Dunes of Texel National Park

Dunes of Texel National Park, located on the island of Texel in the northern Netherlands, offers visitors a chance to explore one of the country’s most varied natural landscapes. Spanning 43 square kilometers, the park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea region and showcases a mix of sand dunes, salt marshes, heathland, forests, and coastal plains. The area is especially popular with hikers and cyclists, who can follow a network of well-marked trails through the park’s 16 distinct areas.

Birdwatchers are drawn to sites like De Geul and De Muy, where spoonbills and other species breed, and to De Slufter, a saltmarsh area renowned for its plant life and bird habitats. The Mokbaai salt marsh at the park’s southern edge is another scenic spot, particularly for observing migratory birds. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, visitors may encounter rabbits, hares, and even seals along the coast, with occasional glimpses of porpoises offshore.

The Ecomare visitor center, located within the park, serves as both a natural history museum and a marine animal sanctuary, offering educational exhibits and a closer look at Texel’s unique flora and fauna. Established as a national park in 2002, Dunes of Texel reflects the island’s long-standing appreciation for nature, as documented by botanist Jac. P. Thijsse in the early 20th century. The park is easily accessible by ferry, making it an inviting destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.