Fruithal Smits in Zeewolde is a pick-your-own orchard where visitors can harvest apples and pears during the season. The farm grows Elstar and Goudreinet apples, and Alexander Lucas and Conference pears. Picking days are held on two Saturdays in September, from 10.00 to 16.00, with no need to book in advance. Visitors pick for personal use, not for the farm. On these days, a mobile apple press is available to turn freshly picked apples into juice, sold in 5-litre boxes.

The orchard is part of a 17-hectare fruit farm run by the Smits family since 1968, with apple cultivation dating back to that year. The farm also grows pears, strawberries, and a variety of other produce, which are sold in the on-site farm shop. The shop stocks a wide range of local products, including vegetables, potatoes, onions, eggs, dairy, meat, cheese, nuts, chocolate, juices, and fruit baskets. Seasonal produce varies, with weekly streekpakketten (regional produce boxes) available throughout the year.

The farm is open Monday to Saturday, 08.00 to 17.00, and closed on Sundays. Parking and the entrance are wheelchair-accessible. In addition to picking, the farm offers breakfast, lunch, picnics, and high tea in a white marquee set among the fruit trees, available for groups of six or more. Workplace fruit boxes can be arranged for local businesses, with free delivery in Zeewolde and surrounding areas. Custom Christmas hampers are also available in December.

What visitors say

Fruithal Smits is a pick-your-own farm where you can pluck apples, pears, and sometimes plums straight from the trees. The organised plukdagen (picking days) are popular, especially with families—children enjoy the tractor rides to the orchards and filling their own bags. Most visitors call the fruit fresh and high-quality, though a few have found rotten produce in pre-packed boxes. The farm shop sells more than just fruit: you’ll find local honey, dairy, meat, and even wine, often at prices similar to or lower than supermarkets.

The staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful, and the farm’s seasonal events, like high teas in the orchard, add to the appeal. Some visitors feel the shop is a bit small, and prices can occasionally disappoint, but most leave satisfied. Payment is flexible, with both card and cash accepted. If you go, bring your own bag and check the fruit carefully before buying.

Facilities in this u-pick farm

Farm shop Farm shop

MMM Zorgboerderij | Triade Vitree

5.6 km — flevoland

MMM Zorgboerderij in Zeewolde is a pick-your-own farm with a pluktuin where you can gather seasonal fruit such as redcurrants, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries. The farm also grows grapes. The fruit is available to pick during the summer months, typically from June until the produce runs out. You bring your own container or buy one in the farm shop. After picking, the fruit is weighed and you pay for what you have gathered. The pluktuin is open on weekdays from 09.30 to 15.00, though the farm shop stays open until 16.00. The farm itself is accessible at all times, but the animal enclosures close at 15.00.

Van Ons Land

8.2 km — flevoland

Van Ons Land is a self-picking garden located at Sternweg 13, Zeewolde 3898LH. The self-picking garden is currently closed, with its reopening planned for June 2026. However, pumpkins are available daily for self-service from a stall. What visitors say This charming self-picking flower garden offers a delightful experience, highly recommended by visitors for its beautiful blooms and warm hospitality. Conveniently located directly opposite the popular Barefoot Path, it provides guests with the opportunity to gather their own unsprayed flowers.

Groene Pluk | Zelfoogsttuin

8.4 km — flevoland

At Groene Pluk in Zeewolde you pick your own organic vegetables, herbs and flowers from May to the end of November. The farm grows around 30 types of vegetables, including familiar ones such as tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes and pumpkins, and less common ones like bimi, salsify and kohlrabi. The selection changes weekly with the season. You also pick herbs and edible flowers from the herb garden. Groene Pluk works as a community-supported farm. You buy a season share, which gives you the right to pick a weekly portion of whatever is ready. The share costs between €395 and €475 for the season, depending on your income. One share is enough for one person or for a couple who eat from the farm three or four times a week. You can harvest from Wednesday to Saturday, 10.00 to 20.00. Each week the farm sends an email listing what is ready and how to pick it. You bring your own bags or baskets.

Landwinkel Arkelandshoeve

11.4 km — gelderland

Landwinkel Arkelandshoeve in Ermelo runs a pick-your-own garden where visitors can harvest seasonal vegetables, herbs and flowers. The garden is open from spring to autumn, with produce varying by season—tomatoes, courgettes and other vegetables in summer, and a range of flowers including sunflowers and field bouquets. Herbs such as basil and parsley are also available for cutting. You pick your own produce straight from the plants or greenhouse, using scissors and a basket provided by the farm. If you prefer not to pick, pre-harvested vegetables and flowers are sold at a stall outside the farm shop. Children may only enter the garden under adult supervision.