Chef Geert-Jan Vaartjes opens the renewed De Bosberg in Appelscha
De Bosberg in Appelscha - credits Lisa Snip Fotografie
De Bosberg in Appelscha - credits Lisa Snip Fotografie
De Bosberg in Appelscha Foodtruck - credits Lisa Snip Fotografie 
De Bosberg is located at the foot of the famous Bosberg Tower in the ‘Drents-Friese Wold’ National Park - credits Lisa Snip Fotografie
The team behind De Bosberg in Appelscha - credits Lisa Snip Fotografie
Chef Geert-Jan Vaartjes, known from among others De Librije, La Rive, De Bokkedoorns, and Lauswolt, has completely transformed De Bosberg in Appelscha together with entrepreneur Wybe Iedema. The iconic hospitality venue, located at the foot of the famous Bosberg Tower in the ‘Drents-Friese Wold’ National Park, has officially reopened after an extensive renovation.
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Eat, stay, and enjoy at De Bosberg in Appelscha
For many years, De Bosberg in Appelscha has been a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and tourists visiting the nature reserve. The restaurant has now undergone a complete transformation and can accommodate 250 guests, with 150 indoor seats and a large terrace surrounded by nature. In addition, De Bosberg offers various accommodation options, including suites, group accommodations, and the new detached Bosberg Villa.
For chef Geert-Jan Vaartjes, the project feels like a conscious choice for the north of the Netherlands. After years in leading Dutch kitchens and international roles as executive chef in places such as Mauritius and Vietnam, he returned to Friesland. Earlier, he opened Grand Café JAN and restaurant Oan Tafel in Wergea, where Wybe Iedema has since become co-owner as well. De Bosberg aligns with their shared vision under the banner of De Nieuwe Friese Keuken (The New Frisian Kitchen): hospitality with its own story, where local products, Frisian hospitality, and the surrounding environment take center stage.
On the menu at De Bosberg
The accessible menu highlights ingredients and flavors from the tree northern regions of the Netherlands: Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe. Think sausages from these northern provinces, a beer menu featuring 75 specialty beers, and the now-famous ‘Ús eigen appeltaart’ (“Our own apple pie”). Familiar dishes by Vaartjes also return, such as carrot filet americain and Korean chicken. “De Bosberg had to become a place where everything feels right,” says Vaartjes. “Great food, quality, nature, and hospitality, but in a relaxed way. In the middle of the forest, without unnecessary fuss.” In addition to the restaurant and accommodations, De Bosberg in Appelscha also focuses on weddings, family gatherings, business meetings, and on-location catering, often combined with activities in the Drents-Friese Wold.
Website: De Bosberg
