De Cocksdorp is the northernmost village on Texel, a charming spot a stone's throw from the island's finest countryside.
Right up north: as the northernmost village on Texel, De Cocksdorp sits right beside some of the island's most striking nature areas, from the lighthouse to De Slufter.
A green entrance: arriving in the village in summer, you notice the distinctive trees arching over the road along the Molenlaan, a natural gateway to a village full of campsites, bungalow parks and terraces.
The youngest village on Texel:De Cocksdorp was only founded in 1836, after the Eierland polder had been reclaimed. That makes it far younger than the centuries-old villages elsewhere on the island.
The village and the Kikkertstraat
The beating heart of De Cocksdorp is the Kikkertstraat, where most of the shops and eateries lie within walking distance of one another.
Small but complete: around the Kikkertstraat you will find a varied mix of specialist shops, souvenir stores and a supermarket, so both your holiday keepsake and your daily groceries are close at hand.
Something for everyone: the eateries range from cosy cafés to quality restaurants, with menus running from Texel specialities to international dishes.
The youngest village on Texel:De Cocksdorp came into being only in 1836, after the Eierland polder was reclaimed. That explains the straight streets and orderly layout, unlike the winding old villages elsewhere on the island.
The Waddenkerk: on the Kikkertstraat stands this charming nineteenth-century neoclassical church, a listed monument that reflects the village's young yet rich past.
Nature and outdoor activities
De Cocksdorp is surrounded on almost every side by striking scenery, from high dunes to an open connection with the sea.
The lighthouse of Texel: on the Vuurtorenweg rises the red Eierland lighthouse, the northernmost and most photographed point on the island. Climb it for a sweeping view over dunes, beach and sea.
De Slufter nature reserve: on the Slufterweg lies this unique landscape with an open connection to the North Sea, where salt water flows freely in and out. In late summer it turns purple with sea lavender, and it is a favourite spot for walking and birdwatching.
Woodland and polder close by: a little to the south lie the Krimbos and the Roggesloot, a former tidal channel in the Eierland polder, both wonderful for walking, cycling and plenty of birdwatching.
Golf in the dunes: on the Lancasterdijk lies De Texelse golf course, an eighteen-hole course set in beautiful natural dune landscape.
Activities and attractions
Anyone after more than nature alone is well served in and around De Cocksdorp too.
Jumping above the island: at Paracentrum Texel on the Postweg, the adventurous take a tandem skydive, with an unforgettable view over Texel, the mudflats and the North Sea during the free fall.
Fresh ice cream from its own cows: at IJsboerderij Labora on the Hollandseweg you taste handmade ice cream from the milk of its own herd, and children can meet the cows.
Everything for the birdwatcher: at the Bird Information Centre on the Kikkertstraat you discover where and when to spot the most special species on this island of birds.
The beach
The beach at De Cocksdorp is among the loveliest and most expansive on Texel, and a must when you are in the north.
Endlessly wide: the Lighthouse beach, easily reached via the Vuurtorenweg, is exceptionally broad and stretches as far as the eye can see, with room to spare even on the busiest days.
Beach pavilions along the way: at Paal 31 and Paal 33 you can settle in for a bite or a drink, with a panoramic view over the sea.
Where two seas meet: off the coast of De Cocksdorp the Wadden Sea and the North Sea meet, a unique natural spectacle of clashing currents and sandbanks.
Spotting seals: at low tide, seals use the exposed sandbanks as a resting place, so with a bit of luck you will see them lying there during your beach walk.
Events
Throughout the year De Cocksdorp provides plenty of conviviality, especially in the summer months.
The Durper Markt: in summer the weekly Durper Markt comes to the village, with stalls full of regional produce, crafts and souvenirs. "Durp", incidentally, is how the islanders refer to De Cocksdorp for short.
More on the island: a full overview of festivities, from folklore to sport, can be found on Texel's events page.
Bowling de Krim
Experience thrilling moments and fun with friends and family at bowling De Krim on Texel. Our modern bowling alley offers entertainment for all ages and is the perfect location for any ...
