Vrijhof Oostwaard is a farm situated on the Vecht river near Oud-Zuilen, nestled between Utrecht and Maarssen. Functioning as a former monastery outlying farm, it is dedicated to edible nature, relaxation, and culture, aiming to connect urban and rural life through circular agriculture.
The farm features a vegetable garden, established in 2021 on the fertile riverbank, and a food forest, which has been cultivating nuts, berries, seeds, fruits, leaves, wood, and flowers since late 2015.
It operates on a “Community Supported Agriculture” (CSA) model, where subscribers can enroll for a harvest share. This allows individuals to weekly self-pick their own organic, local vegetables and herbs from the garden during the growing season, which extends from May through November. In addition to subscribing for a harvest share, visitors can also volunteer to assist with maintenance, sowing, and harvesting.
Vrijhof Oostwaard anticipates opening its own farm shop and a professional production kitchen later this year, offering farm products for sale. The season for self-picking and visits typically runs from early May until late November, with opening hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00.
What visitors say
This location consistently receives praise as a beautiful and idyllic spot, perfectly situated by the Vecht river. Visitors particularly enjoy the opportunity to participate in the food forest and vegetable garden, where harvest share owners can pick their own produce. Beyond its agricultural charm, the venue also serves as a vibrant cultural hub; its historic barn frequently hosts delightful and unique theatre performances and other special cultural activities. Reviewers also note a positive shopping experience and universally commend the owners for their exceptional friendliness.