One of the most magical moments on Texel is when the heather is in bloom. The vast purple fields make for breathtaking views. The blooming heather is the perfect setting for a relaxing walk or taking beautiful photos. We take you along four heathlands on the island: De Bollekamer, De Nederlanden, De Geul and the Bleekersvallei.

De Bollekamer

De Bollekamer, located in the south-west of Texel between the Hoornderslag and the Jan Ayeslag, is a vast dune and heathland area where you can walk for hours. This area is known for its varied landscape with dunes, valleys and vast heathlands. In part of the area, Black Angus cows help combat the overgrowth of the dunes. They graze on fast-growing plants and shrubs, keeping the landscape open and preventing other plant species from becoming overgrown.

Photography tips: Visit the Bollekamer in the early morning or early evening for the best light. The low sun casts a warm glow over the heathland, creating beautiful shadows and depth in your photos. The forest edge in the background also gives a nice contrast. Experiment with different angles to capture the vastness of this landscape.

De Nederlanden

De Nederlanden, located in the middle of Texel, above De Koog, is an area not to be missed. This nature reserve is an oasis of peace with lush heathlands. Here you can take lovely walks. Part of the area is still in agricultural use. Galloway cattle and sheep graze here. The Nederlanden is part of De Muy, an area connected to De Slufter.

Photography tips: Use the foreground to create depth in your photos. Look for interesting elements, such as flowering plants or small trees, for an interesting photo. There is also a beautiful sheep pen in De Nederlanden, which you can photograph with heather in the foreground. For an impressive view, climb “De Bertusnol”.

De Geul

De Geul, located near the southern tip of Texel, is a beautiful, nature reserve with a mix of dunes, heathland and water features. This area is perfect for walkers who want to enjoy the blooming heathland and at the same time have a chance to do some birdwatching. For example, one of Texel's spoonbill colonies nests in De Geul.

Photography tip: Photograph during the golden hour, the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset. The soft, warm light creates a magical atmosphere and beautiful colours in your photos. Experiment with the reflection in the water or visit the viewpoint for panoramic views.

Bleekersvallei

In Bleekersvallei, a hidden gem at the edge of De Dennen forest, you will find a mix of heathland, dune and forest. The peace and quiet make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Behind the sea verge, you will find many elder bushes and sea buckthorns, and the vegetation is very varied. To keep the vegetation open, these areas are sometimes grazed by horses, cattle and Texel sheep. The heaths in the oldest dune areas are mowed occasionally, giving young heather plants a chance.

Photography tip: Climb one of the dunes for a beautiful landscape photo. Choose one of the trees as the subject and use the heather as a background.

August

Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or just want to enjoy the beauty of flowering heather, you can do it on Texel. Heather blooms between mid-July and mid-September. The time when the heather is at its most beautiful varies from year to year and depends heavily on the weather. The first weeks of August are often a good time!

Photo contests

Have you taken a beautiful heather photo? VVV Texel regularly organises photo competitions in which you can win great prizes. There is a photo of the month contest and the lamb photo contest in spring. You can always win great prizes. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more photo contests.

More about Texel nature reserves