De Bessentuin is a self-picking farm located in Brucht, near Hardenberg, Netherlands. Founded in 1999, they initially focused on blueberries but have expanded to include various soft fruits.
Visitors can pick their own blueberries (from July to September), red currants, black currants, white currants, raspberries (June and July), blackberries, red gooseberries, and green gooseberries. The farm is designed to be accessible for people with mobility aids and strollers.
The farm offers a shop selling fresh and frozen fruit, jams, sauces, chutneys, juice, wine, liquor, ice cream, and beer, with products sourced from the farm and other regional producers.
The website indicates that frozen blueberries are available for purchase during the winter months. The farm participates in an apple and pear collection project for juice production.
They offer special events, like a bicycle tour and a drawing workshop and seasonal employment for fruit picking.
What visitors say
The Bessentuin in Hardenberg is a highly recommended “pluktuin” (pick-your-own garden) where visitors can harvest a variety of berries, including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries, and red currants, depending on the season. It’s praised for being a fun and affordable outing for all ages, with the added bonus of being much cheaper than buying the fruit in stores. Beyond the fruit picking, the Bessentuin offers a relaxing atmosphere where children can play safely. Visitors can enjoy coffee, tea, homemade treats like muffins and bonbons, and ice cream. There’s also a small shop selling local products like honey, jams, juices, and even meat. The owners are consistently described as friendly and helpful. While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, one reviewer noted a negative experience due to nearby pesticide spraying on an adjacent field. Overall, the Bessentuin is viewed as a delightful and relaxing place to spend an afternoon.