Fruittuin Verbeek is a family-run fruit farm and garden located in Oldebroek, on the North Veluwe. The farm has been dedicated to the sustainable cultivation of fruit for generations. The farm’s core philosophy is that flavor should develop in the orchard, not in a cold storage unit. In addition to growing fruit, the farm offers a spacious farm shop, a café with one of the largest terraces in the region, and an event venue for weddings, parties, and business meetings. The property is also home to a herd of alpacas and a large playground for children.
The farm offers a self-picking experience during the growing season. The picking season typically begins around mid-June with summer fruits such as cherries, raspberries, red currants, black currants, and blueberries. From the end of August through the fall, visitors can pick apples and pears. The apple season generally continues until early to mid-October. In the spring, the focus is on tulips, and in the fall, visitors can also pick dahlias. No reservation is required for self-picking.
The farm is open seasonally. The general business hours for the farm shop are Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The café, playground, and orchard are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. During the summer months (July through mid-October), the café, playground, and self-picking orchard are also open on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The farm is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. From October onwards, the farm transitions to winter hours, during which the farm shop is only open from Thursday to Saturday. The farm is closed for a period around the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as for a short vacation period in November.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm is widely celebrated as a charming and versatile destination, highly recommended for families with young children, group outings, and special events like weddings. Visitors consistently praise the enjoyable and educational experience of picking their own fresh fruit, including apples, pears, cherries, and blueberries, often highlighting it as a fun activity for kids.
The farm features a beautiful and well-stocked shop, offering a diverse array of fresh, often organic and local, produce, alongside homemade products like jams and juices, and a selection of unique gift items and home decor. A cozy cafe and spacious terrace provide a relaxing spot to enjoy coffee, delicious homemade apple pie, and various lunch options, often set amidst the picturesque fruit trees. Child-friendliness is a major draw, with extensive play areas featuring sandpits, bouncy castles, climbing structures, and farm vehicles that allow children to play safely, giving parents a chance to relax. The presence of alpacas adds another delightful element for younger visitors.
As an event venue, the farm receives high marks for its beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, its flexible and accommodating approach to planning, delicious catering services (including buffets and barbecues), and attentive staff, all contributing to memorable family celebrations and weddings.
However, some visitors note that prices in the shop and at the cafe can be on the higher side. Occasional concerns are raised about the availability of certain soft fruits, particularly after busy periods, and some picking areas have been described as poorly maintained with weeds and stinging nettles. While the majority of feedback for staff is positive, a few negative experiences highlight issues with unwelcoming or abrupt service, especially near closing times, and a lack of flexibility for certain event requests, such as sound limitations. There have also been criticisms regarding unclear communication about unforeseen closures, which has led to disappointment for some travelers. Furthermore, a specific concern about playground safety has been mentioned. Despite these points, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons enthusiastically recommending it as a delightful and engaging place to visit.