Stadsboerin Doetinchem is a vibrant 3.5-hectare urban farm and community hub located on the grounds of the former De Kruisberg prison. Its mission is to connect people with nature, the origin of their food, and each other, serving as a “green living room” for everyone.
The farm features a diverse landscape, including a vegetable garden, an orchard with 70 unique fruit trees, a food forest, and a butterfly garden. It is also home to a small herd of Ouessant sheep, which help with grazing, and free-range chickens providing eggs. A dedicated bird forest is being developed, planted with various fruit-bearing trees and shrubs to serve as a foraging spot.
Visitors can engage in several activities and enjoy fresh produce. For self-picking, the farm offers a flower garden where, from July 1st, guests can harvest their own beautiful field bouquets, selecting from autumn asters, sunflowers, snapdragons, and zinnias. Additionally, the bird forest is described as a foraging spot for both birds and humans, where produce such as Jostaberries, red cranberries, blueberries, and medlars can be found.
Beyond self-picking, the farm hosts a welcoming inn where daily fresh lunches are prepared using ingredients harvested from the garden. They also offer coffee, cake, and a shop stocked with seasonal, unsprayed vegetables, organic bread, eggs from their chickens, various cheeses, frozen meat from their sustainably raised animals, homemade jams, chutneys, and flower and herb plants.
Stadsboerin Doetinchem provides a range of workshops, including bread baking, wild foraging (for plants and edible mushrooms), fermenting, and healthy cooking. It’s a family-friendly destination with space for children to explore and a treasure hunt activity. The farm also organizes “Vreemde Hap!” (Strange Bite!) social dining events, catering services, and offers a 9-kilometer hiking route through the adjacent Kruisbergse Bossen, complete with a walking package. Volunteering opportunities are available for those interested in learning about natural gardening and cooking.
The farm is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00.
What visitors say
Nestled surprisingly close to the city of Doetinchem, alongside the Kruisbergsebos forest and even an old prison, this self-picking farm is widely celebrated as a charming and unique destination. Visitors consistently praise its cozy, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere, often describing it as a “hidden gem” that offers a sense of psychological comfort and positive energy.
The farm features beautiful vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens, providing opportunities for guests to pick their own flowers and purchase a wide selection of delicious organic produce, including fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, and meat. The on-site café, with its nostalgic ambiance, is a highlight, serving excellent coffee, fresh juices, and highly recommended homemade cakes and brownies. Lunches are frequently described as delicious, prepared with pure, fresh ingredients, and offering unique choices. While some guests have noted that food preparation can take time, this is often understood as a result of everything being made fresh by a dedicated team that includes individuals from diverse backgrounds. The farm also caters to families, providing plenty of entertainment for children, and hosts engaging workshops.
The overwhelming sentiment is one of enjoyment, with many planning repeat visits. However, a few minor areas for improvement were mentioned by some guests, including occasional issues with reservation communication, unclear signage for the eating area, and isolated instances of slow or inattentive service. Despite these minor points, the farm’s beautiful surroundings, fresh organic offerings, and overall pleasant experience ensure it remains a popular choice for those seeking a tranquil and authentic farm visit.