The National Fruitpark Ochten is a sprawling 4.5-hectare destination nestled in the Betuwe region, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of local fruit culture. Visitors are invited to explore hundreds of old and modern fruit varieties, with the opportunity to pick and taste the fresh produce directly from the trees and bushes.
The farm offers a diverse range of self-picking fruits, including apples, pears, plums, cherries, and grapes, along with various other fruit types.
Beyond the orchards, the park boasts extensive amenities and activities. It features a 4-star superior hotel with 30 luxurious rooms, a comprehensive spa and wellness center offering a heated swimming pool, steam cabin, infrared cabin, and sauna, alongside beauty treatments and massages. Guests can dine at Restaurant Blossom, which highlights regional specialties.
Recreational options abound, including an 18-hole midget golf course meandering through the fruit trees, a children’s farm, a playground, a lookout tower, and a unique barefoot path. The site is also equipped for business meetings and provides various courses, such as fruit tree pruning. The entire park operates on an ecologically managed, energy- and CO2-neutral, self-sufficient system, underlining its commitment to sustainability.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden complex is widely regarded as a beautiful, versatile, and enjoyable destination, often recommended for families, couples, and even business events. Visitors frequently praise its serene, natural setting amidst extensive fruit orchards, offering pleasant walks and educational insights into fruit varieties, especially during blooming or harvest seasons when guests can pick their own fruit.
Key attractions include a well-designed 18-hole mini-golf course nestled among the fruit trees and various farm animals (such as donkeys, pigs, alpacas, and geese), which delight children and often provide interactive feeding experiences. The property also features a playground and a barefoot path, though some note the latter is predominantly stony and could be more engaging. An observation tower offers views, though some find it a bit wobbly or in need of maintenance.
The on-site hotel is highlighted for its clean, beautiful, and spacious rooms, with amenities like whirlpools and large comfortable beds contributing to a relaxing stay. Staff across the complex are consistently lauded for their exceptional friendliness, hospitality, personal attention, and excellent service, making guests feel welcome and at home.
Dining experiences, whether in the restaurant or on the large, pleasant outdoor terrace, receive high marks for delicious and quality food, ranging from extensive breakfasts with homemade jam to superb dinners and enjoyable lunches. The restaurant is noted for its beautiful ambiance and suitability for groups and various events.
However, some areas for improvement have been mentioned. Certain park facilities, including playground equipment, benches, and the observation tower, appear to be aging and could benefit from renovation and better upkeep. A few visitors found the €5 entrance fee for the park (which often includes a drink) a bit steep for the extent of activities offered, particularly if not engaging in mini-golf. Isolated negative feedback also touched on slow service at the terrace, a perceived lack of child-friendliness in the restaurant’s rigid lunch schedule, and a few disappointing hotel experiences regarding cleanliness or breakfast quality (e.g., lack of local products, packaged items). Overall, the positive experiences of friendly staff, beautiful surroundings, and enjoyable activities largely outweigh these criticisms, with many guests expressing a desire to return.