{"id":43652,"date":"2021-11-23T19:08:18","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T18:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=43652"},"modified":"2022-04-26T09:45:33","modified_gmt":"2022-04-26T07:45:33","slug":"island-texel-birdwatching-lovers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2021\/11\/island-texel-birdwatching-lovers\/","title":{"rendered":"The Island of Texel, a Paradise for Birdwatching Lovers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Island of Texel is one of the Wadden Islands located on the north side of the Netherlands coast. Between white beaches and nature reserves you will be able to observe seals and a myriad of birds.<\/h2>\n
\"Birdwatching
Birdwatching in Texel Island. Photo by Irene Paolinelli<\/div><\/div>\n

It is only 9 kilometres wide and 25 kilometres long, yet the largest of the Wadden islands.\u00a0The island <\/strong>of Texel offers 30 km<\/strong> of long sandy<\/strong> beach, seven villages<\/strong> and unique nature reserves<\/strong>. It is very well known for its bird-rich<\/strong> dunes. You can reach it quickly<\/strong> and you will be on the island in only twenty minutes by ferry from Den Helder<\/strong>, that every hour!<\/p>\n

\"Birdwatching
Birdwatching in the Island of Texel. Photo by Irene Paolinelli<\/div><\/div>\n

Discover the top 10 things<\/strong> to do on Texel!<\/p>\n

1. Explore the Texel lighthouse<\/h2>\n
\"Photo
Photo via Canva<\/div><\/div>\n

\u201cEierland lighthouse<\/strong>\u201d is the name of the 19th-century<\/strong> Texel Lighthouse. It is located in the north of Texel, near De Cocksdorp<\/strong> on one of the widest beaches on the island. It is 35 meters<\/strong> high. Climb the 150 steps<\/strong> of the lighthouse and you will enjoy a panoramic view<\/strong> of the North Sea<\/strong> and the Wadden Sea<\/strong>. Ideal to combine a beach<\/strong> day with a visit to the lighthouse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Map\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Have a Walk-in De Slufter and Duinen National Park<\/h2>\n
\"De
De Slufter. Photos by thehike.nl and Marlon Paul Bruin via unsplash.com<\/div><\/div>\n

The nature area of De Slufter<\/strong> is the only area in the Netherlands where the North Sea<\/strong> can penetrate unchecked. Even the entire lagoon is flooded after a storm flood. This enabled a unique nature area to develop in De Slufter – with tideways and salt marshes full of blossoming purple sea lavender. Dunes<\/strong> are very variated in this landscape. The Dunes of Texel national park basically stretches along the entire west side of the island and the landscape is mesmerizing: heather, grass, swamps, woodlands, acres of berries and wildflowers. You can spot horses<\/strong>, wild cows<\/strong> and sheep<\/strong>. This is the perfect place for dozens of different birds<\/strong>. The highest dune is Bertusnol<\/strong><\/a>. There you can have a break and enjoy the charming view<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Map here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Visit the Nature Museum Ecomare<\/h2>\n
\"Ecomare
Ecomare Museum. Photos by Irene Paolinelli<\/div><\/div>\n

Ecomare<\/strong><\/a> is an aquarium and wildlife sanctuary for seals<\/strong> and birds<\/strong>. Here you will learn everything about the Wadden Sea<\/strong>\u00a0and the North Sea<\/strong>. You can find many marine animals<\/strong>, like harbour seals<\/strong>, porpoises<\/strong> and grey seals<\/strong> which were found injured<\/strong> and nursed<\/strong> back to health. Seals are the popular inhabitants of both the Wadden Sea and the North Sea around Texel. Once the seals are well, they are released back into their natural habitat.<\/p>\n

But the visiting centre is about much more than just watching the seal pups being fed. It is all about understanding what a unique ecosystem<\/strong> the Wadden Sea really is and why it is so important that it will be preserved<\/strong>. It is also a lot of fun to take a look at the aquariums to see all the different fish<\/strong>, including sharks<\/strong>, that live in the seas surrounding Texel island.\u00a0At the end of the visit, you can also decide to adopt<\/strong> a seal<\/strong> by contributing with a monthly fee.<\/p>\n

Map here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Don\u2019t Miss the Juttersmuseum Flora<\/h2>\n
\"Juttermuseum
Juttersmuseum Flora. Photos by Irene Paolinelli<\/div><\/div>\n

In the Juttersmuseum Flora<\/a> between Den Burg<\/strong> and De Koog<\/strong>, jutter Jan Uitgeest and his team display what they have found<\/strong> on the beaches<\/strong> of Texel over the decades; countless buoys<\/strong>, shoes<\/strong>, bottles<\/strong> (and messages in bottles too), toys, and animal bones. It is the nicest family<\/strong> museum in Texel. There is plenty to experience, inside and outside, for young and for old. \u00a0You can dive into fascinating stories<\/strong> by experiencing the rich history of beachcombing in images<\/strong> and sound<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Map here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Go around the Cosy Villages of the Island<\/h2>\n
\"Photo
Photo via Canva<\/div><\/div>\n

The main point of Texel is Den Burg<\/strong>, which is situated in the centre, making it the first point of contact of the island for many visitors. Good restaurants, pretty shops and the local tourist information office are all located in the historic centre of Den Burg. The northernmost island area is De Cocksdorp<\/strong>, located near the attractive lighthouse and the unique nature reserve for birds<\/strong>. The historic<\/strong> villages of Oosterend<\/strong> and De Waal<\/strong> are very charming and idyllic. The harbour of Oudeschild<\/strong> by the Wadden Sea is an attractive place, with fishing boats, windmills and the interesting Kaap Skil Museum<\/strong><\/a>. The southernmost village of Texel, Den Hoorn<\/strong>, is known for its romantic church, the surrounding tulip fields, and its arts events. Don\u2019t miss the following 7 villages:<\/p>\n

\"Photo
Photo via Piqsels.com<\/div><\/div>\n