{"id":1993,"date":"2019-04-15T10:48:48","date_gmt":"2019-04-15T09:48:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/?p=1993"},"modified":"2019-11-13T11:29:34","modified_gmt":"2019-11-13T11:29:34","slug":"alkmaar-cheese-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/alkmaar-cheese-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Alkmaar Cheese Market: Our Guide to the Best Cheese Market in the Netherlands"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cheese lovers, assemble! And head to the world-famous cheese market in Alkmaar. The Netherlands<\/a> is renowned for its long-standing love affair with our favourite dairy product, so there\u2019s no better place to revel in the rich (and creamy) history of cheese than with a visit to this scenic kaasmarkt.<\/p>\n

Presenting an enticing blend of age-old traditions and authentic attractions, it\u2019s little wonder why day-trippers flock to this part of Holland year after year. And with our essential guide to this Dutch dairy delight, you\u2019ll soon be putting a visit to the city of cheese at the top of your to do list. It\u2019s just meant to brie (sorry, we had to get one cheesy pun in somewhere!)<\/p>\n

A brief history lesson<\/h2>\n

\"Overhead<\/p>\n

Dating back to the 14th century, Alkmaar began cheese trading in 1365. Armed with just one set of scales to weigh out their yellow gold, the city set out on its mission to become Holland\u2019s main hub for all things cheese related. <\/span><\/p>\n

The rest, they say, is history – with dairy merchants flocking to this cheese producing and selling powerhouse – to barter and exchange their merchandise ever since. It wasn\u2019t until 1593 that the market first took place on the Waagplein, the city\u2019s grand square.<\/span><\/p>\n

Translated as \u2018weighing square\u2019, the Waagplein was home to the only weighing house in Alkmaar, so it made perfect sense for such an event to take place here. It meant that traders and farmers could weigh and measure their purchases with the scales.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fast forward over 400 years, and with eight extensions under its belt, this kaasmarkt has not only managed to retain its spot in city folklore, but flourish alongside Alkmaar\u2019s modernity upsurge. Standing the test of time across four centuries, the traditions and heartbeat of this cheese-loving town continues to thump louder than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know?<\/strong> The average Dutch person consumes over 13 kilograms of cheese per year. That works out at 32 and a half blocks from the supermarket!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When is it?<\/h2>\n

\"Cheese<\/p>\n

Taking place every Friday from April through to September, the cheese market opens at 10 am and shuts at 1pm. If early morning starts aren\u2019t for you then don\u2019t worry – the evening opening has you covered! Held every Tuesday between the summer months of July and August from 7pm to 9pm, this splendid spectacle is inclusive to both early birds and night owls!<\/span><\/p>\n

Our top three must trys: <\/b>Whether you\u2019re on the lookout for a true classic or drawn towards something new – we\u2019ve got your dairy desires covered with these local legends:<\/span><\/p>\n