Fruittuin van West is a bio-dynamic farm and garden located in Amsterdam, inviting visitors to experience nature and harvest their own produce. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 18:00, it features a self-picking orchard, an organic shop, and a garden cafe. The farm emphasizes sustainable and circular practices, holding a Demeter certification.
The 6.5-hectare orchard offers a rich variety of fruits for self-picking, with the main season typically running from mid-June to mid-October. A diverse selection of over 20 fruit types includes numerous apple varieties (like Allurel, Elstar, Santana, Boskoop, Rubinette, Opal, Natira) and pears (such as Beth, Conference, Concorde, and Gieser Wildeman). Berry enthusiasts can pick blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants, rosecurrants, blueberries, gooseberries, kiwiberries, jostaberries, blackberries, summer and autumn raspberries, Japanese wineberries, loganberries, tayberries, honeyberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Stone fruits such as cherries, plums (including Mirabelle), peaches, and nectarines are also available. Additionally, the orchard grows various nuts, including almonds, walnuts, chestnuts, pecan nuts, and hazelnuts. During colder months, medlars can sometimes be found for picking in the food forest edge.
Beyond the self-picking fruits, visitors can collect fresh eggs from the farm’s chickens and observe other animals like cows and Kune Kune pigs. While chicory and different types of mushrooms (grey and yellow oyster mushrooms, shiitake) are cultivated on-site in a dedicated cave, these are harvested by the farm and sold in the organic shop, not available for public self-picking. Vegetables and herbs grown by ‘PLUK! Groenten van West’ are exclusively for their community-supported agriculture members.
The farm also hosts a range of activities, including events, workshops, and scavenger hunts for children. Its garden cafe serves organic meals, snacks, and drinks, including pizzas baked in a traditional clay oven. Fruittuin van West is also an official wedding venue and offers spaces for various events and business meetings. Pets are not permitted on the premises, except for service dogs.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden is widely celebrated as a delightful and relaxing escape, often described as a “hidden gem” or an “oasis of natural beauty” right on the edge of Amsterdam. Visitors consistently praise its strong commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, which is evident in its fresh, high-quality produce and a well-stocked eco-shop offering a diverse range of healthy products, including delicious homemade pastries and renowned apple pie.
The location is particularly recommended for families with children, who relish the unique experience of picking their own seasonal fruits like apples, pears, berries, and plums, as well as collecting fresh eggs from the numerous free-roaming chickens. The presence of other farm animals, such as pigs and sheep, further enhances the charm and educational value, offering children a hands-on understanding of where their food comes from. Beyond picking, the farm hosts various activities like workshops, events, and live music, and is considered an idyllic venue for special occasions like weddings, all contributing to a vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere. The staff are generally commended for being friendly, helpful, and authentic, truly embodying the enterprise’s vision. Many appreciate the peaceful countryside feel, making it an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll, a good lunch, or simply enjoying nature.
However, the farm’s popularity does come with a few drawbacks. It can become quite busy, especially on weekends, leading to crowded spaces, long waits in the cafe, and rapidly depleted picking options for popular fruits and eggs. While the quality of products is highly regarded, some visitors find prices in the cafe and shop to be on the higher side, particularly for items like coffee or certain produce. There have been occasional criticisms regarding inconsistent cafe service, including slowness, forgetfulness, cleanliness concerns, and isolated instances of perceived unfriendliness. Practical suggestions from visitors include improving muddy paths (especially after rain), adding more playground equipment for children, and enhancing parking organization. Despite these minor points, the overarching sentiment from visitors is one of deep appreciation for a place that successfully blends nature, sustainability, education, and family-friendly activities with a genuine, authentic rural charm.