
39 Nature reserves
Around the villages of Texel lie 39 exceptional nature reserves. Almost all form part of the National Park Dunes of Texel, containing some of the finest dune landscapes in the Netherlands.
Texel is not called 'the Netherlands in miniature' without reason. The island has more than 250 kilometres of walking trails and offers an impressive variety: from dynamic salt marshes and wet dune valleys to expansive pine woodland and bird-rich polders. Every season has its own distinct charm.
The walking routes on Texel guide you to the island's most remarkable spots, from the sea lavender of the Slufter to the orchids in the Muy and the stillness of the Dennen woodland. Below are the routes we recommend.

Around the villages of Texel lie 39 exceptional nature reserves. Almost all form part of the National Park Dunes of Texel, containing some of the finest dune landscapes in the Netherlands.

A small but lively nature reserve full of birds, located between two dikes on the southern side of the Wagejot and near the IJzeren Kaap. What to expect at the Minkewaal - Birdwatching: In spring and summer, the area is teeming with black-tailed godwits, redshanks, shelducks, and spoonbills. - Sand martin wall: A concrete ...

Dijkmanshuizen is a remarkable nature reserve on the eastern side of Texel, between Oudeschild and Oosterend, directly bordering the Wadden Sea. This salt-influenced meadow and marshland is a true paradise for both birdwatchers and plant enthusiasts. What makes nature reserve Dijkmanshuizen so special? - Bird paradise by ...

De Slufter is perhaps the most famous nature reserve on Texel and an absolute must-see during your stay on the island. This unique salt marsh area on the western side of Texel is directly connected to the North Sea, changing its appearance every day. Whether you come to walk, watch birds, or simply enjoy a picnic in ...

Nieuw Buitenheim is a young and dynamic nature reserve on the eastern side of Texel, nestled between nature reserve Dijkmanshuizen and the IJsdijk. It offers a surprising mix of tranquillity, birds and salty nature. What can you expect at Nieuw Buitenheim? - Bird paradise: An important breeding ground for coastal birds. ...

The Hoge Berg is one of the most characteristic nature areas of Texel. The rolling landscape between Den Burg and Oudeschild forms the oldest part of the island. What makes the Hoge Berg so special? Formed around 150,000 years ago during the Ice Age, the 15.3-metre boulder clay hill offers stunning views over the island ...

At the southernmost tip of Texel lie the Horspolders and the Kreeftepolder, a young and dynamic nature area where wind, sea, sand, and grasses create a stunning landscape. What to expect in the Horspolders & Kreeftepolder - Texel’s youngest dune area: Walk through dune valleys, past freshwater ponds and over sand dikes ...

The Hanenplas is a lesser-known nature reserve in the north of Texel. It lies next to the golf club, close to De Cocksdorp and the holiday parks De Krim and Sluftervallei. What to expect at the Hanenplas - Peaceful nature reserve: A picturesque lake surrounded by reed beds, grasslands, and dunes forms an oasis of peace ...

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 the island. You can also explore on your own with high-quality binoculars or a telescope. What can you expect at the Bird ...

Texel has 34 viewpoints with a wide outlook over the sea, the Wadden Sea or the island's landscape. Below are the finest spots to take in the view.

Enjoy peace, space, and stunning views over the bird-rich nature reserve Waalenburg, located in the heart of Texel. What to expect at birdwatching screen De Nol? - Unique View: From the screen, you overlook the open landscape of Waalenburg, once farmland, now a flourishing nature reserve full of birds, flowers, and ...

On the southern side of Texel, close to Den Hoorn, lies the nature reserve De Geul. In the middle of this green landscape, you’ll find the Geulplas, a large freshwater lake that has become a true bird paradise. What to expect at birdwatching point Geulplas - Peaceful enjoyment of nature: Thanks to a birdwatching point, ...

Kijkpost Diepe Gat overlooks a dune lake north of De Slufter on Texel. The viewpoint lies in the Dunes of Texel National Park and is managed by Staatsbosbeheer. What can you expect at Kijkpost Diepe Gat? - Birds: On and around the water you often see eiders and black-tailed godwits. - Volunteers: From spring, ...

In the Nieuw Buitenheim nature reserve on Texel, you’ll find two perfect spots for birdwatchers and nature lovers to enjoy the view of the birds sheltered from the wind: the birdwatching screen and the bird hide. Birdwatching Screen Nieuw Buitenheim - Location: The birdwatching screen is situated halfway along the dike, ...

The viewpoint De Bol is a hidden gem on the edge of the nature reserve Drijvers Vogelweid De Bol. A short climb rewards you with a wide panoramic view over a bird-rich landscape. What to expect at viewpoint De Bol - Unique View: From the small hill, you can overlook the Binnenzwin, with the characteristic windmill Het ...

Vogelhut Westerkolk is a small wooden bird hide by the Westerkolk pond in the Waalenburg polder near De Waal on Texel. From the hide you look out over water and meadows. What can you expect at Vogelhut Westerkolk? - Birds: You can spot golden plovers, avocets and skylarks here, and regularly a kingfisher or kestrel. - ...

The viewing tower Fonteinsnol is one of the most famous viewpoints on Texel, located in the green heart of the island. What to expect at the Fonteinsnol viewing tower - Photogenic viewpoint: The tower stands on a dune about 18 metres high and offers a panoramic view over the Texel forests, dunes and the North Sea. ...

On top of the De Schans pumping station, at the Redoute and Prins Hendrikzanddijk south of Oudeschild, lies a beautiful birdwatching point. Here you can enjoy wide panoramic views and a rich variety of birds all year round. What to expect at the birdwatching point at De Schans? - Stunning View: From the viewpoint you have ...
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