Indulge In The Charming European City Rick Steves Calls 'Holland's Tasty Cheese Capital'

There are many ways travelers can indulge in local cuisines when visiting Europe, including taking a trip to the Netherlands to try some of its world-class cheese. A country known for its beautiful springtime tulip blooms, scenic canals, underrated clean beaches, and lively cities like Amsterdam, the Netherlands has attractions for any traveler. It's a country that travel guru and public television host Rick Steves believes is the best place to begin your travels in Europe. And if you want to really indulge in Dutch cheese culture, Steves says you need to travel to the region of North Holland and visit the town of Alkmaar.

"Alkmaar is Holland's cheese capital (and, perhaps, the unofficial capital of high cholesterol). This delightful city has zesty cheese-loving spirit," Steves writes for his blog. Established in the year 1254, Alkmaar has long flourished as a trading center thanks to its intricate network of canals and culture of craftsmanship. Furniture, church organs, clothing, and paper were all produced in Alkmaar, and a thriving market traded livestock, vegetables, and, of course, cheese.

One of the reasons Steves lists Alkmaar as one of his top destinations to visit in the Netherlands is perhaps because of how easy it is to get to. At just a short, half-hour train ride from Amsterdam, a day trip to Alkmaar to experience the wonders of Dutch cheese culture is one of the most accessible, and flavorful, journeys you can make in Europe.

Cheese has long been one of the Netherlands' largest exports. While there are many different varieties of cheese, some of the most recognized and beloved are the soft and salty Edam, the smoky Leerdammer, and, of course, the globally popular, zesty, semi-hard Gouda (pronounced "how-dah," not "goo-dah"). The historic Alkmaar Cheese Market in the main city square brings all of these cheeses together in a remarkable display. Cheese has been brought to the market to be weighed and traded every Friday from the end of March through September since 1365. 

Rick Steves offers a vivid description of the market: "Early in the morning, cheesemakers line up their giant orange wheels in neat rows on the square. Prospective buyers (mostly wholesalers) examine and sample the cheeses and make their selections. Then the cheese is sold off with much fanfare, as an emcee narrates the action in Dutch and English." The market is a lively scene that makes one feel like they have stepped back in time. Members of the Cheese Carriers Guild prance through the market, bringing wheels to the scales to be weighed. Vendors hawk their wares, which are mainly cheeses but also other Dutch delicacies like poffertjes, small, sweet pancakes served with sugar and honey. It's a day where the city really comes alive, and it would be well worth your while to sample the cheeses that have made Alkmaar such a charming destination.

Once the market clears up around 1 p.m., the square is transformed into a quiet pedestrian zone filled with tables and people enjoying an afternoon meal. If you want to learn more about the cheese you saw being traded, visit the Dutch Cheese Museum. What Rick Steves describes as "probably the Netherlands' best cheese museum," the Dutch Cheese Museum is housed inside the historic Weigh House that has been used to weigh the market cheese since the 16th century. The exhibits showcase the history of Dutch cheesemaking and are interactive and fun for museumgoers of all ages. It's a great spot to visit if you want to dive deeper into the traditions you saw on display at the market.

While Alkmaar may be primarily focused on cheese, that is hardly the only thing it has going for it. Shops offer a variety of items from clothing and pottery to unique Dutch souvenirs and stores selling flowers, toys, and jewelry. Of course, there is also the beauty of the city itself. One of the best ways to experience that is to take a canal cruise. This is an affordable and relaxing way to see the city from another perspective. Sit back with a drink and some good company, and wind your way through the historic twists and turns of this truly remarkable city with tons of local flair and flavor.