Apeldoorn lies on the eastern edge of the Veluwe, the largest contiguous nature area in the Netherlands, and at the same time borders the open agricultural lands of the IJssel valley and the Gelderse Vallei. On the transition from forest to arable land, orchards thrive: apples, pears and cherries feel at home on the light, well-drained sandy soils at the foot of the ridge. The region also has a long tradition of small-scale farms growing vegetables and soft fruits for the local market. A visit to a pick-your-own farm near Apeldoorn combines effortlessly with a walk through the Veluwe forests or a trip to Paleis Het Loo.
U-Pick Farms near Apeldoorn
Around Apeldoorn, Vaassen, Epe, Twello and Beekbergen you’ll find a variety of pick-your-own farms and fruit orchards where you are very welcome. You can pick apples, strawberries and seasonal flowers in the beautiful Veluwe countryside. You can also search among u-pick farms across all of Gelderland/Gelders .
The best u-pick farms near Apeldoorn: our picks
Apeldoorn lies on the eastern slope of the Veluwe, where beech lanes lead to open fields and the border between forest and farmland constantly blurs. This is prime territory for strawberries and flowers: shelter from the forest, warmth from the sandy soil and sufficient rainfall from the Veluwe hills. The picking gardens here have something the Randstad lacks: room to breathe.
Four kilometres from the centre, Wenum Hoeve on the Veluwe slopes has opened for self-pickers: strawberries, herbs, mint and flowers including dahlias in the atmosphere of a genuine Veluwe care farm — because that is exactly what it is. The tea table and the shop make it a complete outing.
Twelve kilometres away, towards Epe, De Hommelhoeve is a biodynamic self-harvest farm with vegetables and fruit on a membership basis. Biodynamic means here: taking account of moon and season when sowing and harvesting — a philosophy that is perceptible even for the casual visitor.
At a similar distance towards Harskamp, De Groenerie works as a combination of care farm and experience garden: unsprayed flowers, vegetables and herbs in an atmosphere that brings calm more than haste.
In Appen, twelve kilometres from the city, De Zonnegaard stands with a biodynamic-dynamic plot of tulips, narcissi, berries, raspberries and herbs. From early spring to late autumn the garden offers something to harvest — a long picking calendar that suits the extended Apeldoorn seasons.
For those driving towards Vaassen or Heerde, the IJssel Valley offers additional fruit farms that complete the picking range of the region.
Tip: visit De Zonnegaard in April for the narcissi or in June for the first raspberries — the contrast with the forest backdrop is priceless at those moments.