Texel is a beautiful island to explore together with your dog. In many places where you are allowed to walk, your four-legged friend is also welcome. Leash rules apply on the island, we explain them here.

On the beach

On the unguarded beaches (light yellow on the map), your four-legged friend can run free. On the lifeguarded and nudist beaches (blue on the map) a leash obligation applies. Outside the breeding season, i.e. from September to March, your dog may run free on certain beach areas (purple on the map). From March to September, a leash obligation applies in these areas (purple on the map). Do you want to let your dog run loose on the beach? Then keep an eye out for seals and check carefully first to make sure there are no seals around.

In the dunes

In the dune areas, dogs must be kept on a leash all year round. Exceptions are the areas marked in purple on the map. Here, dogs may only roam without a leash outside the breeding season, which is from September to March.

In the woods

Dogs may run free in De Dennen and the Krimbos (light green on the map). On the playgrounds, playing fields and in the areas with cattle or large grazers, a leash obligation applies. It is also smart to leash the dog when crossing cycle paths and motorways. Leash the dog when there are horses around. To avoid nuisance, do not let dogs that are not under control run loose.

On and along roads and in villages

On public roads and paths, dogs must be leashed all year round. So do not let your dog run loose in villages.

Around meadows

On footpaths in agricultural areas, dogs must always be leashed. This is to prevent dogs chasing sheep.

Why must dogs be leashed?

Apart from risking a fine, there are other reasons to stick to the rules. Texel is a bird island par excellence. When birds flee from a dog and leave their nests, eggs or young chicks are easy prey for predators. The birds may even perceive the area as dangerous and decide to move away. By keeping your dog on a lead, we preserve Texel as a bird island. Other animals, such as horses or rabbits, can also experience nuisance from dogs.

What are the rules about dog waste?

Throw dog waste with a bag in the waste bins on the edge of the nature reserve. No bin nearby? Then take the bag to another waste disposal point.

More about exploring Texel with the dog