Stadsboerin Doetinchem is a social urban farm established on the former prison grounds of De Kruisberg in Doetinchem. Spanning 3.5 hectares, the site includes a vegetable garden, orchard, food forest, butterfly garden, and a flock of Ouessant sheep and free-range chickens. A central farmhouse serves as a shop and lunchroom, where meals are prepared daily using produce harvested from the land. The farm cultivates at least 50 different varieties of vegetables annually, all grown without chemical sprays. In the orchard and food forest, 70 different fruit trees have been planted, including jostaberries, red and blue berries, and medlars. A seasonal flower-picking garden is open from July 1st, offering a self-pick experience for 9.50 euros per bunch. The on-site shop sells fresh, unsprayed vegetables, eggs from the farm’s chickens, meat from humanely raised animals, homemade jams and chutneys, bread from a local organic bakery, cheese, yoghurt, and other regional products.
The farm is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00. From April 1, 2026, it will also be open on Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00. The location is fully wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. Regular activities include a guided 9-kilometer walk through the adjacent Kruisbergse Bossen forest, offered as a package with coffee and lunch, as well as a Sunday morning group walk followed by breakfast. A children’s treasure hunt through the gardens is available free of charge from Tuesday to Saturday. The farm also hosts cooking and gardening workshops, a monthly community dinner called “Vreemde Hap,” and offers catering services for private events. It functions as a volunteer-run community hub with a focus on nature connection and social inclusion, and it has received the Gelderse Prize for Spatial Quality in 2024 and the European Agricultural & Rural Inspiration Award Popular Vote in 2023.
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.