Nationaal Park Duinen van Texel
Dunes, seals, and sheep grazing by the North Sea.Sandy dunes, tidal flats, and salt marshes form this coastal nature reserve on Texel island. Home to rare birds and seals, with walking trails through pine forests.
Nationaal Park Duinen van Texel covers 43 square kilometers along Texel island's western coast in the Netherlands. Walk through towering dunes and pine forests, watch seals sunbathe on sandy beaches, or follow tidal creeks at De Slufter where the North Sea flows through the dunes. You can spot spoonbills nesting in De Geul area, explore salt marshes filled with sea lavender, or climb dune tops for views across the Wadden Sea.
Getting to Texel National Park
Take a 90-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Den Helder, then catch a bus to the ferry terminal. Ferries depart every 30 minutes and cross to Texel in 20 minutes. You can bring your car, bicycle, or walk on as a passenger.
Landscapes of the Dunes
The western side contains several distinct environments. Coastal dunes have high lime content where marram grass grows, while inland dunes have transformed into purple heathland. At De Slufter, North Sea water flows through a gap in the dunes twice daily, creating salt marshes where purple sea lavender and green samphire grow in the salt-rich soil.
Wildlife Watching
About 80 bird species breed in the park each year, making it an important migration stopover. Look for spoonbills in De Geul area, which has the largest colony in the Netherlands, or watch short-eared owls hunt over the dunes. Common seals and grey seals rest on the beaches, while rabbits, stoats, and several bat species live in the inland areas.
Exploring the Trail Network
Follow color-coded trails through the park: red, yellow, blue, and green routes lead through different landscapes. Take the 3.7-kilometer De Slufter trail through the tidal area, or challenge yourself with the 28.6-kilometer T'Horntje naar De Cocksdorp coastal path. Many trails close from March to July during bird breeding season.
Ecomare Nature Center
Visit this nature center and rehabilitation facility south of De Koog. Watch seal feeding sessions twice daily, explore aquariums with North Sea marine life, and learn about the park's connection to the Wadden Sea through interactive exhibits.
Best Times to Visit
Visit in spring to see migrating birds and orchids blooming in dune valleys. Summer brings more visitors, while autumn and winter are quieter with returning migratory birds. The park stays open year-round, except for trail closures during breeding season (March-July).
