• Alkmaar

With origins in the 17th century, the “Cheese Town” 45 km northwest of Amsterdam, is a highly popular destination due to its famous and vibrant cheese market. The market is a magnificent display of traditions and culture held on Friday mornings from April through to the beginning of September.

Stroll the narrow-cobbled streets of the historic town center and take a boat tour in its canals to have a different view of its beautiful 17th century architecture. While in town explore the unique Beatles Museum, the cheese and Bear Museums, and admire the beautifully decorated interior of the 15th century De Grote Kerk (The Big Church).

If you have time, spend few hours cycling to man-made lakes east of town to enjoy the scenery and to visit some of the numerous Windmills near the village of Schermerhorn, 10 km east of town. You can also travel to the nearby beaches and Dune Reserves 10 km west of town.

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View of the beautiful Old city and its canal, Kaasmarkt in Alkmaar, The Netherlands, on a beautiful Sunny day

Cheese carriers walking with wheels of Gouda cheese at traditional Gouda's cheese market in Alkmaar, Holland

Many people shopping at a street at the center of Alkmaar, Holland