Zwolse Stadslanderijen is a cooperative of organic farms and gardens situated in and around Zwolle, dedicated to providing fresh, local, and biologically produced food. The initiative aims to support local farmers and contribute to the restoration of soil, nature, and the landscape within a thirty-kilometer radius of Zwolle.
Visitors can find a diverse array of products directly from these farms through various farm shops and self-service points. For those interested in self-picking, several locations offer this experience:
- De Huppe features a picking and vegetable garden where guests can harvest their own fresh vegetables, which are ready for picking weekly. Bouquets of flowers are also available for self-picking.
- Bloementuin Zwolle is a dedicated flower picking garden, open seasonally from late May until the first weekend of the autumn holiday, where individuals can gather their own colorful bouquets.
- Biotuin Dijklandhoeve is an organic fruit garden that allows visitors to pick their own soft and tree fruits. The selection includes seasonal offerings such as strawberries, raspberries, white and red currants, blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, and later in the year, various kinds of apples and pears.
In addition to self-picked items, the cooperative’s farms and their respective shops offer a wide range of other biological products. These include sheep’s milk, cheese (from both sheep and cow’s milk), yogurt, quark, ice cream, raw cow’s milk (available from a milk tap), fresh eggs, various meats (beef, pork, chicken), walnuts, potatoes, honey, and a selection of baked goods and dry pantry items. Some farms also feature restaurants, coffee corners, or event spaces for rent.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden is consistently lauded as a welcoming destination, offering a delightful experience for both shoppers and families. Visitors frequently commend the beautifully maintained location, which features a well-stocked farm shop and appealing pick-your-own gardens for both flowers and fruit. The shop is celebrated for its extensive selection of organic and regional products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and other local specialty items, often noted to be competitively priced compared to other organic retailers.
The establishment fosters a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere, making it particularly attractive for families. Children can delight in dedicated play areas, such as a large hay barn and a sandbox. Adults appreciate the cozy on-site cafe, serving coffee, tea, and local baked goods like apple pie, with outdoor seating offering picturesque views of the organic gardens. The venue is also highlighted as an excellent choice for hosting parties and events, providing a spacious area where guests can bring their own catering and entertainment, supported by friendly and accommodating staff.
While the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, some minor points were noted by reviewers. There is conflicting feedback regarding accessibility for disabled visitors, with one review stating the shop is inaccessible while another praises its disabled-friendly access and notes a wheelchair ramp to the toilet. Additionally, some customers find certain organic vegetables to be on the pricier side, though this is often acknowledged as reflective of organic sourcing. It’s also noted that the farm is closed on Sundays, and for fresh bread, it’s advisable to pre-order or arrive early on baking days (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) due to high demand.