The Slufter and the Muy

Around 1300, Texel consisted merely of higher boulder clay mounds of the 'old land'. These grounds were divided for the most or partially by streams, while lower grounds flooded regularly. Separate from this, in the north, was the islet of Eijerland.

In the 14th, 15th and 16th century, there were numerous dikings on Texel as it was then. The most important one was Waal and Burg, situated between Den Burg, De Koog and De Waal, diked in 1532 and diked again in 1617. This diking was of great importance, because it cut off an enormous channel, preventing the seawater running from west to east.

They probably feared more breaches, because in 1629/1630, the construction of a connection between the dunes at De Koog and the island of Eierland followed by order of the States. The construction of this drifting dyke was not a great problem with the technical possibilities of those days, because the former tidal inlet had already been silted up to a great extent.
Google maps: Slufter & De Muy

Drifting sand

As a result of drifting sand, that was held by the marram plants, new dunes and streams came about on the sea side of the drifting dyke. This made it possible to construct new drifting dykes on the west side. Around 1850, there must have been a closed formation of dunes.

Heavy storm

In 1851, this row of dunes was breached in three places during a very heavy storm, namely near the Muy, the Kleine Slufter and somewhat south of the road near the Krim (Grote Slufter). In 1878, the breach at the Muy was repaired. The Grote Slufter silted up, while the Kleine Slufter still exists.

Flora and fauna

At that time they could not close the Kleine Slufter, but by now the value of the Slufter has become obvious and there is no question of closing it off!
The Slufter is an ideal spot for many birds, but the vegetation also makes the area fascinating. Under the influence of the salty water, which regularly penetrates the area, there is a lot of sea lavender. This plant largely colours the Slufter lilac in July and August. Other plants that can be found in the Slufter are mostly sea poa and, to a lesser extent, thrift. In and around the lake in the dunes at the Muy, spoonbills and grey herons are spotted regularly. Different kinds of birds also occur in the rest of the area.

Accessible for wheelchairs

At the Slufterweg the Slufter has an entrance for wheelchairs. See the webpage adapted routes for more routes.

“De Slufter en de Muy” walks

These walks offer you lovely, panoramic views and the chance to see all sorts of birds. Click  here for a list of footpaths through “de Slufter en de Muy”. (PDF)