De Waelde Tuin is a nature-inclusive eco-farm and garden located on Texel, an island in the Netherlands. Situated on an old abandoned road, it presents itself as a hidden paradise with a focus on sustainable practices, permaculture principles, and connecting with nature.
The farm features a historical 6-hectare orchard, home to a variety of apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees, including both classic and forgotten old varieties. A permaculture-based vegetable garden provides an array of fine herbs, vegetables, and unique crops, while a food forest is currently under development.
Guests at De Waelde Tuin have the opportunity to engage directly with the edible landscape. Those staying at the intimate De Waeldernis Eco Farm Camping (an adult-only campsite) are encouraged to explore and gather fruit from the orchard, harvest fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden, and go wild picking for various edible herbs and plants such as dead-nettle, cow parsley, and purslane. Guided garden and wild picking tours are also available, offering deeper insights into the farm’s natural treasures.
Beyond the produce, De Waelde Tuin operates a shop, the Waelde Winkel, where visitors can purchase products made from their own harvest, including apple juice, jams, and syrups. The shop also offers homemade herbal soap, fresh and dried tea herbs, and fresh eggs from their free-ranging chickens. A roadside stall provides some products year-round.
The farm also serves as a retreat for those seeking tranquility, offering workshops and activities such as yoga, meditation, forest bathing, and holistic retreats. Various animals, including donkeys, horses, peacocks, running ducks, and chickens, roam the grounds, contributing to the serene, natural environment. De Waelde Tuin embodies a philosophy of slowing down, unplugging, and embracing the “joy of missing out” to foster a profound connection with the natural world.
What visitors say
This highly-regarded local fruit farm provides a cherished opportunity for visitors to pick their own exceptionally fresh, ripe, and delicious apples, pears, and plums straight from the orchard. Customers consistently laud the excellent quality of the traditionally grown fruit and praise its unparalleled freshness. Beyond the engaging self-picking experience, a variety of farm products, including their well-known ‘Kees’ appelsap’ (apple juice) and delightful stew pears, are readily available for purchase both at the on-site barn shop and through wider distribution across Texel.
The farm is celebrated for its serene natural setting and the genuinely friendly, helpful, and honest staff, who foster a welcoming atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the informative tours through the orchards, which offer insights into the diverse produce cultivated here. For those desiring a deeper connection with nature, the farm offers comfortable and well-equipped glamping tents for overnight stays, complete with delicious breakfast options from the farm shop. While generally praised as a fun and immersive nature escape, and appreciated for its long-standing presence, visitors are advised to check current opening hours. The farm operates a self-service model for its shop, with payment via QR code or a roadside cash stall, a system that, while efficient, occasionally leads to confusion if not clearly communicated to all visitors.