It’ll soon be autumn in the Netherlands, which means it’s time for everything cosy. So why not go apple picking? 🍏
Throughout the year, in different parts of the country, there are many farms and orchards that let you pick your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
From late September to October, you can pick your own apples. Some farms even have pear trees, too!
Why go apple picking?
There’s something so fun about searching high and low throughout rows of trees to find that one perfect apple. If you have a favourite kind of apple, most orchards have their rows labelled, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
This is also a great way to discover new kinds of apples. Besides, it makes for a great day out!
Many places don’t charge an admission fee, and you only pay for what you pick. The best part is that it’s usually no more than €3 for a kilogram, so you can get a lot of fruit for a great price — especially if you’re one of those people who can’t stop picking.
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Remember, though, you might have to bring your own bag, use a basket or push a wheelbarrow to collect your fruits.
Many of these family farms also have a small country market with locally-made goods such as jams, juices, baked goods, and of course, fruits and vegetables. Perfect if you love trying new goodies or supporting local businesses!
What will you do with all these apples?
Besides just munching on them, the possibilities are endless. You can make spiced apple cider by boiling the fruits with spices such as star anise or cinnamon sticks and then use the leftover fruit pulp, called pomace, to bake cookies, muffins or cakes. 🥮
Another drinkable option is using a juicer to make your own freshly pressed apple juice. And, of course, with a great nod to Dutch cuisine, you can always make an appeltaart (apple pie).
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Afterwards, you can boil the apple skins in water to make a delicious, naturally pink-coloured tea. There are many great recipes for any of these ideas online, or you can come up with your own!
Where can you go apple picking?
Below you’ll find a list of places to go apple picking in the Netherlands. Are none of these places near you? Try searching on Google for “appels zelf-plukken” which means “pick apples yourself” in Dutch.
🍏 Landgoed de Olmenhorst (between Amsterdam & The Hague)
You can pick apples at Landgoed de Olmenhorst from September 9 to October 29. It’s open for picking on Wednesdays from 1 PM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and from October 14 to 29, you can pick apples any day.
The cost per kilogram for apples and pears here is €2.75. Kiosks with food and drinks are available as well.
If you’ve planned your apple picking as a fun weekend activity, remember that you’ll need to make an online reservation and the parking costs €3. If you’re picking on weekdays, you don’t need a reservation.
📍 Lisserweg 481, 2165 AS, Lisserbroek
📞 0252 413165
📧 [emailprotected]
🍏 Fruittuin Verbeek (Zwolle area)
Live in Zwolle? Fruittuin Verbeek is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM — with apples, plums, and flowers available for you to pick. Bring your own bag, or buy their linen bags (cost just €1.50) and pick apples for €2.50 per kilo.
There’s no need to make a reservation, and you can check what apples they have each week, as they have an ever-changing variety.
📍 Vierhuizenweg 5, 8096 RP, Oldebroek
📞 0525-630 799
📧 [emailprotected]
🍏 Landwinkel Oldiek (Groningen region)
Live in the north? Geen problem (no problem). You can pick apples at Landwinkel Oldiek starting in September on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
But here’s the kicker: They’re open year-round! So if you want to pick something that’s not apples, check what they have on their website and take your pick (no pun intended).
There’s also a terrace and country shop on-site, in case you don’t feel like going through the effort of making your own apple pie. 😉
📍 Hoofdweg West 26, 9944 EB, Nieuwolda
📞 0596 857271
📧 [emailprotected]
🍏 Fruitkwekerij ‘T Keetje (Alkmaar area)
Fruitwekerij ‘T Keetje is open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM (and Saturdays 9 AM to 5 PM).Fancy some farm-fresh produce? The farm shop on site is also worth a visit.
This cutesy orchard and shop really prioritises sustainability and small buyers over massive growth. And the best part is that they don’t throw away any fruits that don’t get picked: they make jams, cakes and juices out of them –and feed the fruit skins to their local pigs!
📍 Kadijkweg 65 A, 1614 MA, Lutjebroek
📞 0228-562894
📧 [emailprotected]
What are your plans for the weekend? Will you go apple picking? Tell us in the comments below!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in October 2021 and was fully updated in October 2023 for your reading pleasure.
Stefanie Stetsonhttp://stefastrolls.com
Stefanie left the United States from California for her American husband’s job — like many trailing spouses. Leaving perpetual sunshine for rain hasn’t been easy, but she enjoys strolling the farmers market for the endless Dutch cheese supply while trying to learn the language. A communications/PR major, Stefanie enjoys the creativity of photography, cooking, and writing on her blog. She enjoys traveling and walking her husky, who loves the rain & snow of Groningen way more than she does.
