Alkmaar Cheese Cruises

Enjoy Alkmaar and its Cheese Market from the water

Alkmaar Cheese Cruises

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Discover Alkmaar's Cheese Market 🧀

The Cheese Market in Alkmaar will start again in late March/early April 2026. The official dates are not yet known.

Until the last Friday of September, it will take place every Friday from 10:00 to 13:00. Every week you can enjoy this special event and afterwards take a cruise through the historic center. Our boat departs from the market on the Waagplein.

Discover Alkmaar from the water, a city where ancient traditions and modern attractions come together. Cruise through Alkmaar’s picturesque canals and admire iconic monuments, hidden courtyards and stunning architecture. Whether you are a cheese lover or just want to relax, our Cheese Market canal cruises offer a unique experience for everyone.

Relax on our spacious aft deck and enjoy a variety of refreshing drinks and local cheeses for sale at our onboard bar. With comfortable seating, heating for cooler days and knowledgeable guides, we guarantee an enjoyable and educational cruise.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover Alkmaar from the water and enjoy the world-famous market in Holland’s cheese town! Do you prefer to cruise in Haarlem? Click here

From €17,50 per ticket

Book your tickets online to ensure yourself a seat on board

Practical Information

📍 Departure from the Cheese Market on the Waagplein in Alkmaar

Departure times for the cruise:
🚢 10:30
🚢 12:00
🚢 13:30

What is included in the cruise?
🧀 75-minute round trip on an electric boat
🧀 Toilet on board
🧀 Bar where drinks and snacks can be purchased
🧀 Audioguide in 3 languages
🧀 Local skipper
🧀 Heated, covered boat with big outdoor deck
🧀 Coloring pages for the kids

About the Cheese Market

Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to Alkmaar for the famous market, a spectacular event that transforms the Waagplein into a lively scene full of cheese and energetic cheese carriers. It’s a tradition that started more than 400 years ago. Today, the market in Alkmaar is the largest in the world and a must-see for cheese and history enthusiasts. Every Friday, the Waagplein is turned into a colorful spectacle, with thousands of cheeses and the characteristic cheese carriers moving across the square in traditional outfits. Around the market, a cozy crafts market and fair are held, where local products and handmade souvenirs are for sale. It’s the perfect opportunity to not only admire the famous cheese market but also discover the charm of historic Alkmaar.