Voedselbos Texel is a self-picking farm and food forest located in Oudeschild on Texel island. This biodiverse agricultural site offers visitors the opportunity to harvest their own produce, shop for local items, and enjoy various activities within its natural setting.
The farm operates a self-service farm shop that is open year-round. From November 1st to March 31st, only the farm shop is accessible, offering homemade products crafted from the forest’s harvest, various Texel specialties, and gift packages. The self-picking garden opens daily for its new season from April 1st (e.g., April 1st, 2026), and remains open until October 31st. During this picking season, the entire Voedselbos is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with free entry for visitors.
For self-picking, guests can harvest various kinds of fruit and tulips. It is recommended to arrive at 10:00 for the best selection, look behind leaves for hidden ripe fruits, and begin picking from the back of the rows.
Beyond self-picking, the location features a terrace where visitors can enjoy homemade treats, fruity drinks, smoothies, cakes, and ice creams, all made from the forest’s produce. Families can also explore the “Gnome Path,” an activity designed for children up to 10 years old, involving a gnome hat and book for €5.00 per child (parents enter free). Dogs are welcome on a leash due to free-roaming animals on the premises.
Established in 1994, Voedselbos Texel spans over 6 hectares, boasting 3,000 trees, 5,000 bushes, and 25,000 plants. It yields an impressive 20,000 kg of harvest annually, comprising over 100 varieties of fruit, vegetables, flowers, nuts, and herbs. The farm is dedicated to sustainable practices, utilizing organic fertilization and biological pest control to enhance biodiversity and ensure a healthy food forest for future generations.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm presents a wonderful outing for visitors of all ages, offering the distinct pleasure of gathering fresh produce directly from the plants. Strawberries are a perennial favorite, frequently praised for their exquisite sweetness, often alongside seasonal hauls of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even some vegetables like tomatoes. The extensive grounds are beautifully maintained, cultivating a charming, rustic ambiance amidst numerous fruit bushes and flowering plants.
Beyond the fields, guests can unwind in a delightful indoor conservatory or on outdoor terraces, indulging in homemade cakes, refreshing smoothies, coffee, or ice cream. The farm is particularly appealing to children, who find endless entertainment with a whimsical gnome trail, go-karts, and a sandpit, transforming the visit into both an educational and fun-filled adventure. Many commend the genuinely friendly staff and the selection of local products, including house-made jams and juices, available in the quaint on-site shop.
However, some visitors have noted that the experience can be highly dependent on the season, with the variety of ripe fruit sometimes limited, and occasions where certain areas like apple or pear orchards are still developing. There was also a period where the farm’s model shifted to an entry fee that only permitted on-site tasting, not taking home produce, which drew significant negative feedback. Currently, entry is typically free, with harvested fruit sold by weight (around €8 per kilogram for many items), a price some consider somewhat steep for certain produce. Furthermore, the name “Voedselbos” (Food Forest) occasionally sets an expectation of a wilder, more diverse ecosystem than the cultivated picking garden with its integrated cafe and retail space. Despite these specific considerations, the farm largely earns high marks for its fresh offerings and its ability to provide an enjoyable, interactive day out, especially for families looking to experience where their food truly comes from.