A large part of the Texel nature is located in Duinen van Texel National Park. There are 20 National Parks nationwide, 17 of which have been established by the national government. All special areas with unique natural values that deserve extra attention and protection.

Texel’s National Park covers the entirety of the island’s dunes and woodland - from the southernmost tip at De Hors to the dunes close to the lighthouse at the island’s most northerly point. The total area is approximately 43 square kilometers. Duinen van Texel National Park is home to a wide diversity of landscapes.

Large diversity

Nowhere in the Netherlands is it possible to find such a rich diversity of landscapes in such a small area. On the west of the island, you will find dunes, inundated dune valleys, a mixture of deciduous and coniferous woodland, tidal marshes and heathland. The flora and fauna are rich with many rare plant species and protected birds which you can observe at close quarters.

From Mokbaai to the lighthouse

From the ferry boat, on the left-hand side you will get a view of Mokbaai, which is sometimes referred to as a miniature Wadden Sea. This bay is fringed by an area of dunes dense with thickets called De Geul, home to the largest colony of spoonbills in the Netherlands. Via the Horsmeertjes, you will arrive at an extensive sandbar named De Hors. In the north is an area of dunes, De Bollenkamer. The Westerduinen lie adjacent to the woodland region of De Dennen. Via the Bleekersvallei, you will reach Duinpark, an area of dunes that is part of Ecomare. The Alloo is famous for its beautiful orchids. The highest point in Texel is Seetingsnol, where there is an outlook across the dunes. Beyond De Koog, the dunes once again broaden out to form De Nederlanden and strech into De Muy. De Slufter is a unique nature reserve that regularly gets inundated by the sea. At the northerly tip of the Eierlandse Duinen, you will eventually arrive at the lighthouse. Once you have turned the corner of the island, you can enjoy a lovely walk as far as De Robbenjager, an area rich in bird life. You will see lots more birds as you walk along Texel’s Wadden Sea coastline.

Accessible

Most nature reserves on Texel are located in the National Park and are open to the public. Staatsbosbeheer, the state forestry commission, responsible for managing the National Park, has developed an extensive network of trails throughout the park. There are options aplenty for cyclists and horse-riders too. The Duinen van Texel National Park devotes itself to protecting and developing the natural environment, and is involved in educational, information and research projects.

Zones

The Duinen van Texel National Park is divided into a number of zones. Not all parts are accessible or suitable for general use. This depends on the natural features and the vulnerability of the area in question. The woodland on Texel lends itself to many recreational uses however. For example, there is a plethora of walking, cycling and horseriding trails, play areas, an ATB route and barbecue sites.

The website of the Duinen van Texel National Park provides you with full details of its nature reserves and the possibilities for exploring the area for yourself or as part of an organised excursion. The zoning of the park is perhaps best explained by using the map.

The map of Texel gives you a handy overview of scenic attractions in the Duinen van Texel National Park. The map is available at VVV Texel.

Images from the National Park