July 23, 2021

When we think of farms, we usually think of the countryside. But many cities have amazing urban farms within their city borders. They not only offer an amazing break from busy city life, but they’re also often really sustainable! On top of that, it’s also a powerful tool against world hunger. We have listed our favorite Urban farm that our spotter wrote about from around the world down below.

Amsterdam – Amsteltuin

Amsteltuin is a vineyard in Amsterdam! Okay, a vineyard is not exactly a farm, but plants still grow and the grapes can still be harvested. They offer a little vacation right out of the city center. They sell picnic baskets with local products that you can enjoy in between the vines! How cute is that?

Berlin – Charlottenburger Ziegenhof

Charlottenburger Ziegenhof is located in a backyard in Berlin. They are a community-based farm that wants to motivate anyone who is interested to take care of the animals and produce on the little farm. They teach people about sustainability through their work on the farm and host workshops for those who don’t want to get their hands dirty.

Florence – Orti Dipinti

Orti Dipinti is located in Florence and one of the smallest urban farms on this list. It’s located on an old running track so they had to bring the soil in. The crops are grown in wooden crates by the volunteers from the neighborhood. But their work doesn’t stop at planting and harvesting! They also have a mission to educate about nutrition, sustainability, and the role that urban farming can play in those subjects. If you don’t have the green fingers you can always check out their little shop to buy fresh products.

Glasgow – North Kelvin Meadow

North Kelvin Meadow is a beautiful communal green space in Glasgow. It used to be a football field! Today they have fruit trees, over 30 raised beds that people can rent to grow their own crops, 2 honey beehives, and 6 bumblebee homes. The space is used by the whole community almost daily.

London – Mudchute Farm

Mudchute Farm is London’s biggest urban farm. They have plenty of animals you would expect at a farm (pigs, sheep, chickens) and some you might not (hello llamas). They spin their own wool and your kids can cuddle with the animals! Interested in finding out more about keeping chickens, laying hedges, spinning wool, or other countryside activities? They offer courses on all of them!

Milan – Cascina Cuccagna

Cascina Cuccagna is a true hidden gem in Milan. It’s a whole concept that features way more than just an urban farm. You’ll find a very good restaurant, a self-service bar with homemade bakery snacks, a wonderful garden growing vegetables, a hostel, bike and wood workshops, a wine shop, a farmer’s market offering selected local produce, and various events. It’s the perfect spot to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

Oslo – Losæter

Losæter is located in Oslo. It all started in 2011 as an art project and has since grown into a lush green mix of Oslo’s unique urban farm, a cultural meeting point, a knowledge exchange platform, and a funky wild park. They literally brought soil into the city and have been thriving ever since then.

Rome – CoBrAgOr

CoBrAgOr in Rome combines an amazing restaurant with an urban farm. The acronym means ‘Cooperativa braccianti agricoli organizzati’, a cooperative of the farmers who cultivate the 40-hectare area surrounding this agritourism in the Insugherata Natural Reservation on Monte Mario, the highest hill in Rome. They also have a shop where you can shop their fresh products daily.

Rotterdam – Op Het Dak

Rotterdam is a pioneer when it comes to urban farming. Op het dak is one of many urban farms in the city.  Op het dak means on the rooftop in Dutch. And that’s exactly where this farm is located! The rooftop is filled with flowers and plants, organic vegetables, edible flowers, and herbs. They are all used in the dishes that their little restaurant serves. They also have beehives that produce honey on a yearly basis!

The Hague – Pluk!  & De Heemtuin

Pluk! De Heemtuin is a small farm located a little out of the city center of The Hague. They combine the small farm with a café and the Heemtuin where kids (and adults) can run around freely. Their animals all found their home at Pluk after being abandoned by their previous owners. You can come and pick your own fruit and vegetables, your kids can learn more about food and the animals or you can just enjoy a coffee on their terrace.

Toronto – Riverdale Farm

The Riverdale Farm is located in Toronto, smack in the middle of downtown. The small farm is open year-round and it specializes in pioneer breeds of farm animals like horses, cows, goats, and sheep that are hard to find on commercial farms. Y0u can also find the oldest building in the city here!

Vancouver – Southlands Heritage Farm

Southlands Heritage Farm is located within the border of Vancouver. this farm has made it their mission to guide us all into making healthier, more sustainable choices. Take a stroll through their gardens, hand-feed their chickens and goats, walk through the barn to greet the ponies and horses, and stop by their farmer’s market on the way out for some fresh produce, eggs, honey, and jams. They also offer several programs to educate on the topic of urban farming and nutrition.

Zurich – Frau Gerolds Garten

Frau Gerolds Garten is more than just an urban farm. It’s a whole concept of a community located in Zurich. It’s a restaurant, bar, shopping area, and urban gardening project all in one. The food for the restaurant is partly grown on-site, with the rest being organic and locally sourced. There is a community thread running throughout, and locals are invited to grow their own veg on site.