Discover Texel: dunes, tidal flats and island history

Hiking through dunes and grassland

Texel’s network of hiking trails was renewed in 2025, covers almost 250 kilometres and stretches across the entire island. A hiking route through the northern part of the national park leads from De Cocksdorp to Ecomare, with De Slufter as its highlight. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the route before setting out.

You can also explore the landscape on foot in the De Nederlanden nature area: a long trail passes through a variety of landscape types. The area itself is characterised by dunes, dune valleys and wet grasslands. A staircase on the high dune hill of Bertusnol leads to Texel’s highest viewpoint. The Het Alloo nature trail runs along the shore of a small dune lake and through flower-rich grassland where meadow birds nest. Het Alloo is suitable for people using walkers and wheelchairs, as well as for blind and visually impaired visitors. Nevertheless, check for temporary trail conditions before your visit.

Salt marshes, birds and marine life

De Schorren is an extensive salt marsh area on the eastern side of Texel. Spoonbills, eider ducks and oystercatchers feed and nest there. The area can only be visited as part of an excursion; a guided mudflat walk across the salt marsh offers the chance to see birds, small animals and unusual plants. As access may be subject to seasonal restrictions, check the current excursion schedule in advance. The De Geul nature area is home to the Netherlands’ largest spoonbill colony. The size of the colony and how easy the birds are to spot vary by season.

At Ecomare, you can see seals, seabirds and other marine animals, and learn more about the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site, the North Sea and nature on Texel. Seals receive ongoing care there; a presentation is held at the permanent seal group every day at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Ecomare is accessible by bus, bicycle and car, and is connected to Texel’s cycling network. Check current transport details before setting out and presentation times before your visit.

Museum, lighthouse and island traditions

The open-air museum at Museum Kaap Skil depicts a traditional fishing village, with authentically reconstructed fishermen’s houses, a bakery and a blacksmith’s workshop. Artisans can often be seen at work there between May and October; demonstrations may follow seasonal schedules.

Texel Lighthouse and the surrounding bunker complex also tell the story of the island: during the Second World War, they were part of a defensive system in the German Atlantic Wall. The lighthouse was badly damaged during the island’s Georgian Uprising. Oudheidkamer Texel shows how people used to live, for example with a bed box and cooking over coal. The wartime structures and insights into earlier ways of life thus represent different historical themes.

Meierblis is a centuries-old tradition on Texel that is still celebrated today. On 30 April, bonfires are lit to welcome spring and mark the end of winter. Individual events may be cancelled or changed, so plan your visit around the specific event date.

Tastings and experiences on the tidal flats

De Waddel offers a walk on the Hoge Berg with a tasting. As availability may vary by season, it is worth checking the schedule. At Schapenboerderij Texel, visitors can see young lambs in open enclosures; the seasonal availability of the animals may vary. Collecting fresh oysters on the tidal flats yourself is another possible activity. Take the tides, protected areas and current opportunities for collecting into account when planning.

As a finale to a beer experience, you can taste three beers in tasting glasses. These offers are available for a limited time. For travel to the island, TESO has operated the ferry service between Texel and the mainland since 1907. Check the current crossing conditions before your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: De Waal, De Cocksdorp, De Koog, Den Burg, Den Hoorn, Oosterend, Oudeschild, South Holland.

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