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

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 254 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

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

Accijnstoren (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide