Voedselbos Texel is a 3-hectare farm and garden on the island of Texel, established in 1994 and growing on a total area of over 6 hectares. It features more than 100 varieties of fruit, vegetables, flowers, nuts, and herbs, and is managed with a focus on biodiversity, organic fertilization, and biological pest control. The farm offers a self-picking experience where visitors can harvest their own fruit. The self-picking season runs from approximately mid-May through the end of the open season. The farm and its facilities are open from 1 April to 1 November, Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00. The farm is closed on Sundays. It is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking, and toilets, and has gender-neutral restrooms. Payment can be made by debit card, credit card, and contactless mobile payment. The farm is suitable for children. In addition to self-picking, the site offers a farm shop with homemade jams, syrups, and sauces, a terrace serving homemade treats, an audio tour, a gnome trail for children aged 1 to 10, and various other on-site activities.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm presents a wonderful outing for visitors of all ages, offering the distinct pleasure of gathering fresh produce directly from the plants. Strawberries are a perennial favorite, frequently praised for their exquisite sweetness, often alongside seasonal hauls of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even some vegetables like tomatoes. The extensive grounds are beautifully maintained, cultivating a charming, rustic ambiance amidst numerous fruit bushes and flowering plants.
Beyond the fields, guests can unwind in a delightful indoor conservatory or on outdoor terraces, indulging in homemade cakes, refreshing smoothies, coffee, or ice cream. The farm is particularly appealing to children, who find endless entertainment with a whimsical gnome trail, go-karts, and a sandpit, transforming the visit into both an educational and fun-filled adventure. Many commend the genuinely friendly staff and the selection of local products, including house-made jams and juices, available in the quaint on-site shop.
However, some visitors have noted that the experience can be highly dependent on the season, with the variety of ripe fruit sometimes limited, and occasions where certain areas like apple or pear orchards are still developing. There was also a period where the farm’s model shifted to an entry fee that only permitted on-site tasting, not taking home produce, which drew significant negative feedback. Currently, entry is typically free, with harvested fruit sold by weight (around €8 per kilogram for many items), a price some consider somewhat steep for certain produce. Furthermore, the name “Voedselbos” (Food Forest) occasionally sets an expectation of a wilder, more diverse ecosystem than the cultivated picking garden with its integrated cafe and retail space. Despite these specific considerations, the farm largely earns high marks for its fresh offerings and its ability to provide an enjoyable, interactive day out, especially for families looking to experience where their food truly comes from.