THE NETHERLANDS - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 410

Alkmaar is famous not only for its cheese; it is steeped in Dutch history as well.
It was at Alkmaar in 1573 that the Spanish were first compelled to retreat their oc-
cupying forces; hence, the Dutch expression “victory begins at Alkmaar.” A festival
is held annually on October 8 to commemorate the breaking of the Spanish siege.
Amsterdam—Alkmaar
Daily departures from Amsterdam Centraal Station every 12 and 42 minutes after
the hour from 0642 throughout the day, last train at 2312; journey time 35 minutes.
Daily departures from Alkmaar Station at 12 and 42 minutes after the hour until
2242, and then the last train at 2354; journey time 35 minutes.
Distance: 24 miles (39 km)
Ask at the tourist office about seeing Alkmaar by canal, a popular way to see
the town. Boats depart from Mient (near Waaggebouw). Adult fare, €6.00; chil-
dren younger than age 12, €4.50. During the cheese market on Friday, boats sail
every 20 minutes from 0930. During May, June, July, August, and September,
they depart daily on the hour from 1100. In April, September, and October, they
sail Monday through Saturday, every hour on the hour, from 1100, depending on
the weather. The canal trip takes about 45 minutes. Tel: [phone]. Visit
www.rondvaartalkmaar.nl .
The cheese auction is the thing to see in Alkmaar. The square explodes into a
frenzy of color and activity as cheese porters trot across the square wearing red,
blue, green, or yellow hats according to the group they represent. This auction
has continued for more than 400 years and attracts thousands of tourists. It is not,
however, merely a tourist attraction. It is a genuine auction, at which cheese mer-
chants sample the product, bargain for the best price, and conclude the sale “on
hand clap.” From there the porters move the cheese to the Weigh House, where
the weigh master checks the weight and calls it out in a loud voice; then the porters
take the cheese from there to the buyers' warehouses.
Alkmaar's cheese makers founded their guild in 1622, only two years after
the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. Unique in the curatorial world, Alkmaar's
Cheese Museum attracts visitors from far and wide ( Hours: mid-March-October:
1000-1600 Monday-Saturday; opens at 0900 on Friday). Visit
www.cheesemuseum.com . Entrance fee: €4, but a Dutch Museumpass will get
you in for free.