Landgoed de Olmenhorst is a 31-hectare estate and biological orchard located in Lisserbroek, in the heart of the Randstad. Since 1854, the family-run property has been a working farm, transitioning fully to organic fruit cultivation in 2005. The estate is characterized by its extensive apple and pear orchards, with over 60,000 fruit trees, and is recognized as a voluntary bird sanctuary. The land offers a green oasis for visitors seeking nature, relaxation, and a range of activities throughout the year.
Visitors can self-pick their own apples and pears directly from the trees. The general self-picking season runs from early September to late October. During this period, the orchards are open for self-picking on Wednesday afternoons (13:00 – 17:00) and Saturdays and Sundays (10:00 – 17:00). During the Northern (October 10-18) and Central (October 17-25) autumn school holidays, the orchards are open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. In addition to general self-picking, visitors can adopt their own apple tree, which allows them to harvest from that specific tree during a designated plukvenster (harvest window) in the autumn. A special children’s apple picking activity is also available for school groups and after-school care, including a guided tour, and runs from September 7th to October 23rd.
The Fruitloods, the on-site restaurant and shop, is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. The estate grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. During the self-picking season, parking is available for a fee on weekends and requires a reservation. The property provides free street parking and free parking lots, and has a paid parking lot. The Fruitloods is closed on Koningsdag (April 27th). The estate is accessible to wheelchairs and has accessible parking and entrances. A camping site on the property is scheduled to open on March 15, 2026, and is a seasonal accommodation option. The site is also a venue for weddings and other events, and hosts the Oogstfeesten (Harvest Festivals) for four weekends during the autumn picking season.
What visitors say
Landgoed De Olmenhorst is widely celebrated as a picturesque and engaging destination, primarily renowned for its self-picking apple and pear orchards. Many visitors cherish it as an annual family tradition, particularly appreciating the hands-on experience of harvesting fresh, delicious fruit directly from the trees. The unique “adopt-a-tree” program is a notable highlight, allowing families to cultivate a personal connection with nature and enjoy their own yearly harvest.
Beyond fruit picking, the estate offers a vibrant array of activities, especially catering to children. These include a well-loved playground, pony rides, face painting, and various market stalls featuring organic products and local crafts. The overall atmosphere is often described as friendly, cozy, and perfect for leisurely strolls amidst the beautiful orchards. The venue also hosts various events and is considered a charming location for weddings or other celebrations.
However, a recurring sentiment among reviews points to a shift towards increased commercialization. Many visitors express concern over rising costs, citing expensive parking fees (ranging from €3 to €5), a €1 charge for toilet use, and what are considered high prices for food and beverages, such as apple pie, lemonade, and other snacks. This commercial aspect, combined with significant overcrowding during peak picking season (September-October) and school holidays, leads to long queues for parking and refreshments, detracting from the otherwise tranquil experience for some. While the quality of the picked fruit and the general ambiance are consistently praised, some long-time patrons feel the estate has lost some of its original charm, evolving into a more bustling, “Disney-like” attraction. Despite these criticisms, De Olmenhorst remains a highly recommended outing for families and nature lovers, though prospective visitors might consider attending on weekdays to avoid the crowds and associated logistical challenges.