Bierkade (Beer Quay) - Alkmaar

Did you know that the beer city of Alkmaar even has a Bierkade? The Bierkade in Alkmaar bears its name for a reason. For centuries, this was the place where beer traders and breweries established themselves. Not only was beer from other cities brought here, but also the raw materials needed for the production of beer in Alkmaar. Ships full of barley, hops and other ingredients entered the city via Luttik Oudorp, which is just around the corner and connected to the Noordhollandsch Kanaal. The warehouses along the water served as storage, and strong men lugged heavy sacks of malt from the ships to the breweries.

Brewery Den Burg once stood at Bierkade 10, the last brewery in Alkmaar to operate until 1926. The breweries on Bierkade faced stiff competition from the beer stewards – traders who sold beer from other cities. This led to tensions with the local brewers, who tried to keep their own beer on the market. The excise duties levied in the nearby excise tower were intended to protect the Alkmaar brewing industry from unfair competition.

Old print of the Bierkade: North Holland Archives.