De Hors - Nature

Sand plain De Hors is an impressive nature reserve at the southern tip of Texel, where you experience the island at its wildest: rugged, vast and constantly changing.

What makes De Hors so special?

• Rugged and dynamic landscape: De Hors is a wide, open sand plain where nature is free to run its course.
• Little tern colony: It is also the breeding ground of the vulnerable little tern, a small but brave fish-eating bird that nests on the bare sand.
• Unique origin story: De Hors was formed from a sandbank that only became attached to Texel in 1749. Over the centuries, new dune valleys have developed here, such as De Geul, the Horspolders, the Horsmeertjes and the Kreeftepolder.
• Dune formation in action: With the supply of sand, new dunes are still being created. Marram grass appears first, followed by lyme grass, and eventually full dunes develop with marsh plants such as reed and club-rush.
• Surprising flora: In the dune valleys you’ll find special plants such as grass of Parnassus, centaury, marsh helleborine and green-winged orchid. Along the coastline you’ll encounter striking species like sea holly, bindweed, samphire and sea spurge.
• Bird paradise: Birdwatchers will be spoilt for choice. Species seen here include wigeon, teal, reed warblers, bluethroats, bearded tits, bitterns and the rare marsh harrier.

Practical information

• Accessibility: Park at the Mokweg and follow the path along the Horsmeertjes heading south. You can also enter the beach via Paal 9 and walk towards De Hors.
• Access: You may walk freely in De Hors, except in the fenced-off breeding areas.

De Hors is not an ordinary beach: it is a place where you feel nature breathe. Whether you come for peace, birds, special plants or an adventurous walk, this is a place that will stay with you.

Furthermore De Hors is near the following sights: Horspolders & Kreeftepolder (±1,2 km), De Geul (±2,0 km), Vogelkijkpunt Mokbaai (±2,3 km), Vogelkijkpunt Geulplas (±2,4 km) & De Mok of Mokbaai (±2,5 km).

For information

Mokweg, Den Hoorn, Texel