left corner of the façade by the canal. A bill for the repair costs has been preserved, mentioning “a hole” in the house caused by the cannonball.
The exact year of construction is unknown, but it likely dates from just before the siege (1573). Remarkable is the style: the wooden façades project outward. In the 19th century the original stone façade was removed during renovations. Today, the House with the Cannonball is one of only two remaining wooden houses in Alkmaar.
Fun fact: the bottom is narrower than the top, so the owner paid less tax.
Grote Sint Laurenskerk with organ
The Great Church is Alkmaar’s showpiece and the largest church in North Holland above the North Sea Canal. Officially known as the Great St. Lawrence Church, it began as a Catholic building designed by the Keldermans family. During the Iconoclastic Fury many art treasures were lost, and during the Spanish siege the church silver was melted down to finance William of Orange’s fight. After the Reformation in 1573 the church became Protestant. Both religions left clear traces, making the church especially unique.
Inside you’ll find masterpieces such as Van Oostsanen’s ceiling painting The Last Judgment, works by Van Everdingen, and of course the two world-famous organs: the Van Covelens organ and the Van Hagerbeer/Schnitger organ. A true highlight is the Great Window. At 6 meters wide and 23 meters high, these are among the largest windows on the European mainland. A crown jewel that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Molen van Piet
Where once ten mills adorned Alkmaar’s city walls, the Molen van Piet is the only one still standing in the city center. They stood on the high ramparts, catching plenty of wind. The predecessor of the current mill was a wooden post mill from 1605, used to grind grain. Those mills have disappeared, but in 1769 the foundation stone was laid for the current brick tower mill. The stage is 8 meters high, and the top reaches 35 meters.
During World War II the rampart beneath the mill was used as a bunker; today it houses a flower shop. Since 1993 the sails turn again, though only ceremonially, no longer grinding.
Het Stadhuis
In the heart of the city you’ll find Alkmaar’s town hall, a real eye-catcher from the 16th century. Built between 1509 and 1520 in Gothic style, it has been an unmistakable icon of the city ever since. The striking corner tower with its openwork, pear-shaped spire makes the building especially unique.
Since 1969 it has been officially designated as a national monument. In the past, justice was administered here and for centuries the city council and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen held office here. Today, the town hall is mainly used as an atmospheric wedding venue.
Accijnstoren
On the Bierkade stands the striking Accijnstoren, a square brick tower with natural stone details. Once this was the city’s tax office: imported goods had to be declared here, and excise taxes were an important source of income for Alkmaar.
Remarkably, in 1924 the tower was moved four meters to make room for the widening of the Bierkade. Today, the Accijnstoren still reminds visitors of the trade and enterprise of historic Alkmaar.
Het Bolwerk
Where cannons once stood, you now walk among centuries-old monumental trees: the Bolwerk is Alkmaar’s green city wall.
The fortifications date back to the Middle Ages and protected Alkmaar against attacks for centuries. Today, the Bolwerk is a wonderful green oasis around the city center.
On your walk you’ll still encounter remains of the old defenses and pass by the iconic Molen van Piet.
