Looking for the perfect pumpkin patch to visit in Belgium this autumn? Whether you’re after the perfect pumpkin for carving or cooking, enjoying family-friendly activities, or simply soaking in the cozy autumn vibes, Belgium has some amazing pumpkin patches to explore. From charming farms in Flanders to magical gardens in Wallonia, these pumpkin patches offer something for everyone. Ready to discover the top spots for pumpkin picking in Belgium? Here’s a guide to the must-visit pumpkin farms that will make your autumn unforgettable!
1. Pompoenenhoeve in Zottegem
Nestled in the scenic East Flanders countryside, the Pompoenenhoeve is a delightful pumpkin farm that offers more than just pumpkins. It is a charming family-run farm with a rich variety of about 150 kinds of pumpkins, gourds and squash. From the small decorative types to the big, plump ones perfect for carving, you will defintely find what you are looking for.
To know when they are open, you can check their Facebook page. But they organize open days every year during two weekends (in September) to sell pumpkins, their pumpkin beer called Lochting, and they display them beautifully on their domain. You can have a drink, taste the pumpkin soup or just take a walk around the domain. For children there is a small playground and animation.
2. Kasterlee, the pumpkin village of Belgium
Kasterlee is THE pumpkin capital of Belgium. So if you are serious about pumpkins, this is the place to be! The villagers are called “pompoenpapeters” (pumpkin porridge eaters). During the 1700s, pumpkin porridge was the fair food of the residents of Kasterlee. When the potato harvest later turned out to be disappointing, pumpkin porridge was invariably served on the table of many Kasterleen residents.
Every autumn, around October, pumpkin craze strikes Kasterlee. Giant pumpkins are growing in the fields and growers display their pumpkins in their front yard. From mid-September to early November, you can enjoy numerous events focussed on the round orange fruit. Kasterlee has a pumpkin community of pumpkin growers. One of their goals is to grow the biggest giant pumpkin. So at the beginning of October the Belgian and European championship for pumpkin growers takes place.
But that is not all! Also De Pompoenerie, a work experience center for people with disabilities that grows pumpkins, organises a Harvest Festival every year! They sell their pumpkins and other fruits and there is a giant pumpkin bouncy castle for kids! Kasterlee also organises a yearly championship of pumpkin shooting (giant pumpkins shot with massive catapults), a pumpkin market and even a pumpkin regatta! This is a kayak race with hollowed-out pumpkins on the Nete river and draws a big crowd every year!
3. Pumpkin Day at the Grenshoeve in Zemst
Located just outside Mechelen, there is a family-run farm called Grenshoeve, selling Aberdeen (Black) Angus meat packages. But once a year they also sell their harvested pumpkins on Pumpkin Day. They do not offer the most beautiful displays, but you can visit the stables and taste the free pumpkin soup. Their pumpkin prices are also very affordable! The friendly owners are always happy to share tips on how to use different pumpkin varieties, whether for pies, soups, or festive displays.
4. Pumpkin Festival at La Potironnerie in Braine-l’Alleud & Haut-Ittre
La Potironnerie located in Braine-l’Alleud is just a short drive away from Brussels. Every year they organise a pumpkin festival on their massive domain in Braine-l’Alleud. But since this year, they also organised one on their new fields in Haut-Ittre! So two pumkin festivals that you can enjoy from now on! I definitely think this is one of the best pumpkin patches in Belgium, since they really show attention to decorations, displays, number of variety of pumpkins, gourds and squash, food stands (with pumpkin soup, pumpkin fries etc) and animation! Children were running around with their wheelbarrow filled with pumpkins and you can also enjoy a tractor ride!
It is definitely one of the most Instagram friendly pumpkin patches and it shows! There is an explosion of shapes, sizes and colors to feast your eyes and many little-known varieties that deserve to be discovered. A lot of them can be used for original preparations in the kitchen or as decoration. Even before opening time, there was already a line waiting outside to enter!
5. Squash Festival at Les Jardins de Vertumne in Ohey
Les Jardins de Vertumne, located in the heart of Wallonia, is not just a pumpkin patch, it’s a botanical paradise. It is owned by Pierre, who is specialized in creating country and natural gardens. But he also grows a large collection of 200 varieties of cucurbits. During the annual Squash Festival (two first weekends in October), the garden is filled with countless sorts of pumkins to choose from. There is also a small bar where you can enjoy the tasting of pumpkin soup with the inevitable Orval beer.
It is a wonderful spot to explore sustainable farming and local produce. This event is not big but the serene atmosphere at Les Jardins de Vertumne makes it feel like you’re stepping into a magical autumnal world.
6. Pumpkimania in Groot-Bijgaarden
As the name suggests, Pumpkimania in Groot-Bijgaarden is all about pumpkins! This stunning pumpkin art exhibition is held every year from mid-September to the beginning of November at the gardens of the castle of Groot-Bijgaarden. This year the theme is circus. So the wooden and wired sculptures decorated with pumpkins are spread all over the castle gardens. From a tiger jumping through a hoop to a bunny appearing from a magical hat and countless clowns and acrobats; they all transform the park into a autumn themed pumpkin wonderland.
The foodies can enjoy a delicious pumpkin soup or try the pumpkin fries at the greenhouse of the park. There is a playground for children and during the weekends you can enjoy a pumpkin boatride and all kinds of pumpkin animations!
You can buy all sorts of pumpkins and other pumpkin tasting treats. Pumpkimania is a great activity for everyone, whether you are going on your own, with friends or family.
Pin & plan your cozy autumn adventure!
Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin-flavored treats, love decorating for the season, or just enjoy the charm of an autumn day spent outdoors, these pumpkin patches in Belgium offer a little something for everyone. Each of these destinations brings the magic of autumn to life, making them the perfect spots for a day outing.
So grab your favorite sweater, a warm drink, and head out to one of these enchanting pumpkin patches for a day filled with fun, food, and of course – pumpkins!
Leave a Reply