In Alkmaar, the history of the plantation of the same name and the temples along the road reflect different aspects of the area. The journey by bicycle and nearby historic sites also help you decide what role Alkmaar should play in your trip.
Plantation History and Local Orientation
In 1745, surveyor Jacob Hengeveld established the Alkmaar plantation and named it after his birthplace, Alkmaar. The former Suriname plantation Alkmaar was located on the Commewijne River in the Commewijne District. It was also known by the names Goede-Vrouw, Goedoefrouw and Godefroy. This connects the naming and history of the plantation to a specific place.
Various temples can be seen along the road in Alkmaar. The Shri Lachmi Nárain Mandir in Alkmaar celebrated its 40th anniversary on a Saturday, December 17. The story of a 25-year-old man who persuaded nine men of the same age to take part is also connected with the construction of the mandir. Plantation history and temples therefore offer different themes through which Alkmaar can be understood.
Alkmaar is reachable by bicycle from Paramaribo. Nearby are also the historic sugar factory at Mariënburg and the Frederiksdorp and Katwijk plantations. These nearby places broaden the historical context without being equated with the Alkmaar plantation.
Commewijne in a Broader Context
In the wider destination of Commewijne, nature, river crossings and history offer different points of reference. The protected Peperpot Nature Park covers more than 800 hectares, preserves cultural heritage and biodiversity, and provides a habitat for birds and monkeys. The Jules Albert Wijdenbosch Bridge connects central Paramaribo with Commewijne and is considered Suriname’s highest bridge. A small boat is another option for crossing the river on the way to Commewijne; a scenic cycling tour is one way to explore the district more slowly and in greater depth.
Commewijne’s historic waterways and restored plantation houses also reflect centuries of Surinamese culture. Commewijne is home to many descendants of Asian indentured workers, whose heritage is part of the district’s diverse cultural tradition. Visitors to Commewijne may encounter traditions such as gamelan music and traditional dances. In the trance dance Jaran Kepang, performers imitate powerful animals such as tigers.
Fort Nieuw Amsterdam in Commewijne is pentagonal and served as an important lookout for approaching warships. The fort is an open-air museum, and its former prison has been converted into an exhibition space. Its historical context draws attention to the fort’s role during the colonial period and its significance during the Second World War. If visiting the fort is important to your plans, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.
Commewijne’s plantations are no longer operating; their remains serve as museums for tourists. Visible remnants of slavery, including buildings and machinery, have also been preserved on the plantations. These themes provide a further historical context for the region’s plantation heritage.
Choose the Right Focus
When looking for a holiday rental in Alkmaar, it helps to consider whether the town itself, with its plantation history and temples, is your main focus, or whether you would like to include the wider Commewijne region in your plans. This allows you to distinguish Alkmaar’s specific local connections from the district’s broader themes of nature, culture and history.
Discover more destinations: Domburg, Slootwijk, Nieuw-Nickerie, Bottopassi, Zanderij, Republiek, Paramaribo, Berg En Dal.
For the broader travel overview: Suriname.