Enjoy a fun and active challenge on the 18-hole mini-golf course in the north of Texel. What can you expect at mini-golf Sluftervallei? - 18-Hole Mini-Golf Course: The beautifully landscaped ...
A golf course that stands out for its natural dune landscape and challenging courses. This unique golf club on the island Texel offers a blend of natural beauty and sporting challenge. What can ...
At ice cream farm Labora in De Cocksdorp on Texel, the most delicious ice cream is handcrafted from the milk of their own cows. During your visit, you can not only enjoy the fresh ice cream but ...
A small playground for young children, ideal as a stopover during a family cycling trip in the northern part of Texel. What to expect at playground Roggeslootweg - Perfect for the little ones: ...
Enjoy peace, open space, and birdsong at the birdwatching screen Dorpszicht, just southeast of De Cocksdorp – a beautiful spot for bird lovers. What to expect at birdwatching screen ...
Just outside De Cocksdorp lies the picturesque nature reserve Dorpzicht. A beautiful area for walkers and birdwatchers in the heart of Texel’s polder landscape. What to expect at nature ...
One of the most exciting and adventurous attractions on the beautiful Wadden island of Texel. This is the place for both beginners and seasoned climbers to ascend. Klimmen EnZo offers a range ...
The swimming pool De Krim in De Cocksdorp is a true water paradise for all ages. Located at holiday park De Krim, this pool offers everything for a fun and relaxing day – even if you're not ...
The De Krim Indoor Playground at De Krim holiday park is the largest indoor playground on Texel and an ideal outing when the weather is less favourable. - Climbing and playing: Children aged ...
Roggeslootweg 6, De Cocksdorp - Texel web. Website
The Bird Information Centre on Texel is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Here, you will find extensive information about birds and the best birdwatching locations on ...
Discover a unique experience with indoor minigolf on Texel! This indoor minigolf course with a fascinating glow-in-the-dark effect is located at Holiday Park De Krim. The 18 holes, walls, and ...
The Indoor Laser Game at De Krim holiday park is an exciting and active outing for families and groups of friends on Texel. - Exciting arena: In the dark laser game arena, you sneak between ...
At the outdoor playground, visitors of all ages can enjoy a day filled with fun and adventure. The playground offers a colourful and interactive environment where children can climb, slide, and ...
The Krimbos is located in the north of Texel, near De Cocksdorp, and is a wonderful natural area for walking, cycling, and playing in the fresh sea air. What can you expect in the Krimbos? - ...
The monument De Schicht is a striking sculpture on Texel that commemorates the raising of the dikes to Delta height – an important step in protecting the island from the sea. What does De ...
A simple public playground for young children in the heart of De Cocksdorp, perfect for a short stop during your exploration of Texel. What to expect at playground Kikkerstraat - Small‑scale: ...
The Waddenkerk on Kikkertstraat in De Cocksdorp is a charming 19th-century neoclassical church and a true national monument. What makes the Waddenkerk special? - Historic Heritage: Built in the ...
Kikkertstraat 85, De Cocksdorp, Texel web. Website
Nature reserve De Roggesloot, located in the Eierlandse polder southeast of De Cocksdorp, is a former tidal creek. What makes De Roggesloot so special? - Rich bird area: De Roggesloot is a true ...
The Francisca Romana Church on Molenlaan is a small 19th-century village church with a surprisingly distinctive and much older interior. - Historic village church: The present Neo-Romanesque ...
In short, De Cocksdorp is a charming village with a surprisingly wide range of amenities and activities, and the perfect base for some of the most impressive nature areas on Texel.
Discover more beautiful places on Texel!
There is so much more to explore on this beautiful island! Each village has its own unique charm, and by exploring them all, you can determine your personal favorite:
Den Burg: Discover the vibrant heart of Texel, where you can enjoy cozy shopping streets, atmospheric terraces, and a lively atmosphere.
Den Hoorn: Explore the enchanting south of Texel, with its picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views.
De Koog: Discover the vibrant beach life and bustling atmosphere of this beloved seaside resort.
Oudeschild: Learn more about the rich maritime history of Texel in Oudeschild, the home port of the Texel fishing fleet.
De Waal: Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the smallest village on Texel, where tranquility and rural beauty come together.
