Alkmaar is known worldwide for its cheese market and cheese history. In Alkmaar, one event takes center stage, Kaeskoppenstad (Translated: Cheesehead town) on the 6th and 7th of June. This festival takes place annually in the city and shows visitors the history and cheese traditions of the city. In this blog, I will tell you more about what Kaaskoppenstad is and why you should definitely experience it once!
What is Kaaskoppenstad?
Kaeskoppenstad is a festival in Alkmaar where the whole of Alkmaar is transformed into a city from the 16th and 17th century. The inner city is completely transformed, so that you as a visitor, experience how life was at that time. In the city there are various actors in traditional clothing, craftsmen showing what they do and the biggest focus is of course on cheese!
Kaeskoppenstad is the history of Alkmaar, which has been known for centuries as the cheese city of the Netherlands. This event is a unique experience for visitors of all ages because of the tradition surrounding cheese and the atmosphere of the historic city. When you walk through the streets of Alkmaar, it feels like you have stepped back in time. The facades of the buildings are decorated and all the dressed-up residents act out scenes from the past. The city looks just like it came out of the Golden Age.
Traditional crafts are displayed in a fun way. Consider the trades of cheese spice makers, barrel fillers and blacksmiths. During Kaaskoppenstad, it is shown how these people used to live and work and you can participate in certain activities and workshops yourself, such as cheese making. A traditional cheese market has been taking place during the festival since 1953. You can taste cheese everywhere, from young cheeses to spicy old cheeses. Several cheese producers present their cheese and take you through the process of cheese making.
Kaeskoppenstad is fun for both young and old. For children, there are interactive scavenger hunts and they can participate in workshops, such as making mini cheeses. There are also street theater performances, musical performances and storytellers who take younger children back to the past.
Prices
For the current prices, check out the website of Kaeskoppenstad.
Kaeskoppenstad in Alkmaar is an event for anyone interested in Dutch culture, history and cheese. This festival is a unique look at Alkmaar’s history around cheese. Put on your historic clothes, taste the tastiest cheeses and experience the Alkmaar of old during Kaeskoppenstad!
Are you curious to learn more about the history of Alkmaar? Then book the SmartWalk Alkmaar for a super fun telephone tour of the city and get to know Alkmaar even better! The tour is entirely up to you and you can take breaks whenever you want.
Have fun during your visit in Alkmaar!
