Would you like to find out more about nature on Texel? At these information points, you can get advice from people who know the area well. Handy for your walk, cycle ride or birdwatching tour.

De Marel Nature Centre in Waalenburg

De Marel Nature Centre is located on Nieuwlanderweg. Here you are on the outskirts of Waalenburg, a former salt marsh area and an important meadow bird habitat on Texel. Inside, you will find binoculars, bird books, nesting boxes and display cases with stuffed birds, so you can take a closer look at the species at your leisure. There is a large map of the island on display, on which bird species are marked. Excursions and routes through the area also start from De Marel. A good place to visit if you would like some information before heading into Waalenburg.

Bird Information Centre in De Cocksdorp

The Bird Information Centre in De Cocksdorp specialises in birdwatching on Texel. You can ask questions about birds you have spotted, try out binoculars, book excursions and view the latest sightings. The centre also serves as an information point for the Duinen van Texel National Park. The Bird Information Centre also sells items such as bird books, clothing, mugs, nesting boxes and bird feed.

Mudflat rangers at Utopia and De Schorren

On the dyke between De Schorren and Utopia stands the Natuurmonumenten mudflat ranger hut. From March to the end of August, volunteer mudflat rangers are on hand here. They will be happy to tell you about the mudflat ecosystem and what Natuurmonumenten does to protect it.

Pumping station near De Cocksdorp

At the end of De Cocksdorp, at the foot of the dyke, stands a pumping station. Both inside and outside the dyke, volunteer birdwatchers are on hand to answer questions and provide information about Texel as an island of birds and nature. They will tell you which birds can be seen on the mudflats, or which cycle route through the National Park or along the Vogelboulevard is currently the best. On the dyke, you can use a telescope from the Bird Information Centre to watch the many seals or waders that can be seen there.

Nature Information Tent at Loodsmansduin

At the entrance to Camping Loodsmansduin stands the Nature Information Tent: a large round dome next to reception. Here you will find information about Texel’s nature, a mini-library with nature guides, and free search and bingo cards for children. During the summer holidays, the forest ranger is present every Tuesday morning to answer questions. In addition, summer excursions are organised from this tent in collaboration with Duinen van Texel National Park and IVN Texel.

Bird watchers

From spring onwards, volunteer bird watchers will also be stationed at the Diepe Gat (in De Slufter) and De Geul birdwatching points. These are volunteers from Staatsbosbeheer. Every day from 10.00 to 16.00, they provide information to visitors at the birdwatching points, keep an extra eye on things and remind visitors to follow the site rules. Until the end of August, new volunteers will be present at the viewing points every week. Binoculars and a telescope are available at the viewing points. The bird watchers can tell you exactly how to use them and what there is to see. There are also free leaflets and bird charts showing the most common bird species on Texel.

Tips for your visit

Before you set off, check whether the information point is open and whether any birdwatchers or a forest ranger will be there that day. Nature on Texel changes with the seasons and the tides, so it’s particularly nice to ask questions on the spot: what can you see today, where can you watch in peace, and which route suits the moment?

More nature on Texel