Zwolse Stadslanderijen is a cooperative of organic farms and growers located in and around Zwolle, Netherlands. The initiative aims to provide local, fresh, and organic produce directly to consumers, fostering a healthy food system while restoring the surrounding soil, nature, and landscape. Visitors are welcome to explore the farmlands, with several locations offering direct sales through farm shops, milk taps, and self-service automatons.
Among its member farms, there are specific opportunities for self-picking:
- De Huppe features a pick-your-own vegetable garden where visitors can harvest fresh vegetables weekly. Additionally, it has a flower garden where bouquets of flowers can be picked.
- Bloementuin Zwolle is a dedicated pick-your-own flower garden, open during the picking season, which typically runs from late May until the first weekend of the autumn school holidays.
Beyond self-picking, the cooperative offers a wide range of organic products from its various farms. For instance, Het Rode Huis provides raw milk, fresh eggs, pork, walnuts, potatoes, and summer honey. De Vreugdehoeve specializes in organic sheep’s milk products, including various cheeses, yogurt, quark, and farm-made ice cream. Erve Slendebroek offers special A2 milk and beef, while Pipo eieren supplies fresh eggs from mobile chicken coops. Overesch Ecological Farm boasts a comprehensive farm shop with a wide selection of organic vegetables, dairy, cheeses, beef, pork, chicken, fish, sausages, eggs, potatoes, and dry goods. Biotuin Dijklandhoeve cultivates a variety of soft and tree fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, currants, blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, apples, and pears, which are available for purchase.
What visitors say
This organic farm, often described as a hidden gem on the outskirts of Zwolle, is highly praised for its range of fresh and authentic products. A standout feature is the self-service milk tap, which provides delicious raw milk straight from the cow 24/7. Customers consistently rave about the exceptional taste and the enjoyable experience of tapping their own milk, which is priced at €1 per liter, with bottles available for €0.50 or customers can bring their own.
Beyond the milk, the farm offers an excellent selection of other items including homemade organic cheese, fresh eggs, beef, chicken, and seasonal honey. The staff are noted for their friendliness and willingness to provide information, even offering engaging tours of the dairy farm and explaining the differences between traditional and organic farming practices.
Visitors also appreciate the farm’s inviting atmosphere, particularly the lively “cow dance” event in spring when the cows are first released into the pastures after winter, a highly recommended experience. It’s considered a great spot for a stop during a walk or bike ride, appealing to both adults and children, who can learn about the animals. While many find the products reasonably priced, one reviewer noted that eggs at €4 for 10 were not particularly cheap. Payment for milk usually requires small change, though other products often accept card payments. Overall, the farm provides a wonderful and authentic experience with high-quality, honest produce.