Alkmaar, Limmen, De Rijp

From grinding barley to beer excise duties: beer played a role in Alkmaar and the surrounding area for centuries. Today, old brewing traditions are being revived in small breweries. Experience all facets of the region's beer history on two wheels.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, beer was the national drink par excellence and was drunk by young and old. With an estimated consumption of 250 to 400 litres per person per year, it was not only a stimulant, but also a basic daily necessity. Beer was drunk in different varieties: weak beer for labourers and children, stronger beer for merchants and skippers. Clean drinking water was scarce, and beer – which was purified by the brewing process – was a safe and reliable alternative. By way of comparison: today, the average beer consumption in the Netherlands is around 85 litres per person per year, and it can only be drunk from the age of 18.

During this period, Alkmaar was a thriving trading city and benefited from its favourable location on the water. Beer was imported into and exported from the city via canals such as the Zeglis and the Noordhollandsch Kanaal. Local brewers competed with beer merchants: traders who brought beer in from other cities. To protect the local beer industry, excise duties were levied on imported beer.

Beer also played a role in the surrounding villages of the Land van Leeghwater, but then mainly in the form of raw materials. After the reclamation of the Beemster and Schermer in the 17th century, fertile farmland was created where grain was grown – an essential raw material for beer production. Flour mills in the region processed barley and malt as part of the brewing process. It is not known whether Molen De Knegt was used specifically for this purpose, but today you can see how the milling process worked.

Although beer was an indispensable product for a long time, it faced increasing competition in the second half of the 17th century. Exotic beverages such as coffee, tea and chocolate came to the Netherlands from the colonies and slowly began to gain ground among the well-to-do bourgeoisie. Economic changes, tax burdens and the rise of other industries also contributed to the decline in the number of breweries. In the 20th century, the last brewery in Alkmaar, Den Burg Brewery on Bierkade, closed its doors.

In the 21st century, the region has seen a revival of traditional breweries. Zeglis Brewery, Dampegheest Brewery and Leeghwater Brewery combine traditional brewing techniques with modern flavour profiles. Tasting rooms and craft beer cafés are once again making Alkmaar and the surrounding area a place where beer culture is alive and well.

The rich beer history of Alkmaar and the Land van Leeghwater can be found in old buildings, street names and the stories of former brewers and traders. And today, you can still taste that history. Enjoy the beer history and have fun tasting, but keep it safe on your bike – everything is better in moderation!

Note!
You will come across two bicycle ferries along the way. The Akersloot ferry does not sail between 09:30 and 12:30 on the first Tuesday of the month. There is no alternative route, so check the Pitstops to plan your crossings.


This premium cycle route was compiled by our editor Désirée van Uffelen.