
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.

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 Krimbos is located in the north of Texel, near De Cocksdorp, and is a wonderful natural area for walking, cycling, and playing in the fresh sea air. What can you expect in the Krimbos? - Young Forest Area: The Krimbos is the youngest forest on Texel and part of the Dunes of Texel National Park. It was created in the 1980s and expanded to around 130 hectares. - Varied ...

Between heathlands and dune valleys, you can discover the quiet charm of one of Texel’s oldest nature reserves. What makes the Bleekersvallei so special? - Ancient dune landscape: The Bleekersvallei is one of the oldest dune areas on Texel and part of the National Park Dunes of Texel. Many of the dunes are more than 200 years old. - Historical background: In the Middle ...

The Paradise Way is one of the charming spots in the Dennenbos. Those who walk or cycle here immediately understand why this place was named ‘Paradise Way’. What makes the Paradise Way so special? - A Name with a Story: The Paradise Way owes its name to a Texel tenant farmer who once cultivated an open area in the forest as a field. For him, this sheltered place felt ...

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 and the Wadden Sea. -

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 ...

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 ...

The bird paradise De Petten is a beautiful nature reserve near Den Hoorn, where brackish water, small islands and birds create a lively landscape. What makes nature reserve De Petten so special? - Breeding and resting area: De Petten is a favourite spot for birds to breed or rest during their migration. Especially in spring, the area bursts with life. -

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, 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 -

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 -

Renvogelveld is een gebied tussen de vuurtoren en de camping Robbenjager. Het veld is zo genoemd omdat er in oktober 1986 een voor Nederland zeer zeldzame renvogel, is gezien.

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? -

Vanuit de hut heeft u zicht op een gebied met plassen en stukken weiland. 's Zomers kunt u hier visdief en dwergstern zien, of de kemphaan. In de winter verblijft de slechtvalk hier regelmatig.

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 ...

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