Vrijhof Oostwaard in Maarssen is a biological pick-your-own farm where visitors harvest their own vegetables and herbs during the growing season. The farm operates on a “oogstaandeel” (harvest share) system: you sign up for a share and pick your own produce weekly from May to November. The vegetables are grown in the farm’s market garden, which was established in 2021 on the fertile banks of the River Vecht. The farm also cultivates a food forest, planted in 2015, where nuts, berries, fruits, and edible leaves grow alongside flowers and timber.
The farm is open to harvest share members on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10.00 to 16.00 during the season, which runs from early May to late November. In addition to the pick-your-own garden, Vrijhof Oostwaard plans to open a farm shop later this year, selling its own produce within cycling distance of Utrecht. The farm also hosts cultural events, including concerts and storytelling performances, in the restored farm buildings.
The land has been farmed by the same family since 1924, and the current owners, Hans and Saskia, continue the tradition of circular agriculture, integrating crops, food forest, and livestock. Volunteers can help with planting, maintenance, and harvesting. The farm does not charge by the kilo; instead, the harvest share covers a full weekly vegetable basket.
What visitors say
This historic farm on the Vecht is a quiet spot with a relaxed garden where you can eat and drink. Most visitors come for the theatre performances held in the old barn—kids get themed games outside, and the setting is green and peaceful. The owners are friendly, and the place has a food forest and vegetable garden that shareholders can harvest from. A few mention it’s perfect for a quick visit, though there’s no detail on what you’d actually pick. The focus is more on the atmosphere than the produce.