U-Pick Farms near Nijmegen – fruit from the Betuwe region

Nijmegen borders directly on the Betuwe, the Netherlands’ famous fruit-growing region, named after the endless rows of apple and pear orchards that define the landscape. The fertile river clay soils along the Waal and the Maas have been used for centuries to grow pome fruit, plums and cherries, and the region is one of the richest fruit-producing areas in the country. In spring the orchards burst into full bloom and in summer and autumn visitors can pick the ripe fruit themselves. Nijmegen thus offers a unique combination of a city outing and an authentic fruit-picking experience in a beautiful river landscape.

U-Pick Farms in and around Nijmegen

Around Nijmegen, Tiel, Buren, Bemmel and Elst you’ll find a variety of pick-your-own farms and fruit orchards where you are very welcome. You can pick apples, pears, cherries and strawberries, and on many farms enjoy the atmosphere of the Betuwe. Also discover all u-pick farms in Gelders .

The best u-pick farms near Nijmegen: our picks

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands and borders directly on the Betuwe, the fruit region that turns white with blossom in spring and bends under the weight of apples and pears in autumn. Along the Waal and towards Groesbeek you’ll also find vegetable farms and orchards that open their doors to pickers in season.

In Groesbeek, seven kilometres from the city, Groentenhof Poelen V.O.F. offers a pumpkin festival every autumn: dozens of varieties — from small ornamental types to large Hokkaidos — to pick on dedicated picking days in September and October. A seasonal event that draws families and photographers alike.

In Ressen, nine kilometres away on the edge of the Betuwe, de Woerdt has opened its classic orchard for self-picking of apples and pears. The growing is environmentally responsible, the atmosphere is straightforward and honest — simply good fruit from good ground.

The same Ressen location has Landwinkel de Woerdt also offering cherries and plums in season: a complete fruit calendar in one farm, with a farm shop stocking produce from the estate year-round.

In Arnhem, nearly twenty kilometres away, volunteers at Pluktuin ‘Uit de tuin van de buren’ grow organic flowers and perennials in an urban setting that feels surprisingly peaceful — a neighbourhood project proving that even cities can bloom.

Pluktuin In d’n Hof offers apples and mint in a neighbourhood association atmosphere that feels like a neighbour’s garden — because it essentially is.

Tip: pumpkins are at their best in September at Groentenhof Poelen. Arrive early on a picking day — the most impressive specimens go first.