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Alkmaar, strong city in a large region

Strong city

‘Victory began in Alkmaar’. This slogan refers to one of the most famous episodes in the history of Alkmaar: its conquest of the Spaniards in 1573. The legacy of this rich and illustrious past can still be admired in its convivial city centre. The canals with their characteristic drawbridges, the monuments over 400 in number, the peaceful courtyards, the old facades and the narrow streets of shops give the centre of the city its very special atmosphere. It’s not just chance that Alkmaar is the tenth shopping city in the Netherlands!

Over the course of the centuries Alkmaar has grown to become an attractive medium sized city with many possibilities when it comes to living, working, and enjoying oneself. Strong points are the attractive residential locations in neighbourhoods with their own character and the varied production environment with concentrations of all types of services. The Alkmaar residents are proud of ‘their’ Canadaplein, the sparkling new cultural square where five large cultural institutions present a broad palette of exhibitions, theatre, art, music, books and new media. For tourists, too, Alkmaar is a beloved destination. Of course because of the cheese market, which takes place every Friday and attracts thousands of people from all over the world, but also because of the proximity of the beach and the capital. Alkmaar: cheese, coast, and culture!

Large region
Alkmaar is located in a typical Dutch polder landscape, close to a large nature reserve with dunes, beach, woods and water, water everywhere. Few places in the Netherlands display such a wide variety in terms of natural splendour.

In an economic context, too, Alkmaar has a favourable location as an attraction in the region and part of the Randstad. Alkmaar is the beating heart of Noord-Holland North. For example Alkmaar accommodates the largest non-academic hospital and the only college of higher education of this region.

In addition Alkmaar, which comprises part of the northern wing of the Randstad, is surprisingly close to Amsterdam and Schiphol. So more and more companies are choosing Alkmaar as an attractive place to make their homes.

The near future
Under the motto ‘Alkmaar, strong city in a large region’ hard work is being done to retain and reinforce the city’s strong points and upgrade its weaker ones. Spearheads of municipal policy are a strong centre, vibrant neighbourhoods and a modern economy. In this context scores of projects are being executed that will make Alkmaar even more worthwhile a place to visit into the near future.

( By courtesy of the Municipality of Alkmaar )

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