Alkmaar Cheese Market: stay by the sea at Camperduinen
On Friday mornings, the Waagplein in Alkmaar turns into an open-air theatre full of cheese. Cheese carriers cross the square with fully loaded barrows, traders haggle over prices and inside the Waag (weigh house) the cheeses go on the scales. It's a tradition that goes back centuries.
Make a few days of it. From Camperduinen it's about a 25-minute drive to Alkmaar. After the market you're soon back by the sea, with the Schoorl Dunes on your doorstep and the beach a ten-minute walk away.
What you'll see at the Cheese Market
The market follows a fixed ritual. Early in the morning, the cheeses are laid out on the square. At 10am the bell rings and trading begins. Cheese carriers take the cheeses to the Waag on carrying barrows. Each barrow holds at least eight cheeses of around 13 kilos. Everything is weighed in the Waag building, after which the cheese goes back outside and is loaded up.
- The Kaasdragersgilde (Cheese Carriers' Guild) has existed since 1593.
- Cheese girls and cheese boys explain the market to visitors and share tips about Alkmaar.
- A commentator explains what is happening during the market.
The market is largely wheelchair accessible. There are few places to sit and it gets busy on fine days. For the latest programme and any extra markets, check the organiser's website.
Practical: parking and the best time to go
From Camperduinen it's about a 25-minute drive to Alkmaar. The Karperton car park is closest to the Waagplein, but it is narrow and often full on Fridays. So you're better off choosing a larger car park such as Centrum Ringers, the Singelgarage or Schelphoek. Coming by train? It's around a fifteen-minute walk from Alkmaar station to the square, and the route is signposted.
Want a good view of the cheese carriers? Make sure you're on the square well before 10am. The front spots along the barriers fill up quickly. Afterwards you can stroll along the canals, shop on the Langestraat and have lunch somewhere in the centre. That still leaves the rest of the afternoon free for the beach.
Current dates, times and registration can be found on the organiser's website.
Stay at Camperduinen
Camperduinen consists of four recently renovated holiday apartments on the Munnikenweg. You stay on the edge of the Schoorl Dunes and can walk to the beach in about ten minutes.
- Duinbries: up to 6 people, ideal for families or friends.
- Duindroom and Duingeluk: 4 people, with bedrooms on the ground floor.
- Duinroos: 3 people.
Every apartment has its own enclosed terrace. Your dog is welcome in Duindroom, Duingeluk and Duinroos, up to one per apartment. Combine the cheese market with a bike ride through the dunes, which starts right at the door. Or drive to Schoorl, 3 kilometres away, for a walk through woods and dunes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Alkmaar Cheese Market in 2027?
The cheese market is held every Friday from late March to the end of September, from 10am to 1pm. The exact dates for 2027 have not yet been announced, so check the organiser's website before you plan.
How far is Alkmaar from Camperduinen?
Alkmaar is 18 kilometres from Camperduinen. By car it takes about 25 minutes.
What time should I arrive for a good spot?
Trading starts at 10am with the ringing of the bell. It's best to arrive a little earlier, as the front spots along the barriers fill up quickly.
Can I bring my dog to Camperduinen?
Yes, your dog is welcome in Duindroom, Duingeluk and Duinroos. A maximum of one dog per apartment is allowed.
Cheese in the morning, sea in the afternoon
Book an apartment at Camperduinen and combine the Alkmaar Cheese Market with beach, dunes and peace and quiet. You're 600 metres from the sea and 25 minutes from the Waagplein.