Nestled just behind the Isala hospital on the northwestern edge of Zwolle, Het Rode Huis is a charming family-run dairy farm that is part of the Zwolse Stadslanderijen cooperative. This third-generation farm is home to a herd of 110 Holstein cows, which together produce around 900,000 liters of organic milk each year. The farm has a strong focus on sustainability, featuring a self-service vending area and a raw milk tap available 24/7.
Pick-Your-Own & Available Products: While the farm itself is primarily a dairy operation focused on milk production, it offers a variety of fresh, organic products year-round via its automated vending machines and milk tap. Visitors can purchase:
- Fresh raw milk (available only via cash at the mobile milk tap).
- Organic vegetables and potatoes.
- Walnuts.
- Honey from the farm’s own bees.
- Cheese from the nearby De Huppe farmstead.
Business Hours & Season:
- The farm and its self-service points are open daily, year-round, from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Accessibility: The farm is wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking.
- Note: The farm has a high customer rating of 4.8 based on 92 reviews.
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.