De Hoenderik is a fruit farm situated in Tricht, within the picturesque Betuwe region, offering a blend of fruit cultivation, agro-tourism, and hospitality.
The farm provides a dedicated picking garden where visitors can harvest a variety of small fruits themselves, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and redcurrants.
In addition to the self-picking options, De Hoenderik cultivates a broad range of fruits, such as apples (with varieties like Delcorf, Elstar, and Jonagold), pears (including Conference and Doyenné du Comice), cherries (such as Merchant, Kordia, and Regina), and plums. Many of these freshly grown fruits are available for purchase.
Central to the farm is a charming farm shop, featuring comfortable indoor seating and an adjacent terrace nestled in the orchard. Here, guests can enjoy homemade apple pie, pure fruit juices, farm-produced ice cream, and lunch. The shop also sells regional specialties, including Betuwse honey from the farm’s own apiary, and other local products. The farm shop and terrace are typically open from Tuesday to Saturday.
For those seeking an extended stay, De Hoenderik operates a Bed & Breakfast with six uniquely themed rooms. It is well-suited for families and groups, with some rooms accessible for guests with reduced mobility. The serene rural setting makes it an excellent base for various activities like walking, cycling, and canoeing on the nearby Linge river.
Further enhancing the visitor experience, the farm offers other activities such as apple juice pressing, guided farm tours, and rides on a picking train. The farm, named after the traditional basket (hoenderik) used for picking cherries, aims to provide a comprehensive fruit experience.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm offers a delightful and relaxed experience, highly praised for its charming ambiance, especially its beautiful and tranquil outdoor terrace situated amongst orchards where even chickens roam freely. Visitors frequently recommend it as an ideal stop during a walk or bike ride, noting the friendly service.
The culinary offerings are a major highlight, with numerous mentions of the “delicious homemade apple pie,” often enjoyed with coffee or cappuccino. Guests also appreciate the tasty brunch, fresh apple juice, and other healthy treats, along with ice cream served with fresh fruit. The farm caters well to families, providing ample play areas for children and even a cozy train tour for entertainment. An extensive farm shop offers a variety of regional products, including fresh seasonal fruit.
However, some visitors have voiced concerns. While advertised as a pick-your-own farm, there have been instances where fruit, such as cherries or strawberries, was unavailable for picking, or customers were simply not allowed to pick. Furthermore, a few reviewers felt misled by the pricing, specifically citing a charge of €0.50 for fruit punnets, which they considered excessive compared to other places, in addition to already high fruit prices.
Despite these issues, the overall sentiment remains positive, though one review notes that the establishment is currently for sale, hinting at potential future changes.