The name Alkmaar was already mentioned in a 10th-century record in the Middle Ages. On 11 June 1254, the city was officially granted city rights by William II of Holland. Alkmaar has grown into a large city with almost 110,000 inhabitants.

Until the 16th century, Alkmaar was located in a lake district. Tolls were levied and excise taxes were introduced for the transhipment of certain goods. Alkmaar became, as it were, a trading centre for the wider area, with cheese being the main trading product. The city grew bigger and bigger due to land reclamation. Since the 18th century, a cheese market has been organised at the Waagplein. One can still enjoy the famous cheese markets on the Waagplein, of which it has been the only city since 1939 that still trades cheese in this traditional manner!

Alkmaar also boasts the Grote Sint-Laurenskerk and a beautiful city hall from the 16th century. This alone makes a visit to Alkmaar worthwhile!

Starting point Holy Grail and pirate One-Eye:
Noorderkade 172, Alkmaar

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