Koningshof is an urban agriculture initiative situated on the eastern outskirts of Utrecht, established in 2012. Its mission is to safeguard and enhance the region’s agricultural heritage while connecting people with a healthy and sustainable food system. The farm serves as an educational hub for all ages, offering opportunities to learn about cultivating, harvesting, preserving, and preparing homegrown vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Visitors can engage with the farm through several avenues:
- Vegetable Gardens: Plots are available for rent, allowing individuals to grow their own vegetables under expert guidance. A greenhouse facilitates earlier harvests.
- Picking Garden: During its season (typically from March to October, opening from late June), the picking garden is open every Saturday, inviting guests to self-pick their own bouquets of flowers. Specific varieties mentioned include fuchsia-pink dahlias, dark red hanging amaranth, bright pink cosmos, and sunflowers.
- Market Stall (“De Kraam”): Open on Saturdays, this stall sells “Groente met Roots,” which consists of unsprayed, seasonal vegetables and herbs freshly harvested from Koningshof’s own greenhouse. It also offers grape juice made from their greenhouse grapes, honey from the on-site apiary, and a selection of regional products from local suppliers, such as fruit, potatoes, organic eggs, various organic cheeses, artisanal jams, syrups, mushrooms, handmade sourdough bread, and non-alcoholic beer.
- Coffee Shack (“De Keet”): Located within one of the orchards, it provides refreshments, coffee, and ice cream, alongside a small menu featuring seasonal breakfast, lunch, or snack options.
- Beekeeping: Koningshof is home to several bee colonies, and a portion of the honey harvest is shared with visitors.
- Educational Programs: The initiative provides practical learning experiences and workshops, including sessions on flower arranging, and promotes experimentation in sustainable and organic agriculture.
Koningshof operates seasonally, typically opening from March 21st after a winter break. The market stall and picking garden are generally open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:30.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm is widely celebrated by visitors, consistently described as a vibrant green oasis offering a delightful escape from city life, conveniently located on the outskirts of Utrecht. Reviewers universally praise its strong commitment to high-level organic cultivation, providing an abundance of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers, alongside other organic products such as juices, cheese, and eggs—all offered at very reasonable prices.
Visitors cherish the hands-on experience of picking their own produce, making it a wonderfully relaxing and educational activity for families and children, who also enjoy the company of animals on site. The farm fosters a strong sense of community, supported by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff who are deeply committed to their work. Beyond being a primary source for fresh, sustainable goods, it’s considered a beautiful spot for unwinding, learning about various plants, and even volunteering, all within a picturesque setting featuring charming stalls. This valued project significantly contributes to nature and sustainability, making it a highly recommended destination for regular weekend visits and even as a unique venue for special events like weddings.