De Cocksdorp, the northern paradise of Texel

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.
• Climbing, bowling and more: at De Krim holiday park you will find a climbing park, a bowling alley, laser game and the largest indoor play centre on the island, ideal for a day of less than perfect weather.
• 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.