Fruithal Smits is a family-owned fruit farm located in Zeewolde, which has been cultivating apples since 1968, pears for over a decade, and strawberries for more than 15 years. The 17-hectare farm also grows cherries and plums.
Visitors have the opportunity to self-pick apples and pears during special “Appelplukdagen” (Apple Picking Days), where a small train assists in transporting guests to the orchards.
In addition to self-picking, the farm features a well-stocked farm shop offering a wide assortment of products. This includes their own freshly grown apples, pears, strawberries, cherries, plums, and fruit juices. The shop also provides an extensive selection of regional products like potatoes, onions, eggs, dairy, meat, cheese, other fresh vegetables, nuts, chocolate, jams, honey, cookies, and baking flour. Customized Christmas gift baskets are also available, and the farm offers “Adopt-a-Tree” programs for apple and pear trees.
Fruithal Smits provides unique experiences such as breakfast, lunch, picnics, or high tea served directly amidst the apple and pear orchards, with an option to move to the strawberry greenhouse in case of bad weather. For businesses, they offer a “Werkfruit” (Work Fruit) service, delivering boxes of fresh fruit, including their own produce and other varieties, to workplaces.
The farm shop is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 17:00. Customers can purchase products directly from the shop or order online for free pick-up, or for local delivery within Zeewolde for orders exceeding €12.50.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and accompanying farm shop consistently receive high praise for their fresh, high-quality produce, much of which is locally sourced, organic, and often directly from their own fields. Visitors frequently commend the wide variety of offerings, extending beyond seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and delicious strawberries, to include local vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, homemade apple juice, and even regional wines.
The staff are repeatedly described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and hospitable, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The farm also provides a range of engaging activities popular with families and children, such as apple and pear picking days—often featuring a charming “fruit train” ride to the orchards—animal petting opportunities, and participation in local events like the tulip route. Guests can also enjoy unique experiences like high tea amidst the blooming orchard, with many activities noted for being well-organized, enjoyable, and educational.
Customers generally find the prices to be fair, often comparable to or even lower than supermarkets, especially given the superior quality of the products. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mentioned occasional concerns regarding the freshness of some produce or the perception that certain items could be pricier than supermarket alternatives. Nevertheless, the overarching sentiment is that this is a remarkable, community-oriented business, highly recommended for its quality products, excellent service, and delightful activities for all ages.