Nature is at its most unspoilt and raw at the most southerly tip of the island. In particular, the De Hors sandbar shows you how nature goes about its work. New dunes are evolving all the time due to the effects of wind and water. Why not explore this special corner of Texel for yourself?

The special nature of Texel’s southern tip

Texel’s most southerly corner has a special effect on people. The peace and quiet and the wide open expanses induce an inner calm. The bracing air at De Hors reinvigorates, encouraging kids and dogs to run around to their heart’s content.

De Hors sandbar

This extensive stretch of sand came about as a result of the ‘shifting sandbanks’ converging with Texel. Nature has free range on this exposed expanse of sand, creating space for the development of new dunes on which marram and rush grass can flourish. The area is also a favourite nesting spot for little terns.

Prins Hendrikzanddijk

This special dune area lies on the Wadden side of Texel and ensures that the Prins Hendrikpolder has a safe flood defense. It is an attractive location for all kinds of mudflat birds. Enjoy a spectacular view from the experience center or cycle along the cycle path through the dune and over the dike.

Mokbaai

During the crossing to Texel, you will see an inlet known as Mokbaai on your left-hand side. At low tide, the mud-flats of this arm of sea between De Hors and the southern polders become exposed. The Mokbaai has two tidal marshes which form an important habitat for wading birds at high tide. To the north of here are the bird reserves of De Petten and 't Stoar.

De Petten

This special nature reserve to the south of Den Hoorn consists of several salt-water islets. It is owned by Natuurmonumenten, a national nature conservation trust. Hundreds of bird species come here every year to breed. These include species such as the arctic tern, avocet, little tern, common tern, ringed plover and black-headed gull.

De Geul

De Geul once formed part of De Mok, but at the beginning of the 20th century, the area became separated from the beach by a line of dunes. This valley is hemmed in between two lines of dunes and borders on the south-west side of Mokbaai. De Geul is home to the largest breeding colony of spoonbills on Texel. The hide here provides a great place to observe the birds at close quarters.

De Bollekamer

Between Hoornderslag (the road to beach-marker 9) and Jan Ayeslag (to beach-marker 12) lies the nature reserve of De Bollekamer. The western part of this area is made up by the Moksloot valley. These broad valleys harbour a profusion of heather, whose purple flowers comes into bloom at certain times of the year. De Bollekamer is grazed on by Exmoor ponies and Black Angus cattle, neither of which pose a threat to humans. There are various walking trails that criss-cross the area.

You can find your way about the beautiful southern corner of the island using the map of Texel. This is available in our shop.