Apple picking in the Netherlands: celebrate the Dutch autumn

It’ll soon be autumn in the Netherlands, which means it’s time for everything cosy. So why not go apple picking? 🍏

Throughout the year, in different parts of the country, there are many farms and orchards that let you pick your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

From late September to October, you can pick your own apples. Some farms even have pear trees, too!

Why go apple picking?

There’s something so fun about searching high and low throughout rows of trees to find that one perfect apple. If you have a favourite kind of apple, most orchards have their rows labelled, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.

This is also a great way to discover new kinds of apples. Besides, it makes for a great day out!

Many places don’t charge an admission fee, and you only pay for what you pick. The best part is that it’s usually no more than €3 for a kilogram, so you can get a lot of fruit for a great price — especially if you’re one of those people who can’t stop picking.

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Remember, though, you might have to bring your own bag, use a basket or push a wheelbarrow to collect your fruits.

Many of these family farms also have a small country market with locally-made goods such as jams, juices, baked goods, and of course, fruits and vegetables. Perfect if you love trying new goodies or supporting local businesses!

What will you do with all these apples?

Besides just munching on them, the possibilities are endless. You can make spiced apple cider by boiling the fruits with spices such as star anise or cinnamon sticks and then use the leftover fruit pulp, called pomace, to bake cookies, muffins or cakes. 🥮

Another drinkable option is using a juicer to make your own freshly pressed apple juice. And, of course, with a great nod to Dutch cuisine, you can always make an appeltaart (apple pie).

READ MORE | Appel-y ever after: the Dutch love affair of apples and potatoes

Afterwards, you can boil the apple skins in water to make a delicious, naturally pink-coloured tea. There are many great recipes for any of these ideas online, or you can come up with your own!

Where can you go apple picking?

Below you’ll find a list of places to go apple picking in the Netherlands. Are none of these places near you? Try searching on Google for “appels zelf-plukken” which means “pick apples yourself” in Dutch. 

🍏 Landgoed de Olmenhorst (between Amsterdam & The Hague)

You can pick apples at Landgoed de Olmenhorst from September 14 to November 3. It’s open for picking on Wednesdays from 1 PM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and during the autumn break, you can pick apples any day.

The cost per kilogram for apples and pears here is €2.75. Kiosks with food and drinks are available as well.

If you’ve planned your apple picking as a fun weekend activity, remember that you’ll need to make an online reservation and the parking costs €4. If you’re picking on weekdays, you don’t need a reservation.

🍏 Fruittuin Verbeek (Zwolle area)

Live in Zwolle? Fruittuin Verbeek is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM — with apples, plums, and flowers available for you to pick. Bring your own bag, or buy their linen bags (cost just €1.50) and pick apples for €2.50 per kilo.

There’s no need to make a reservation, and you can check what apples they have each week, as they have an ever-changing variety.

🍏 Landwinkel Oldiek (Groningen region)

Live in the north? Geen problem (no problem). You can pick apples at Landwinkel Oldiek starting in September, Wednesday to Saturday, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

But here’s the kicker: They’re open year-round! So if you want to pick something that’s not apples, check what they have on their website and take your pick (no pun intended).

There’s also a terrace and country shop on-site, in case you don’t feel like going through the effort of making your own apple pie. 😉 

🍏 Fruitkwekerij ‘T Keetje (Alkmaar area)

Fruitwekerij ‘T Keetje is open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM (and Saturdays 9 AM to 5 PM). Fancy some farm-fresh produce? The farm shop on site is also worth a visit.

This cutesy orchard and shop really prioritises sustainability and small buyers over massive growth. And the best part is that they don’t throw away any fruits that don’t get picked: they make jams, cakes and juices out of them – and feed the fruit skins to their local pigs!

What are your plans for the weekend? Will you go apple picking? Tell us in the comments below!