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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Accijnstoren
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century historic tower on Alkmaar's canals, once a tax office, now a picturesque landmark.
"A beautiful wooden landmark at the top, serving as a picturesque part of Alkmaar's historic architecture."

📸 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Bierkade 26
This landmark sits beautifully by the canals, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into Alkmaar's past.

Architectural Details
Exterior of the Accijnstoren
Note the almost square floor plan, brickwork with natural stone bands, and the historical significance of its bridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Accijnstoren's Role
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
🚶 Explore Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with the cheesemarket and other historic buildings in Alkmaar.
🍺 Enjoy Local Brews
Nearby Turfmarkt serves award-winning STOKED! beer.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
🚶 Explore Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with the cheesemarket and other historic buildings in Alkmaar.
🍺 Enjoy Local Brews
Nearby Turfmarkt serves award-winning STOKED! beer.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Accijnstoren is an exterior landmark. You can view and photograph it from the outside without needing a ticket.
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.
There is no admission fee to view the Accijnstoren from the outside. It's a public landmark enjoyed by all visitors.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
You can capture the Accijnstoren's beautiful wooden tower, its canal-side setting, and the surrounding historic Alkmaar architecture. Night shots are particularly popular.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be mindful of any private property or ongoing activities.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
You can find traditional Dutch cuisine, international dishes, and casual pub fare. Many establishments offer canal-side seating for a pleasant dining experience.
Absolutely! The area around the Accijnstoren has many pubs and cafes. Turfmarkt, for example, serves STOKED! beer.
Yes, you can find more affordable options like snack bars, bakeries, and cafes offering sandwiches and light meals in the city center.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Photographers
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.
⚓ Boaters and Water Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Function of the Accijnstoren
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.
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.
Experiencing Alkmaar's Canals and Waterfront
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit