accijnstoren van Alkmaar uit 1622
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Accijnstoren

4.4
·254 reviews·Alkmaar, Netherlands

A 17th-century historic tower on Alkmaar's canals, once a tax office, now a picturesque landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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accijnstoren van Alkmaar uit 1622

Accijnstoren

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 17th-century historic tower on Alkmaar's canals, once a tax office, now a picturesque landmark.

4.4
(254 reviews)

"A beautiful wooden landmark at the top, serving as a picturesque part of Alkmaar's historic architecture."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Night View

The Accijnstoren looks magical at night with long exposure photography.

⚓ Moor Your Boat Here

Enjoy the city's beauty by mooring your boat right next to the Accijnstoren.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Graceful Wooden Tower

The Graceful Wooden Tower

Top of the Accijnstoren

Admire the elegant wooden tower, topped with a bell that once announced taxable goods.

Historic Canal-Side Location

Historic Canal-Side Location

Bierkade 26

This landmark sits beautifully by the canals, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into Alkmaar's past.

Architectural Details

Architectural Details

Exterior of the Accijnstoren

Note the almost square floor plan, brickwork with natural stone bands, and the historical significance of its bridge.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

The Accijnstoren is a popular spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. To experience its charm with fewer people, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Consider visiting outside of the summer months for a more tranquil experience.

Understanding the Accijnstoren's Role

Originally built in 1622, the Accijnstoren served as a tax office for imported goods. Today, it functions as the harbor master's office during summer. Its historical significance as a revenue source for Alkmaar adds to its allure.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season (Spring/Fall)
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Beautifull Alkmaar @turfmarkt_alkmaar now serves ice cold STOKED! Award winning Unfiltered Lager 🥳🤙 #alkmaar #alkmaarprachtstad #alkmaarcity #alkmaarcentrum #accijnstoren #accijnstorenalkmaar #haven #havenalkmaar #turfmarkt #turfmarktalkmaar #beer #lager #unfiltered
stokedbeer
42 likes • 1.7K views

📸 Capture the Night View

The Accijnstoren looks magical at night with long exposure photography. Instagram

⚓ Moor Your Boat Here

Enjoy the city's beauty by mooring your boat right next to the Accijnstoren. Reddit

📍 Bierkade 26 ➡️ Johan staat zaterdag 13 september van 10.00-13.15 in de Grote Kerk en van 13.30-17.00 bij de accijnstoren. 🔍 Komende zaterdag (Alkmaar, Koedijk en Oudorp) en zondag (de Schermer, Graft en de Rijp) vindt Open Monumentendag plaats. Via www.openmonumentendagalkmaar.nl of @openmonumentendag_alkmaar vind je alle informatie en unieke activiteiten voor jong en oud! ➡️ Waar ga jij di...
ontdek.alkmaar
81 likes • 3.9K views
Alkmaar is, like Amsterdam, known for it’s beautiful canals, old historic/monumental structures, but most of all: the cheesemarket. On this image: de Accijnstoren ✨ #alkmaar #alkmaaratnight #noordholland #cheese #kaasmarkt #accijnstoren #accijnstorenalkmaar #longexposure #night #nightout #nightphotography #michelswartphotography #photoreels #colors #colorsofthenight
michelswartphotography
45 likes • 1.6K views

🚶 Explore Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with the cheesemarket and other historic buildings in Alkmaar. Instagram

🍺 Enjoy Local Brews

Nearby Turfmarkt serves award-winning STOKED! beer. Instagram

Ondertussen ben ik een bezig aan een opdracht voor een nieuwe stad. Zie jij welke stad dit wordt? #windmolen #windmolens #stadillustraties #accijnstoren #gemeentehuisalk #dewaagtoren #alkmaarcity
femke.dekoninck
52 likes • 340 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Night View

The Accijnstoren looks magical at night with long exposure photography. Instagram

⚓ Moor Your Boat Here

Enjoy the city's beauty by mooring your boat right next to the Accijnstoren. Reddit

🚶 Explore Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with the cheesemarket and other historic buildings in Alkmaar. Instagram

🍺 Enjoy Local Brews

Nearby Turfmarkt serves award-winning STOKED! beer. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(254 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Accijnstoren as a beautiful and historic landmark, particularly appreciating its picturesque canal-side location and charming wooden tower. It's noted as a significant part of Alkmaar's ancient architecture and a great spot for photography, especially at night. Some find it a bit touristy, but its historical context and scenic beauty are widely admired.

"A beautiful wooden landmark at the top"

Seyed hamid Agha

"This beautiful building called the Excise Tower was built in 1622. It has a graceful wooden tower with a loud bell. The tower served as an office: anyone who wanted to import goods had to pay tax at the Excise Tower.
Today, it serves as an office for the harbor master during the summer months.
Excise taxes used to be an important source of income for the city. The Excise Tower has an almost square floor plan and is built of brick with natural stone bands. The bridge on which the tower is partly built was once a swing bridge. This was replaced in 1903 by a drawbridge. Which has since disappeared for the benefit of traffic. A crane stood on a headland near the excise tower. This was not a water tap, but a wooden hoisting system with a treadmill to lift heavy loads from a ship onto the quay."

Sabrina M.

"Very touristic place with many very beautiful ancient buildings. "Port" for boats right beide the street."

