Sightseeing
Alkmaar:
The city of Alkmaar has much to offer. Besides many shops and the saterday freshmarket at the Gedempte Nieuwesloot, there are also a lot of historical and cultural experiences. With more than 400 monuments Alkmaar presents a rich history.
Several churches including the large Sint Laurens church, the Waag building, the Accijnstoren but also the Huis met de kogel (House with the bullet) in the old city centre (of which the Fnidsen is part of), are just some examples of the rich history of the city, that received City rights in 1254 by Count Willem II.
An important moment in the history of Alkmaar is the year 1573 when the Spanish wanted to occupy Alkmaar. This attempt failed, and when Don Frederick, the son of the Iron Duke of Alba, after a siege of more then 30 days withdrew, it marked a turning point in the struggle of the Dutch against the Spaniards.
Victory began in Alkmaar. Each year on October 8th festivities are being held to commemorate that moment.
In the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar's history can be seen in addition to exhibitions of modern art.
Other museums in Alkmaar are the Cheese Museum in the Waag building, De Boom Beer Museum, the Museum for stoves and heaters, the Mill of Piet and even a Beatles museum!
At various art galleries in Alkmaar you can watch ánd buy art.
And when your legs are getting tired, sit down at one of the terraces on the Waagplein of the Platte Stenen Brug or embark on a water-bus or your own rental boat and admire the historic city from the water.
All year round all kinds of events are being held in Alkmaar. They include the Culinary Plaza in September when the pleasant Waagplein is transformed into a great restaurant where you can enjoy three days of the most diverse cuisine.
As well as ? the Tango Festival and the 4DayWalk in June.
The summer concerts at Canada Square, the annual Taptoe, the Lindengracht classical concerts, the Jazz festival in park De Hout and last but not least the Indian Summer Festival in June, a great outdoor music event with many Dutch and international artists are all musical highlights in the summer of Alkmaar.
And what about the Summer Fair in August ?
Ten days of fun and sensation in the very centre of Alkmaar.
In short, something is always going on in Alkmaar.
Outside Alkmaar:
Even beyond Alkmaar is a lot to see and do.
The proximity to the North Sea with its wonderful sandy beaches, vast forests behind the dunes near Bergen, and the high dunes of Schoorl make
Alkmaar an ideal base for long walks and great bike rides.
The cosy village of Bergen, traditionally a village that attracted many artists, and still does, is worth a visit. The annual lights night in August attracts thousands of people and is an experience for young and old. During the summer there are weekly evening fairs held in Bergen, Egmond and Schoorl.
The ancient towns of Hoorn, Medemblik and Enkhuizen are situated at the IJsselmeer.
Therefore they all have a small cosy port but also monumental streets and old buildings such as the 13th century castle Radboud, located at the entrance to the port of Medemblik.
Den Helder is the home to the Royal Navy.
In July the annual Navy Days take place at which you can meet the Dutch Marine in any aspect.
From Den Helder the ferry departs to Texel, the largest of the Dutch Frisian Islands.
Behind the dunes of North Holland is a typical polder landscape with straight roads and ditches to separate the vast estates. During tours by car or bike you can pass through picturesque villages with churches that could be seen from afar.
In April, all across North Holland colourful flower fields are in full bloom and of course numerous mills can be seen in this flat landscape.
Other large cities in the vicinity of Alkmaar are Haarlem and Amsterdam. Both can easily be reached by car or train in about 30 minutes.
Click here for the events of Alkmaar
The city of Alkmaar has much to offer. Besides many shops and the saterday freshmarket at the Gedempte Nieuwesloot, there are also a lot of historical and cultural experiences. With more than 400 monuments Alkmaar presents a rich history.
Several churches including the large Sint Laurens church, the Waag building, the Accijnstoren but also the Huis met de kogel (House with the bullet) in the old city centre (of which the Fnidsen is part of), are just some examples of the rich history of the city, that received City rights in 1254 by Count Willem II.
An important moment in the history of Alkmaar is the year 1573 when the Spanish wanted to occupy Alkmaar. This attempt failed, and when Don Frederick, the son of the Iron Duke of Alba, after a siege of more then 30 days withdrew, it marked a turning point in the struggle of the Dutch against the Spaniards.
Victory began in Alkmaar. Each year on October 8th festivities are being held to commemorate that moment.
In the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar's history can be seen in addition to exhibitions of modern art.
Other museums in Alkmaar are the Cheese Museum in the Waag building, De Boom Beer Museum, the Museum for stoves and heaters, the Mill of Piet and even a Beatles museum!
At various art galleries in Alkmaar you can watch ánd buy art.
And when your legs are getting tired, sit down at one of the terraces on the Waagplein of the Platte Stenen Brug or embark on a water-bus or your own rental boat and admire the historic city from the water.
All year round all kinds of events are being held in Alkmaar. They include the Culinary Plaza in September when the pleasant Waagplein is transformed into a great restaurant where you can enjoy three days of the most diverse cuisine.
As well as ? the Tango Festival and the 4DayWalk in June.
The summer concerts at Canada Square, the annual Taptoe, the Lindengracht classical concerts, the Jazz festival in park De Hout and last but not least the Indian Summer Festival in June, a great outdoor music event with many Dutch and international artists are all musical highlights in the summer of Alkmaar.
And what about the Summer Fair in August ?
Ten days of fun and sensation in the very centre of Alkmaar.
In short, something is always going on in Alkmaar.
Outside Alkmaar:
Even beyond Alkmaar is a lot to see and do.
The proximity to the North Sea with its wonderful sandy beaches, vast forests behind the dunes near Bergen, and the high dunes of Schoorl make
Alkmaar an ideal base for long walks and great bike rides.
The cosy village of Bergen, traditionally a village that attracted many artists, and still does, is worth a visit. The annual lights night in August attracts thousands of people and is an experience for young and old. During the summer there are weekly evening fairs held in Bergen, Egmond and Schoorl.
The ancient towns of Hoorn, Medemblik and Enkhuizen are situated at the IJsselmeer.
Therefore they all have a small cosy port but also monumental streets and old buildings such as the 13th century castle Radboud, located at the entrance to the port of Medemblik.
Den Helder is the home to the Royal Navy.
In July the annual Navy Days take place at which you can meet the Dutch Marine in any aspect.
From Den Helder the ferry departs to Texel, the largest of the Dutch Frisian Islands.
Behind the dunes of North Holland is a typical polder landscape with straight roads and ditches to separate the vast estates. During tours by car or bike you can pass through picturesque villages with churches that could be seen from afar.
In April, all across North Holland colourful flower fields are in full bloom and of course numerous mills can be seen in this flat landscape.
Other large cities in the vicinity of Alkmaar are Haarlem and Amsterdam. Both can easily be reached by car or train in about 30 minutes.
Click here for the events of Alkmaar
