De Kooltuin is one of the oldest, most picturesque streets with its own canal in the historic center of Alkmaar.
The name Kooltuin refers directly to the former vegetable garden (or cabbage garden) of a medieval castle. As the name suggests, cabbage was regularly on the menu here for the castle residents.
After the Middle Ages, De Kooltuin transformed into a lively canal lined with warehouses. The vast majority of the buildings are of great age. Some facades bear wall anchors dating back to 1593.