De Schorren - Nature

Nature reserve De Schorren is an extensive salt marsh area on the eastern side of Texel, where nature is still left to its own devices.

What can you expect at De Schorren?

• Salt marshes and mudflats: De Schorren consists of salt marshes – also called ‘schorren’ – that remain dry at normal high tide, but are completely flooded during spring tide or storm surges. This creates a dynamic landscape where tides, wind and waves are free to shape it.
• Spectacular birdlife: From spring to autumn, birds come and go. Spoonbills, oystercatchers, eiders and gulls breed here. At low tide, curlews, sandpipers and black-tailed godwits scour the mudflats for food such as shrimps, shells and worms.
• Bird migration in full glory: De Schorren lies on a major migration route. Hundreds of thousands of birds use the area as a service station: refuelling and resting before continuing their long journey from north to south – and back.
• Spoonbill colony: Since 1982, a permanent colony of spoonbills has bred in De Schorren. These majestic birds build nests up to 60 cm high to stay safe during high tide. With their distinctive spoon-shaped bills, they fish for shrimps in the nearby mudflats.
• Salt-loving plants: Only plants that can withstand salt thrive here. You can find sea lavender, glasswort, sea aster and oraches. These species are vital for preserving the marshes: their roots hold the mud together and gradually create new land.
• Seasonal variations: Each season has its charm: spring brings breeding birds, summer the purple and green blooms of salt-tolerant plants, and in autumn and winter thousands of waders gather on the mudflats.

Practical information

• Location: De Schorren is located on the eastern side of Texel, close to the hamlet of Oost.
• Parking: The nearest car park is about 1 km on foot from the nature reserve. By bike, you can ride directly to the area.
• Accessibility: Free walking in De Schorren is not permitted in order to protect breeding birds and fragile vegetation.
• View from the Wadden Sea dike: Although De Schorren itself is not freely accessible, the dike offers a stunning panoramic view over the area and the Wadden Sea.
• Excursions with the ranger: Those who want to experience the area up close can join a guided excursion. With a guide, you walk along creeks and mudflats, among thousands of birds and unique vegetation.

De Schorren is a rare and fragile piece of nature, where peace and space still reign. Perfect for birdwatchers, walkers with an interest in ecology, or anyone looking to escape the crowds.

Furthermore De Schorren is near the following sights: Utopia (±1,2 km), Vogelkijkscherm Dorpszicht (±2,0 km), Speeltuin Prins Hendrik (±2,5 km), De Schicht (±2,8 km) & Labora (±2,8 km).

For information

Lancasterdijk, Oosterend, Texel