Alphen Annual Market
Largest annual market in the Netherlands since 1894, held each September with over 700 stalls and many visitors.
PlizioGo
Buy these warm, fresh syrup waffles at the local weekly market.
Enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes at one of the restaurants near the river.
Try fried fish bits at one of the fish stalls in the city center.
An indoor shopping center in the heart of the city for fashion and daily needs.
Visit the market (usually Wednesdays and Saturdays) for fresh local cheese and Dutch specialties.
A cozy shopping street with smaller boutiques and specialty shops.
A beautiful, quiet park handy for a relaxing walk away from the hustle and bustle.
A recreational lake great for hiking, cycling, or enjoying a picnic by the water.
Find a bench along the riverbank and watch the passing boats.
Water temperature…
Alphen aan den Rijn is a dynamic city in South Holland, strategically located between Leiden, Gouda, and Utrecht along the banks of the Old Rhine river. The settlement's history dates back to Roman times when the Castellum Albaniana was established here as part of the Limes to defend the northern border of the Roman Empire. Today, the Archeon archaeological park commemorates this distant past, offering visitors immersive insights into prehistoric, Roman, and medieval life. Another major tourist draw is the Avifauna Bird Park, which opened in 1950 as the world's first specialized bird park. In modern times, the city has evolved into a vital commercial and industrial hub, with its position along key waterways playing a decisive role in its development. The area surrounding Alphen is characterized by the typical Dutch polder landscape, providing numerous opportunities for water sports and cycling tours. Alphen aan den Rijn thus connects ancient history with a contemporary lifestyle and high-quality recreational facilities.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 66 | 55 | 38 | 56 | 62 | 78 | 87 | 70 | 79 | 81 | 85 |
See what it looks like near Alphen aan den Rijn right now.
Alphen aan den Rijn: Zegerplas · 1.7 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day in Alphen starts in the heart of the city, exploring its modern and historic architecture. In the morning, you'll discover the main churches and the cultural hub. After lunch near the old mill, your path leads to Zegerplas. You spend the afternoon at the lake and beach, enjoying nature and relaxation. In the evening, you return to the center to dine at one of the cozy restaurants.
Start under the modern arches of the City Hall before retreating into the quiet interior of Oudshoornse Church. At midday, the Castellum Theatre lobby provides a dry sanctuary. The afternoon walk passes De Eendracht windmill, where the rain hitting the canal creates a classic Dutch atmosphere. The day concludes at Zegerplas lake, watching the grey sky reflect on the water's surface.
Cold winds from the Rhine mark the morning by the City Hall. The historic churches offer a welcome warmth during your visit. At midday, warm up in the modern theater before heading to Eendracht mill, which looks imposing in the low winter sun. The early sunset at 16:45 paints the Zegerplas in cool blue tones, ideal for a crisp winter stroll.
A bike tour through Alphen takes you to the highlights in and around the city. You start in the center before heading south to Avifauna bird park, a morning highlight. After lunch, you'll circle the Zegerplas lake and visit the historic mill. The afternoon is reserved for a deep dive into history at the Archeon open-air museum. The tour concludes with a relaxed ride back to the city center to end the day.
A wet ride starts at Castellum Theatre. Pedal along the canal towards Oudshoornse Church on the shiny asphalt. Avifauna Bird Park's tropical halls offer a perfect dry break. In the afternoon, gusts at Zegerplas provide a challenge before finishing at Eendracht mill and Archeon, where the ancient paths feel authentic even in the mud.
The tour starts at the theater on a cold, clear day. The path along the Rhine canal requires warm gloves against the wind chill. At Avifauna, heated halls provide a break from the frost. In the afternoon, hoarfrost glitters on the fields near Steekterlucht. The tour ends at Archeon, showcasing how ancestors survived winter, before returning to the center in the dark.
By car, you'll explore Alphen and its surroundings in clusters. The morning is for the major southern attractions: Archeon history park and Avifauna bird park. After a short drive, you'll park in the center for the afternoon to discover the historic churches and mills on foot. The day ends with another short drive to Zegerplas, where you can relax on the beach.
Start dry at Archeon Museum, which has a mystical atmosphere in the rain. Continue to Avifauna Park, where covered sections are ideal for rainy days. At midday, park conveniently in the center for a warm lunch. The route then leads to Eendracht mill and Zegerplas lake, which can be viewed from the warmth of your car or the sheltered pavilion.
A cozy winter day starts at Archeon, where fires often burn in the reconstructed houses. Avifauna Park offers warm refuge in its heated animal houses. At midday, Alphen center is festively lit. After a quick stop at Eendracht mill, the day ends at Zegerplas, watching the sunset over the often misty lake from your car.
