Historic sites in Alkmaar

Alkmaar Heritage and Museums

Alkmaar's historical landscape features 14th-century Gothic architecture, traditional polder windmills, and specialized museums. This collection includes the iconic Waag building, home to the Dutch Cheese Museum, and the National Beer Museum. Visitors can explore the 15th-century Grote Sint-Laurenskerk, several 17th-century almshouses (provenhuizen), and archaeological remains of medieval castles like Nieuwburg and Middelburg, alongside unique collections dedicated to the Beatles and regional maritime history.

Alkmaar Heritage and Museums — Map

A

Waag

14th-century weighing house originally built as a chapel, now the centerpiece of the historic cheese market.

B

Huis met de kogel

16th-century wooden-fronted house named for a Spanish cannonball from the 1573 siege still lodged in its facade.

M.Minderhoud / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Dutch Cheesemuseum

Located inside the historic Waag, this museum documents the history of Dutch dairy production and trade.

D

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar

City museum focusing on Alkmaar's history and Golden Age art, featuring works by Caesar van Everdingen.

China Crisis / CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

E

Ondermolen D

A 1635 polder mill equipped with an Archimedean screw used for water drainage in the Schermer area.

Paul Bakker / CC-BY-SA

F

Windmill “Molen van Piet”

A 1769 stone flour mill built on the city's former ramparts, still operated and inhabited by the Piet family.

G

Nationaal Biermuseum de Boom

Housed in a former 17th-century brewery, this museum showcases historical brewing tools and Dutch beer culture.

H

Huis Leeuwenburg

Historic 17th-century merchant house featuring a distinctive stone facade on the Luttik Oudorp canal.

M.Minderhoud / CC-BY-SA-3.0

I

Het Hollands Kaasmuseum

Museum dedicated to the history of cheese making and regional trading, situated within the monumental Waag building.

J

Provenhuis van splinter

Almshouse established in 1646 by Margareta van Splinter to provide housing for unmarried women.

K

Hof van Sonoy

Former 16th-century monastery converted into a residence for the governor of the North Quarter, featuring a landmark tower.

L

De Drie Schopjes

Historic gable-roofed building dating back to the 17th century, located in the old city center.

M

Moriaanshoofd

Significant 16th-century historic house noted for its well-preserved architectural heritage.

N

Contouren kasteel Nieuwburg

Visible foundations and site outlines of a 13th-century defensive castle built by Count Floris V.

O

Eendracht Maakt Macht

Historic polder mill site representing the region's traditional water management systems.

P

Provenhuis van Wildeman

Classical almshouse from 1714 featuring a central courtyard and 24 original dwellings for elderly residents.

Q

Ondergrondse resten kasteel Middelburg

Subterranean archaeological remains and site of a 13th-century fortress used during the medieval period.

Robbiedoes / CC-BY-SA-3.0

R

Grote Sint-Laurenskerk

15th-century Brabantine Gothic church housing world-famous organs and the tomb of Count Floris V.

S

Museum Huys Auerhaen

Private museum showcasing 18th and 19th-century period rooms, interiors, and Dutch decorative arts.

T

Museum In 't Houten Huis

Museum in De Rijp focusing on the local history of whaling, herring fishing, and land reclamation.

U

Natuurmuseum Westflinge

Regional natural history museum featuring collections of local flora, fauna, and geological specimens.

V

Beatles Museum

Large collection of memorabilia, instruments, and original contracts related to the British pop group.

W

Nic Jonk

Sculpture garden and museum in Grootschermer dedicated to the mythological bronze works of artist Nic Jonk.

X

Museum Jan Boon - 'Het Walhuis'

Historic house museum dedicated to the life and legacy of 18th-century shipowner and merchant Jan Boon.

Y

Poldermuseum

Museum exploring the history of the polder landscape, water management, and the reclamation of the Schermer.

Other Lists

Alkmaar's Essential Cheese and Heritage Tour Historic Dutch Windmills Alkmaar's Religious Heritage