Alkmaar Cheese Market | Alkmaar

The Alkmaar Cheese Market is one of the most famous and iconic events in Alkmaar, a city located in the northwestern Netherlands. This traditional market has been a part of Dutch culture for centuries and is considered one of the oldest and most historic cheese markets in the world. It is a lively and colorful event that attracts both locals and international visitors. Here’s a detailed overview of the Alkmaar Cheese Market:

1. History and Origins of the Alkmaar Cheese Market

Origins:

• The Alkmaar Cheese Market dates back to the 16th century. The first recorded market for cheese in Alkmaar was held in 1365, though the modern version of the market as we know it today began to take shape in the 1600s.
• Alkmaar's location was strategically important for cheese trading because it was a central hub for the region’s dairy production. The city’s cheese warehouses and trade routes helped it become a key player in the Netherlands' cheese trade.

Medieval Cheese Trade:

• During the medieval period, the market was a bustling center where cheese farmers would bring their goods to sell. Over time, the market evolved into a public spectacle, attracting traders, buyers, and tourists alike.

Cultural Tradition:

• The Cheese Market became an important part of Alkmaar’s identity and was incorporated into the local culture. It continues to be celebrated as both a historic event and a modern-day attraction.

2. How the Market Works

• The Traditional Cheese Weighing Process:
  • The market is famous for its traditional cheese weighing process, which is done in a ceremonial manner. The cheese is weighed by hand in a manner that harks back to the old days when scales weren’t as accurate.
  • The cheese porters (dressed in traditional white costumes and wooden shoes) carry the cheese on large wooden sledges called “kaasdragers”. They move the cheese from the stalls to the weighing area with a rhythmic, team-oriented approach that’s both practical and a form of tradition.
  • The cheeses are weighed in front of spectators before they are either sold or moved to the nearby cheese warehouses.
• Cheese Porters:
  • The cheese porters are a group of men who wear traditional white uniforms, including white hats and scarves. They are the heart of the market’s operations, carrying heavy cheese wheels on wooden sleds to the weighing area. Their energetic and synchronized movements are a highlight of the market, and they are often seen in historic re-enactments during the market days.
  • The porters use a distinctive technique for handling cheese, which involves a combination of lifting and carrying cheese with specially crafted tools, like pallets or cheese dollies.
• The Cheese Weighing and Negotiation:
  • Once the cheese is weighed, the negotiations begin. In the past, buyers and sellers would haggle over prices, and today this part of the market is often still conducted in the same old-fashioned manner, with a lively exchange between the two parties.
  • The cheese brokers (also dressed in traditional attire) act as intermediaries between the buyers and the sellers, helping to negotiate prices.

3. Types of Cheese Sold

• Dutch Cheese:
  • The Alkmaar Cheese Market is a celebration of Dutch cheese, with a focus on the famous Gouda and Edam cheeses. The market is known for its round cheese wheels, typically made of cow’s milk.
• Gouda:
  • Gouda is perhaps the most well-known cheese in the Netherlands. It is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor. The cheese is aged to perfection, and the market offers different varieties based on the aging process: young, medium-aged, and matured Gouda.
• Edam:
  • Edam is another famous Dutch cheese, known for its mild flavor and round shape. Unlike Gouda, Edam has a firmer texture and is often sold in smaller rounds, making it popular in international markets.
• Other Varieties:
  • The market also sells other types of cheese from the Dutch countryside, including Leyden cheese (a spiced cheese) and Boerenkaas (farmer's cheese), which are less well-known internationally but are cherished locally.
• Cheese Tasting:
  • Visitors to the market can sample different cheeses before making a purchase. Local vendors set up stalls where tourists can taste-test different varieties of cheese, allowing them to choose their favorites to buy.

4. Market Atmosphere

• Festive and Lively:
  • The Alkmaar Cheese Market is a festive and lively event, drawing crowds from around the world. Live music, traditional Dutch food, and cheese-related entertainment are a key part of the market's charm.
• The Cheese Weighing Square:
  • The main market takes place in Waagplein, a central square in Alkmaar. The Waaggebouw (the old weighing house), where the cheese is weighed, is one of the iconic landmarks that adds to the historic atmosphere of the market.
• Traditional Costumes:
  • Visitors can often see participants dressed in traditional Dutch costumes from the 17th and 18th centuries, adding to the historical vibe of the market. In addition to the cheese porters, cheese girls (women in traditional costumes) assist with the sale of cheese and help with displays.
• Live Demonstrations:
  • Demonstrations of the cheese-making process and its history are available for visitors who want to learn more about the Dutch cheese industry. These include live exhibitions of how cheese was traditionally produced, offering a glimpse into the historical and modern-day processes of cheesemaking.

5. Visitor Information

Opening Days:

• The Alkmaar Cheese Market runs on Fridays from April to September. The market starts at 10:00 AM and usually lasts until 12:30 PM, but it can extend longer depending on the size of the crowd and the sales.
• The market is open to the public and free to attend, although tickets for certain guided tours or experiences may be available.

Location:

• The market takes place in Waagplein, the square in front of the Waaggebouw, located in the heart of Alkmaar's historic city center. Alkmaar is easily accessible by train or car from major cities like Amsterdam and Haarlem.

Special Events:

• The Cheese Market often hosts special events like cheese festivals, where there are additional food stalls, local handicrafts, and activities for families. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Dutch music and performances during the market.

Alkmaar Cheese Museum:

• In addition to the market, the Alkmaar Cheese Museum (located near the Waaggebouw) offers an in-depth look at the history of cheese-making in the region. It provides exhibitions on the cheese-making process, the history of cheese trading, and the importance of cheese in Dutch culture.

6. Fun Facts About the Alkmaar Cheese Market

Tradition and Innovation: While the market maintains its historical roots, it also incorporates modern elements, making it a fun and accessible experience for all ages. Many visitors use the market to learn about traditional practices while enjoying the lively modern atmosphere.

A Global Attraction: The Alkmaar Cheese Market has become a major tourist attraction in the Netherlands, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The market’s blend of tradition, culture, and entertainment makes it a unique and memorable experience.

Cheese Ships: Historically, cheese ships (small boats) were used to transport the cheese from Alkmaar to other parts of the country and abroad. These ships were vital to the city’s economy in centuries past, and cheese-themed cruises around Alkmaar's waterways are sometimes available for tourists.

Conclusion

The Alkmaar Cheese Market is a charming and lively tradition that offers visitors a fun and educational glimpse into the history of Dutch cheese trading. Whether you're interested in the cheese-making process, the historical significance of the market, or simply enjoy sampling cheeses in a festive atmosphere, the Alkmaar Cheese Market is an unmissable experience for those in the region. Would you like to know more about the market's schedule, guided tours, or how to plan a visit?