Urs Gröhbiel

What People Like

Beautiful historic landmark
Picturesque canal-side setting
Charming wooden tower

What People Dislike

Can be touristy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Accijnstoren is located at Bierkade 26 in Alkmaar. It's easily accessible by foot if you're exploring the city center. If arriving by car, look for parking garages in the city center. Public transport options include buses that stop near the city center, from where it's a short walk. Reddit

Yes, the Accijnstoren is a walkable distance from Alkmaar's central train station. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes through the charming city streets. Reddit

Cycling is a popular way to get around Alkmaar. There are bike racks available in the city center, making it convenient to cycle to the Accijnstoren and explore further. Reddit

For day-trippers, arriving by train is highly recommended due to its central location. Once in Alkmaar, walking or cycling are the best ways to see the Accijnstoren and other sights. Reddit

While there might not be a bus stop directly at the Accijnstoren, several bus lines stop in the immediate vicinity of Alkmaar's city center, making it a very short walk to the landmark. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Accijnstoren is an exterior landmark. You can view and photograph it from the outside without needing a ticket. Instagram

As an exterior landmark, the Accijnstoren is visible at all times. However, it serves as the harbor master's office during summer months, so access to the interior is limited. Reddit

There is no admission fee to view the Accijnstoren from the outside. It's a public landmark enjoyed by all visitors. Instagram

Generally, the Accijnstoren is not open to the public for interior visits, except possibly for special events or guided tours. It primarily functions as an office. Reddit

The Accijnstoren sometimes participates in Open Monumentendag (Open Monument Day), offering a chance to learn more about its history. Check local listings for such events. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

For stunning photos, aim for the 'golden hour' during sunrise or sunset. Night photography with long exposures can also yield dramatic results, showcasing the tower's silhouette. Instagram

You can capture the Accijnstoren's beautiful wooden tower, its canal-side setting, and the surrounding historic Alkmaar architecture. Night shots are particularly popular. Instagram

There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be mindful of any private property or ongoing activities. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire structure and its surroundings. A tripod is essential for low-light and night photography to achieve sharp images. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near waterways. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Accijnstoren is located in Alkmaar's city center, which is brimming with restaurants, cafes, and bars. You'll find a variety of cuisines to choose from. Reddit

You can find traditional Dutch cuisine, international dishes, and casual pub fare. Many establishments offer canal-side seating for a pleasant dining experience. Reddit

Absolutely! The area around the Accijnstoren has many pubs and cafes. Turfmarkt, for example, serves STOKED! beer. Instagram

Yes, you can find more affordable options like snack bars, bakeries, and cafes offering sandwiches and light meals in the city center. Reddit

While there aren't designated picnic areas right at the Accijnstoren, you can find benches along the canals or nearby parks where you can enjoy a picnic. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Alkmaar will find the Accijnstoren a charming sight. While you can't go inside, the exterior, with its historic tower and canal-side location, is engaging for children. It's a great spot for a photo opportunity and to talk about how cities used to collect taxes. Instagram

Combine your visit with a walk along the canals, where kids might enjoy watching the boats. Alkmaar also has a famous cheese market (seasonal) and other historical buildings that can make for an interesting family outing. Pack some snacks and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Accijnstoren is a dream for photographers. Its unique wooden tower, brick facade, and prime canal-side location offer numerous shooting opportunities. The surrounding historic buildings and boats add to the visual appeal. Instagram

For the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for warm, soft light. Night photography enthusiasts will find the Accijnstoren particularly captivating, with long exposure shots highlighting its silhouette against the night sky. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions. Instagram

⚓ Boaters and Water Enthusiasts

If you're exploring Alkmaar by boat, the Accijnstoren offers a prime mooring spot right along the Bierkade. This allows you to be in the heart of the city, with easy access to its attractions, restaurants, and shops. Reddit

The picturesque setting makes it an ideal place to dock and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the canal district. You'll be surrounded by other boats and historic architecture, creating a truly immersive experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Function of the Accijnstoren

The Accijnstoren, or Excise Tower, is a historical landmark in Alkmaar, dating back to 1622. Its primary function was to serve as an office where merchants had to pay excise taxes on imported goods. This made it a crucial point for the city's revenue collection. The building itself is constructed of brick with distinctive natural stone bands, and it sits on a bridge that was once a swing bridge, later replaced by a drawbridge. Reddit

Beyond its tax collection role, the Accijnstoren also housed the harbor master during the summer months. This dual function highlights its importance in both commerce and maritime activity. The presence of a crane nearby, used for lifting heavy loads from ships, further emphasizes its connection to trade and logistics. Reddit

Today, the Accijnstoren stands as a testament to Alkmaar's rich trading past. While its original function is no longer active, it remains a picturesque and historically significant site, contributing to the charm of Alkmaar's canal district. Its graceful wooden tower and bell are iconic features that draw visitors and photographers alike. Instagram

Experiencing Alkmaar's Canals and Waterfront

The Accijnstoren is beautifully situated along Alkmaar's picturesque canals, offering a quintessential Dutch waterfront experience. The area is a hub for boats, with many choosing to moor right by the street, creating a lively and scenic atmosphere. This makes it a fantastic spot for leisurely strolls and soaking in the city's ambiance. Reddit

Visitors can enjoy the views of the Accijnstoren from various vantage points along the canal. The nearby Turfmarkt is a popular spot, known for serving local brews like STOKED! beer, adding to the relaxed vibe of the waterfront. It's an ideal place to unwind and appreciate the historic architecture that lines the waterways. Instagram

For those who enjoy exploring by water, Alkmaar's canals offer opportunities for boat tours or even renting your own vessel. The Accijnstoren serves as a beautiful backdrop to these aquatic adventures, reminding visitors of the city's historical connection to trade and transport via its waterways. Reddit