The Siege of Alkmaar
A walk with Flier the Flute Player
In 1573, during the Eighty Years' War, Alkmaar was besieged by Spanish troops. Cities like Zutphen, Naarden, and Haarlem had already fallen – and now Alkmaar seemed lost as well. But the city resisted bravely. Geuzen and citizens fought side by side, with a remarkably important role for the women. The siege was repelled: the rebels' first major victory over the mighty Spanish armies. The Victory began in Alkmaar!
Your guide on this walk is Flier de Fluiter – as if he stepped straight out of 1573 to bring the story to life. Together, we will discover well-known and hidden spots where Flier tells, shows, and lets you experience how the siege unfolded and how the victory was achieved. And who knows, if you are lucky, he might accompany the story with an original Geuzen song on his flute.
- 3-hour walk for €20 per person
- About 5 km long
- Starting and ending point: the Grote Kerk in Alkmaar
- Start time 10:30
- Contact us for private bookings
- Groups of up to 20 people
- Cancellation only in case of dangerous weather conditions
Book your spot directly below
The walk is held on:
2025
- 23 November
- 21 December
2026
- January 18
- February 22
- March 22
- 26 April
Flier de Fluiter is also known as Martin van Elmpt, who, in collaboration, created the Alkmaarsche Scheurkalender in the anniversary year 2023, which brings the year 1573 to life every day.
In November 2024, the book Om Alkmaar by him was published, in which the city and municipality are presented in a fun and accessible way.
