
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.

Between seal sanctuary Ecomare and the Californië forest lies Het Alloo – a peaceful and varied nature reserve. What makes nature reserve Het Alloo so special? - Diverse landscape: Het Alloo forms a natural transition between forest, dunes, and polder. You can walk through open dune grasslands, moist valleys, and small wooded areas filled with birdsong. - Abundant ...

The Westerduinen form a beautiful and tranquil nature reserve on the western side of Texel, featuring a varied landscape of dunes, heathland, and forest. What makes the Westerduinen so special? - Ancient History: The dunes once belonged to the village of De Westen, which centuries ago was buried under drifting sand. Today, the area has become a lively and dynamic nature ...

The Renvogelveld is located at the northernmost point of Texel, between the Texel Lighthouse and campsite De Robbenjager. What can you expect at the Renvogelveld? - Special birdwatching area: The Renvogelveld was named after a rare sighting of a desert wheatear in October 1986. Since then, the area has been developed into a birdwatching hotspot of great importance. - Wet ...

Ottersaat is a remarkable bird paradise on the edge of Oudeschild, right next to the Wadden Sea dike on Texel. The area consists of salty seepage ponds with small islands and forms an ideal refuge and breeding ground for many species of wading birds. What to expect at Ottersaat? - Unique seepage area: Ottersaat features a varied landscape of higher islands and lower ...

Zandkes is a remarkable nature reserve on the eastern side of Texel, near Dijkmanshuizen and just north of Oudeschild. What makes Zandkes so unique? - Bird paradise: The three brackish, shallow ponds in Zandkes attract countless bird species. The mud-rich bottom is full of small organisms like worms, shrimps and tiny fish – a true buffet for waders and meadow birds. - ...

Vogelparadijs; De Geul is een mooi duinvalleigebied, bekend om zijn grote lepelaarkolonie. Dit gebied biedt een prachtig uitzicht over het water en de omliggende natuur. Activiteiten in De Geul: - Spot de lepelaars en vele andere vogelsoorten. - Wandel langs de randen van het gebied en geniet van de rust. - Bezoek het uitkijkpunt voor een panoramisch uitzic ...

The Eierlandse Dunes form one of the wildest and most unspoilt nature reserves on Texel – a paradise for peace seekers, hikers, and birdwatchers. What can you expect in the Eierlandse Dunes? - Varied dune landscape: Walk across rolling dunes, dune valleys, sand drifts, and small ponds. - Birdwatching: This bird-rich area is home to countless species – from breeding ...

De Dennen, also known as the Texel Forest, is a beautiful nature reserve on the western side of Texel. The area was planted between 1898 and 1921 for timber production but is now a popular recreational destination. What can you experience in De Dennen? - Forest and Dunes in one: This green oasis is part of the National Park Dunes of Texel and is the perfect place for ...

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.

The IJzeren Kaap near Oosterend is a remarkable national monument and former sea beacon offering a stunning view over the Wadden Sea. What makes the IJzeren Kaap so special? - Historic Sea Beacon: Designed in 1854 by architect Quirinus Harder, who later also built the Texel Lighthouse. The beacon served as a non-illuminated navigation mark for shipping. - Historic ...

Kijkpost Slufter Noord; Hier krijgt u uitzicht over de gehele Slufter en enkele plassen. 's Zomers zitten hier paapje, roodborsttapuit, velduil en meer. In de doortrekperiode is het ook erg interessant qua steltlopers, zoals bonte strandloper, krombekstrandloper en kanoet. In de winter ziet u hier vooral ganzen en eenden.

In the heart of nature reserve De Muy, you’ll find one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Texel – a place of peace, open space, and rich birdlife. What to expect at viewpoint De Muy - Panoramic Views: From the platform you can look out over dunes, valleys, and the bird-rich Muyplas. - Birdwatching: In spring, spoonbills, avocets, and egrets nest here – don’t ...

From viewing point De Slufter on Texel you can look out over a dynamic nature reserve that is constantly changing under the influence of the sea and the seasons. It is the place to discover the unique flora and fauna of this tidal area. What makes viewing point De Slufter unique? -

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.

The viewing point Horsmeertjes near Den Hoorn is a stunning spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. Here you can experience the peace of Texel at its best, with views of a unique, bird-rich landscape. What can you expect at the viewing point Horsmeertjes? -

Hidden within the forest area of De Dennen lies the Bleekerij: a tranquil oasis of grasslands, water, and woodland where birds, cattle, and calm coexist. What can you expect at birdwatching screen Bleekerij? - Birdwatching screen: At the edge of the area, you'll find a sheltered hide where you can spot ducks, geese, and even birds of prey. -

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 Dorpszicht -
» View our complete 'see & do' list with many more museums, attractions, monuments and other places of interest.