Cheese Capital Day Trip: Tasting Alkmaar from the Watertoren

Craving a city escape that pairs perfectly with a romantic stay? A Cheese Capital Day Trip to Alkmaar from Watertoren Duin & Bosch gives you the best of both worlds—your private panoramic suite in Castricum and a flavorful day exploring the Netherlands’ famous cheese city just a short hop away. In under half an hour by car—and also perfectly reachable by public transport—you can wander historic squares, browse cozy shopping streets, sip local brews, paddle the canals, and return to your suite in time for sunset.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to plan your day, what to see around Waagplein and the Waagtower, and how to combine Alkmaar’s highlights with the comforts and experiences that define a stay at Watertoren Duin & Bosch.

Quick answers for planners

• How far is Alkmaar from the tower? Less than a 30-minute drive; it’s also perfectly reachable by public transport from Castricum.
• What makes Alkmaar special? It’s the famous Dutch cheese city with the well-known Waagplein and Waagtower, great shopping, museums, breweries, and canal SUP options.
• Can this be done on a weekday? Absolutely—our Doordeweeks Weekend concept encourages weekday stays for extra peace while others are at work.
• Where do I unwind after the trip? Back in your private suite high in the restored watertower—complete privacy, a freestanding bathtub with views, and a 360-degree panorama.

Getting there at a glance

• Drive: Less than 30 minutes from Watertoren Duin & Bosch to Alkmaar.
• Public transport: Alkmaar is perfectly reachable from Castricum.

Why Alkmaar belongs on your itinerary

Alkmaar is celebrated as the cheese capital of the Netherlands. Start at the Waagplein, home to the Waagtower, and soak up the historic atmosphere around the square. From there, stroll through a lively mix of broad shopping streets and small, cozy lanes dotted with vintage and pop-up stores.

Art lovers can expand their horizons at the Stedelijk Museum. If you prefer to be on the water, you can go supping in the canals for a fresh perspective on the city. And when it’s time to toast the day, visit one of the breweries or tasting rooms—Alkmaar has options to suit every palate.

A sample Cheese Capital Day Trip from Watertoren Duin & Bosch

Use this outline as inspiration and tailor the timing to your pace.

1. Wake to a 360-degree view

   • Greet the day from your suite about 33 metres high, with a panorama that stretches from the North Sea coastline in the west to open farmland in the east, and treetops of the Noordhollands Duinreservaat to the north and south. On clear mornings, it’s a breathtaking preview of your adventure.

2. Head to Alkmaar

   • Drive in less than 30 minutes or take public transport from Castricum. Arrive ready to explore the heart of the cheese city.

3. Waagplein and the Waagtower

   • Begin at Alkmaar’s most iconic square. The architecture and ambiance make it a natural first stop for photos and orientation.

4. Culture and canals

   • Visit the Stedelijk Museum for a dose of art and local culture.
   • For something active, try supping on the canals and see Alkmaar’s historic center from the water.

5. Tastes of Alkmaar

   • Sample local brews by visiting a brewery or tasting room. It’s a relaxed way to discover regional flavors.

6. Shopping in cozy side streets

   • Browse the blend of well-known brands and small, cozy streets with pop-up and vintage shops. Pick up a keepsake before you head back.

7. Return to your tower hideaway

   • Back at Watertoren Duin & Bosch, draw a bath with a view or curl up in the kingsize bed on the floating mezzanine. As dusk settles, spot the distant twinkling city lights on the horizon.

8. Dinner close to home

   • Stay nearby in Castricum for a great meal. Recommended options include Het Eethuijsje (ambiance and a delicate menu), Brutaal (modern, seasonal dishes), Het Ruiterhuys (country-style dining), and Aan het Bosch (for fine dining). For a special splurge, the one-star Michelin Apicius in nearby Bakkum is a short trip away.

What to see and do on your Cheese Capital Day Trip

• Waagplein & Waagtower: The well-known square and tower at the heart of Alkmaar’s cheese heritage.
• Stedelijk Museum: Expand your art knowledge during your city visit.
• SUP the canals: Glide through Alkmaar’s waterways for a unique vantage point of the old town.
• Breweries & tasting rooms: Relax with a local pour and savor the city’s craft scene.
• Shopping: Mix of broad streets with famous brands and small, cozy lanes filled with vintage and pop-up finds.

How this day pairs perfectly with the Watertoren experience

Your base sets the tone for a memorable outing and an even better return.

• Private, high-end suite: Exclusive use of a boutique hotel floor at the top of a converted water tower—designed for one couple.
• Signature comforts: A kingsize bed on a floating loft, a freestanding bathtub with a wide view, a rain shower, and a separate toilet on the lower level.
• Tech and climate: Fast Wi‑Fi, a sound system, flatscreen TV, air‑conditioning, and heating keep you comfortable year-round.
• Panoramic romance: A full 360-degree view—coastline to the west, farmland to the east, and the green treetops of the Noordhollands Duinreservaat north and south.
• Breakfast with heart: A complete breakfast from nearby Grand Café De Oude Keuken (DOK) is delivered from 10:00, with the option to hoist it up by pulley or enjoy it in the restaurant by prior arrangement. DOK uses mostly regional organic produce and supports a social enterprise mission.

Practical tips for your Cheese Capital Day Trip

• Choose your travel mode: Drive in less than 30 minutes or take public transport from Castricum.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be on your feet exploring squares, lanes, and museums.
• Plan a weekday escape: Embrace the Doordeweeks Weekend idea—weekday stays mean more peace while the rest of the world is at work.
• Combine city and dunes: Before or after Alkmaar, make time for the Noordhollands Duinreservaat at the foot of the tower. Two complimentary bikes are available for exploring the dunes and coastline.
• Unwind in season: From April through October, guests can reserve the free sauna, gym, padel court, and tennis court at nearby Camping Bakkum via reception.
• Stay coastal for sundowners: If you crave the sea breeze after your city day, head to Castricum aan Zee for cocktails and seaside dining at trendy beach clubs like Club Zand, Deining, and Zeezicht.

Extend your getaway

• Haarlem citytrip: Another historic gem less than a 30-minute drive and perfectly reachable by public transport, with museums around the river Spaarne and welcoming terraces.
• Gift unforgettable: Surprise someone with the elegant Watertoren Duin & Bosch gift card, packaged with a short video and the option to add your own personal video message.
• A suite made for romance: Planning a bridal suite stay or honeymoon? The tower’s privacy, panoramic bathtub, chilled bottle of prosecco on arrival, and freshly delivered breakfast set the scene.

Featured snippet: How long is the trip from the tower to Alkmaar?

Less than a 30-minute drive from Watertoren Duin & Bosch to Alkmaar, and the city is also perfectly reachable by public transport from Castricum.

Conclusion: Plan your Cheese Capital Day Trip now

A Cheese Capital Day Trip to Alkmaar from the Watertoren is the perfect blend of culture and comfort: explore Waagplein and the Waagtower, browse cozy shopping streets, SUP the canals, and sample local breweries—then return to your private panoramic suite for a serene evening above the treetops.

Ready to go? Book directly via the official website’s booking engine. There’s currently a temporary offer with 50% off the second night—ideal for pairing Alkmaar with a dune or beach day. Or surprise someone special with a Watertoren Duin & Bosch gift card and let them experience the tower’s romance for themselves.