Every Friday morning from spring to early autumn, the Waagplein in Alkmaar transforms into one of the most distinctive events in the Netherlands. The Alkmaar cheese market draws visitors from across the country and abroad, and for good reason: it’s the only place in the Netherlands where cheese is still traded in the traditional way. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know.
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About the Alkmaar Cheese Market
Cheese markets exist in several Dutch cities, but Alkmaar’s is by far the most popular and the most authentic. While the exact date of the first market isn’t known, records of cheese trading in Alkmaar date back to 1622, and possibly as early as 1593. That makes it one of the oldest continuously running markets in the country.
What makes it worth the trip isn’t just the history. The market isn’t just a performance put on for tourists. Cheese is still traded here using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations, giving the market an authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. For visitors, it’s both a spectacle and a fascinating insight into Dutch commercial history.
What Happens at the Cheese Market?
The market follows a set sequence that’s been largely unchanged for generations. Here’s what to expect:
In the early morning, the Waagplein is prepared. Large cheese wheels and the traditional wooden carriers known as berries are arranged across the square. About half an hour before the official start, the area fills with guild members, traders and early visitors.
At 10:00 am, the bell rings. That’s the official start of the market and the signal for trading to begin. The day’s price per kilo is announced, and from that point the square comes alive.
The kaasdragers (cheese carriers) take center stage, carrying stacked cheese wheels across the square on berries briskly and in formation. Each berrie holds up to eight wheels, with individual wheels weighing around 13 kilos each. Inside the Weigh House, the cheeses are weighed by the tasman. This part of the process is less visible from the square, but screens display what’s happening inside for those who want to follow along.
Traders negotiate prices in the traditional way, using a hand-clapping technique to seal deals. Finally, the ingooiers load the weighed and sold cheese back onto waiting trucks, using a throwing technique (Dutch: ingooien, meaning “to throw in”) that allows heavy wheels to be loaded quickly and efficiently.
Visitors can watch the full process from the square and buy and taste cheese from stalls set up in the surrounding streets throughout the morning.
The Friday market runs for three hours, ending at 1:00 pm. The Tuesday evening edition is shorter, running for two hours.
Kitty’s Tip
You don’t need to arrive at 9:30 am to secure a good spot, unless you specifically want to see the bell ringing at the official opening. The market takes about 15 to 20 minutes to really get going after the start, and most visitors stay for 30 to 60 minutes rather than the full three hours. Arriving at 10:30 or even 11:00 am still gives you plenty to see.
Who’s Who at the Cheese Market?
The market is run by the historic Alkmaar Cheese Carriers’ Guild, whose members each have a specific role. Here’s a quick overview:
| Role | Dutch Term | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese carriers | Kaasdragers | Carry the cheese wheels across the market on a berrie |
| Setters | Setters | Unload the trucks in the morning and arrange the cheese wheels on the market square |
| Weighers | Tasman | Work at the scales inside the Weigh House |
| Loaders | Ingooiers | Load the weighed cheese back onto the trucks after weighing |
| Foreman | Voorman | Lead a veem (guild team) |
| Guild master | Kaasvader | Head of the entire guild |
The guild members wear white uniforms and colored straw hats, with the hat color indicating which team (veem) they belong to. It’s one of the most recognizable visual elements of the market and makes it easy to follow who’s doing what from the sidelines.
When Does the Cheese Market Take Place?
Friday Cheese Market
Every Friday from the last Friday in March to the last Friday in September, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Waagplein in Alkmaar.
Tuesday Evening Cheese Market
During July and August, an additional evening edition takes place every Tuesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It’s a good alternative if Fridays don’t work for your schedule, and the evening light makes for great photos.
Children’s Cheese Market
The city organizes a special edition for children aged 6 to 12, also held during July and August, between 10:30 am and 11:00 am. It’s a paid event that requires advance reservation through the VVV (local tourist office) and is conducted in Dutch. A fun option if you’re visiting Alkmaar with kids and want them to take part instead of just watching.
Cheese Market Dates 2026
March 2026
- Friday, 27th March 2026 from 10am to 1pm
April 2026
- Friday, 3rd April 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 10th April 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 17th April 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 24th April 2026 from 10am to 1pm
May 2026
- Friday, 1st May 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 8th May 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 15th May 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 22nd May 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 29th May 2026 from 10am to 1pm
June 2026
- Friday, 5th June 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 12th June 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 19th June 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 26th June 2026 from 10am to 1pm
July 2026
- Friday, 3rd July 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday, 7th July 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
- Friday, 10th July 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday, 14th July 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
- Friday, 17th July 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday, 21st July 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
- Friday, 24th July 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday, 28th July 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
- Friday, 31st July 2026 from 10am to 1pm
August 2026
- Tuesday, 4th August 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
- Friday, 7th August 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday, 11th August 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
- Friday, 14th August 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday, 18th August 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
- Friday, 21st August 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday, 25th August 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
- Friday, 28th August 2026 from 10am to 1pm
September 2026
- Friday, 4th September 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 11th September 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 18th September 2026 from 10am to 1pm
- Friday, 25th September 2026 from 10am to 1pm
Kitty’s Tip
Don’t Miss: The Cheese Museum. After the market finishes, head inside the Weigh House itself to visit the Cheese Museum. While the market gives you a front-row view of cheese trading in action, the museum puts it all in context, covering the history and importance of cheese in the Netherlands in more depth. It’s a natural follow-on to the market and won’t take more than 30 to 45 minutes. The entrance fee is separate from the market, which is free to attend.
How to Get There
The cheese market takes place at the Waagplein, right in the heart of Alkmaar’s city center. Just a short walk from Alkmaar Centraal station, it’s easy to reach by public transport.
How to Get There
By Train & Bus
Alkmaar Centraal is a 5-minute walk from the Waagplein. Frequent trains from Amsterdam and other major cities. Plan your journey via 9292.nl.
By Car
Avoid driving into the center on Friday mornings (and Tuesday afternoons in summer). Streets around the Waagplein get congested with market traffic. Park on the outskirts and walk in. For parking options in Alkmaar, see our parking guide.
Kitty’s Tip
The train is genuinely the easiest option for the cheese market. Alkmaar Centraal is a straight shot from Amsterdam in about 35 to 40 minutes, and walking to the Waagplein from the station takes less than five minutes. On busy Fridays, arriving by train saves you the stress of finding parking and lets you focus on getting a good spot at the market instead.
Questions from Our Readers
Is the Alkmaar cheese market free?
Yes, attending the cheese market is completely free and no reservation is needed. You can watch the trading, explore the square and browse the cheese stalls without paying anything. The only exception is the Children’s Cheese Market, which is a paid event that requires advance booking through the VVV.
How much time at the cheese market?
The Friday market runs from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (three hours). The Tuesday evening edition runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (two hours). That said, most visitors stay for 30 to 60 minutes rather than the full duration. You don’t need to be there from the start or stay until the end to get a full sense of the market.
When does the Alkmaar cheese market take place?
The main Friday market runs from the last Friday in March to the last Friday in September. An additional Tuesday evening edition takes place during July and August. The Children’s Cheese Market also runs during July and August on Friday mornings.
Share Your Thoughts & Questions!
Have you ever been to Alkmaar or are you planning to visit soon? Share your experience and questions in the comments section down the page. We’d love to hear from you!
