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Colors of Alkmaar - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Het Alkmaars kasteeltje The city of Alkmaar welcomes guests with a decent choice of destinations and traditional cordiality. Prepare yourself for a variety of pleasant surprises and multifaceted experiences from this stunning destination. Alkmaar consists of stair-step bridges, canals, ancient paved bridges, gabled roofs, crowned Gothic cathedrals, narrow streets, which suddenly end in historical squares, and the atmosphere of an ancient place typical for the old-fashioned towns of the Netherlands. But the real heart of this amazing city is its residents. Local people are very friendly and hospitable, they differ in moderation and thrift in everything. At the same time, they are always ready to help and assist you.
Extraordinary weekend in Alkmaar - unusual places, services and attractions for travel gourmet
… Open
The first reference to Alkmaar was documented in the 10th century. At that time it was a fortress on the border in the war against the inhabitants of the Frisian islands. Nowadays it is a famous ancient city, which means "surrounded by water". In the Netherlands, Alkmaar is famous for its huge cheese fair and for the sewing factory that produces a uniform for sailors. On the beautiful antique narrow streets, you will enjoy numerous souvenir shops. The road to the main street of the city passes by the original turret "hofie" of the complex Hof von Sonoy.
In Alkmaar, as well as in all over the country, most of the population speaks common European languages ​​like English, German. So it will be fairly easy to find a common language with residents. Here it is customary to judge a person by his creditworthiness, and they don't like when somebody pretends to be who he is not in reality. The Dutch do not tolerate a disregard for the person, which can cause the similar attitude towards the offender. Residents are also characterized by openness and companionship. This is indicated by large windows in houses without curtains. Everyone can look into the living space of his neighbor without prejudice. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Unusual weekend in Alkmaar: accommodation in extraordinary hotels
Alkmaar has several unique hotels, and there won’t be equal in any other city in the world. One of these hotels is Bed & Breakfast Prins Hendrik occupying an old cheese farm built in … Open
From April to October, every Friday in Alkmaar is a special day. During this time, a cozy and quiet city turns into a center of attraction for tourists from all over the world. Just like several centuries ago, Alkmaar serves as the only and main venue for the famous Cheese Market, or Kaasmarkt. The cheese was produced in Alkmaar back in 1365, and in 1593 it officially received the title of cheese producer. Since 1939 it has become the only city in the Netherlands where ancient recipes of cheese production have been preserved. For twenty-two consecutive Fridays, you will be able to join the crowd at Waagplein in front of the Chamber of Weights and Measures, where the measuring scales have been kept from times immemorial. The fair starts exactly at 10 in the morning, when the bells ring, the Cheese Market is officially opened. Here you will enjoy numerous kinds of cheese, complemented with delicious wine and grapes.
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Unique landmarks in Alkmaar and around

Electric Ladyland Fluorescent Museum

From the series “15 Unofficial Man-Made Wonders of the World”
Check on the map:   Distance from Alkmaar center - 29.9 km.
The opening of the museum took place in 1999. The ground floor houses an amazing gallery with paintings that glow in the dark. Visitors have an opportunity to buy any exhibit they like and carry a piece of the unique museum home. In addition to static installations, the collection of natural minerals that glow in the dark is worth noting. All those mineral were brought by the owner of the museum from different parts of the world. … Read further

Anne Frank Huis

From the series “Apartment-museums of great celebrities”
Check on the map:   Distance from Alkmaar center - 30.1 km.
The building where the museum is located was built in 1635. It has changed its status many times over the years. Initially, the luxury mansion belonged to one of the wealthy citizens. A warehouse and a small factory for the production of household appliances were located in it later. The factory, which was engaged in the production of additives for jams opened in this building in 1940. Anne Frank's father was one of the employees of this factory. … Read further

Sauna Deco

From the series “Most Extraordinary Thermaes, Baths and Saunas in the World”
Check on the map:   Distance from Alkmaar center - 30.1 km.
A real Turkish hammam is available to visitors of the Deco complex, as well as two saunas and a hydromassage pool. A courtyard is equipped with a beautiful seating area with a terrace and a garden. Another attractive feature of the sauna is a high-class massage parlor, which employs some of the best specialists in the city. The history of the bath complex is very interesting and inextricably linked to the famous Parisian department store Le Bon Marche. … Read further

Traditions and festivals in cities around Alkmaar

Haarlem
In addition to interesting national holidays and original attractions, Harlem boasts quite unusual cultural institutions. Thus, one of the city libraries is housed a railway station building. The library has over 1,500 books and magazines written in many languages. ... Open »
Almere-Stad
Almere can be fairly called the youngest city in the Netherlands. Its construction began in 1976. It is also the largest, with 216,000 inhabitants, agglomeration of the Flevoland region, which is the seventh biggest in the country. The decision to build a new city was ... Open »
Utrecht
Local people are open and friendly, but they clearly differentiate questions relating to your personal life and work. It’s not accepted to talk about personal matters, as well as express your emotions in public. It is impolite to ask a new acquaintance questions ... Open »
Amersfoort
During its years, Amersfoort has gained a lot of interesting "nicknames" from tourists, who are delighted with its cozy and picturesque mood. Locals take care of the environment and prefer using the two-wheeled vehicles to cars. For this occasion, the management of the ... Open »
Delft
Many proverbs have been created about tolerance and politeness of local people. People here have always been very tolerant towards the opinions of others. Delft, just like any other city in the country, is home to numerous defenders of animal rights. Tourists, who walk ... Open »
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the country and the largest port of Europe. From 1962 to 2004, the Rotterdam Port was also one of the busiest in the world, until Shanghai intercepted this title. Rotterdam is often called the city of architecture - several square ... Open »
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