A calm beach town on Texel island with a 5-kilometer sandy shoreline, coastal dunes, and active center filled with cafes and shops. The largest resort area in the Dutch Wadden Sea.
De Koog sits on the western coast of Texel, a North Sea island in the Netherlands. Two narrow dune ridges separate the village from a wide sandy beach. Walk from the village center to the shore, passing surfers heading to posts 17 and 19 or families renting windbreaks for the day. The compact center includes shops, cafés with fresh seafood, and restaurants where terraces face west for sunset views. South of the village, the Ecomare museum houses seals rescued from the Wadden Sea, and trails in the De Nederlanden reserve loop through pine forests and dunes. Accommodations range from beachside campsites to hotels, keeping the village close to nature without sacrificing convenience.
Sandy Shore and Surfing Zones
De Koog’s beach runs for kilometers, edged by low dunes and wooden pavilions that serve coffee, local beer, or fried fish. Rent deck chairs or beach huts for the day, or watch surfers ride waves near posts 17 and 19. The flat, wide sand works well for beach volleyball, jogging at low tide, or walking alongside cargo ships visible on the horizon. After dark, the beach empties, and overnight parking bans from 23:00 to 07:00 keep noise minimal. Hotels like Texelcamping Kogerstrand sit just inland, where rabbits and pheasants often wander near tents and caravans.
Forests, Dunes, and Wildlife
South of De Koog, the De Nederlanden area belongs to Duinen van Texel National Park. Marked trails lead through pine forests, wetlands, and dunes. Begin at the Mienterglop car park to walk past ponds where spoonbills feed and rare orchids grow. The Dennenbos pine woods offer shaded paths in summer, and the De Slufter salt marsh draws birdwatchers looking for oystercatchers or avocets. Ecomare, a short walk from the village, includes a seal sanctuary and displays explaining tidal flats and dune ecosystems. For longer walks, the path to De Muy reserve crosses heathland grazed by Highland cattle.
Restaurants and Nightlife
De Koog’s center has casual eateries and seafood restaurants, many with terraces for sunny lunches or dinners at sunset. Order smoked eel or Texel lamb at a bistro, then visit pubs hosting live music or quiz nights. In late August, the Tropical Street Festival fills the streets with Caribbean-inspired food stalls and performances. During summer, the village stays active until late, but winter evenings are quieter, ideal for stargazing on the beach. Some restaurants close earlier outside peak season, but year-round spots serve Dutch pancakes or mussels.
Staying Near the Beach
Most hotels and campsites in De Koog focus on easy beach access. Hotel Opduin gives direct entry to the dunes from its garden. Texelcamping Kogerstrand sits within the dunes, where guests hear birdsong and ocean sounds. Self-catering chalets and apartments line quieter streets east of the center, while furnished tents mix camping with modern comforts. Book summer stays early, and confirm reception hours if arriving in winter—some sites reduce desk operations during colder months.
Getting There and Local Tips
Reach De Koog by ferry from Den Helder, followed by a 20-minute bus ride or taxi. Paid permits are required for daytime beach parking, and overnight parking is banned village-wide. Reserve campsites or hotels online, but note receptions close on holidays like Christmas and certain January dates. Ecomare’s information desk updates visitors on trail conditions and recent wildlife sightings. Rent bikes from village shops to explore Texel’s network of paths linking towns and nature reserves.
