It is a modern stadium that opened its gates in 2006 and replaced the club’s former stadium, ‘Alkmaarder Hout’. Its capacity is 17,023 spectators and it is one of the most modern stadiums in the Netherlands. In 2019 there was a roof collapse and the stadium was renovated with a new roof. It is worth taking the tour of the stadium and experiencing everything that the football players who visit it live.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO AZ STADION
*** BUS: 129, 2
*** TRAIN: IC, SPR
ALKMAAR: THE CITY – CHEESE DAIRY
When the Dutch hear “Alkmaar” immediately cheese is the first thing that comes to mind. Its inhabitants are called “cheeseheads” and it is a doll town that you should visit at least once. In 1593 the “cheese makers” brought their trade to the market square and now the Alkmaar cheese market is a traditional procedure. Its lovely alleys, its beautiful canals, the exquisite smells of cheeses and its warm-hearted inhabitants will lead you to love the city!
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +31
Nearest airports from city center: Amsterdam Airport (43km), Rotterdam Airport (92km), Eindhoven Airport (161km), Groningen Airport (183km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** DUTCH CHEESE MARKET (Waagplein 2, 1811 JP Alkmaar)
It was established in 1983 and overlooks the cheese market, where you will find information on the history, production methods and trade of cheese.
*** STEDELIJK MUSEUM ALKMAAR (Canadaplein 1, 1811 KE Alkmaar)
Anyone who wants to know and discover the history and culture of the city, then you should visit the museum. You will see collections of old and early modern paintings and many exhibits that will delight you.
*** THE BEATLES MUSEUM (Pettemerstraat 12A, 1823 CW Alkmaar)
Few probably know that three museums have been created for the legendary band. One is in Liverpool, England, the second in Halle, Germany and the third in Alkmaar. Alkmaar’s museum is the largest with over 1,000m2! Here you will also find the Elvis Presley Museum which has a huge collection with a work of more than half a century.
*** NATIONAAL BIERMUSEUM DE BOOM (Houttil 1, 1811 JL Alkmaar)
It is located in a former brewery and here you will find the equipment that played a role in the production of beer. Beer lovers will have the opportunity to see up close a cart, a sleigh and various other vehicles that helped transport the kegs. In the museum there are also old labels and bottles of small and large Dutch breweries.
*** GROTE KERK (Koorstraat 2, 1811 GP Alkmaar)
Built in the late 15th century, the Gothic-style church has two widespread organs: the Van Covelens and the Hagerbeer-Schnitge organ.
*** ACCIJNSTOREN (Bierkade 26, 1811 NJ Alkmaar)
Its magnificent architecture and the tower which is built with natural stone bricks was built in 1622. Ιt had been used as a tax office, where merchants had to make the necessary tax declarations for their goods.
*** ALKMAAR CITY HALL (Langestraat 97, 1811 JD Alkmaar)
The picturesque building that houses the town hall, which is of Gothic character and opened in 1520, is one of the landmarks of the city.
*** WINDMILL OF GROOT (Clarissenbuurt 4, 1811 GC Alkmaar)
It is one of the remaining windmills from the golden age of the wind energy industry and is still in operation today.
*** PARK OOSTERHOUT
It is one of the most beautiful parks in the Netherlands and is suitable for jogging, walking and cycling. You can also visit a small zoo that exists and see the picturesque bridges that make up a beautiful scenery.
*** VLOTBURG (Vogelezang 28, 1815 GT Alkmaar)
The ship-museum, that looks like a floating castle, will take you on a journey to the Middle Ages and you will see exhibits with a large collection of objects from the everyday life of that time.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** The cheese market at Waagplein started in 1365 and is kept as a tradition. You shouldn’t miss it!
*** It is worth a visit to the House With Bullet, which is a building-museum from 1573.
*** Stichting Toverlantaarn Museum Heiloo is a 10-minute drive from the center of Alkmaar and you can see the forerunner of cinema and television.
*** Museum BroekerVeiling is a 15-minute drive from the center of Alkmaar and has been the auction center of the Netherlands since 1887!
*** Don’t forget to take a boat ride on the city’s canals.
FOOD AND DRINK
You are in the city of cheese and you have to try all the foods that come with cheese or eat plain cheese! Also taste traditional Alkmaar dishes such as De Meerlander or Opperdoezer Ronde (specially cooked potatoes) and the traditional smoked sausage Ossenworst. Of course it has restaurants with Mediterranean, American and Asian cuisine, in addition to the traditional Dutch restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY
Τhere are hotels in the city center for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** For your shopping there are many shops in the city center, in the old town, in the “Overstad” area.
*** Good options for your shopping are Winkelcentrum de Mare and Ringers Winkelcentrum.
*** Visit Vlindorado and you will be delighted with the wonderful butterflies among other things.
*** A very nice option for your walks is the Van Blanckendaell Park, where you will also find a small zoo.
*** De Holle Bolle Boom is a water park and you will feel like kids again.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike, by bus and by train.
CITIES NEAR ALKMAAR
Major cities close to Alkmaar are Haarlem (32km), Amsterdam (41km), The Hague (84km), Utrecht (89km), Rotterdam (97km), Tilburg (151km), Eindhoven (164km).
