Alkmaar is known for the large cheese market held in the Waagplein (a large cobblestone square) in front of the Waag (Weigh House). It dates back to 1593.
The market (Apr-Sep) begins with the ringing of the Waagplein bell, followed by traditional cheese weighing in the weigh house. The large wheels of cheese are then carried on barrows by cheese carriers dressed in traditional white outfits and straw hats. After the cheese is inspected the sales are negotiated and completed involving a series of hand claps.
Despite missing the cheese market activities, we visited the Cheese Museum located in the Waag.
Originally, full-cream Edam cheese was the predominant cheese made in North Holland, north of Amsterdam. Later, Gouda cheese pushed this small, round-shaped cheese out of its pre-eminent position.
Until the late 19th century the farmer’s wife made cheese twice a day on the farm, but around 1880 cheese factories became common.
A little of Alkmaar and some of the charming little shops and cafes.
We had a delicious lunch of Alkmaar cheese soup!
Afterwards we visited friends at their beautiful home in Sint Maarten which lies close to lovely sandy beaches and the North Sea.
