Den Hoorn, Den Burg and De Cocksdorp

The dune area of Texel is a beautiful nature reserve with dunes, forests, heaths, salt marshes and an extensive beach plain. The vastness of the sea and beach, the beautiful forests and the large dune landscape make the Dunes of Texel National Park a wonderful area to visit. The nature reserve is 43 square kilometers and forms a sea of dunes as far as you can see over the entire west side of Texel. Due to its tranquility, Texel is a paradise for many animal species: the harbor seal and the gray seal have a great time along the coastline, rabbits hares hop in the dunes where ermines hunt and if you are lucky, you can see a white-beaked dolphin swimming in the sea. It will come as no surprise that Texel also attracts many different bird species: the brent goose, tundra bean goose, spoonbill, shelduck, wigeon, lapwing and sandpiper are just some of the feathered animals that come to seek refuge on the island. Towards Oosterend you pass through the rolling, old Texel country, with its garden walls and sheep farms. On the east side of the route you cycle over the dike along the Wadden Sea, looking out over the water and accompanied by the slow lapping of the waves. De Slufter is one of the beautiful sub-areas of the Dunes of Texel National Park that you will explore. This wide dune valley has an open connection with the North Sea. The seawater runs through creeks into the Slufter when the tide comes in. Due to the salty seawater, it is logical that many salt-loving plants grow here. Sea lavender colors the plains purple in June and the samphire blooms deep red in October. Further to the northwest, a sweet, wet valley has developed where orchids grow in abundance. Park your car for free at Novalishoeve care farm. Before or after your bike ride, stroll through the vegetable and herb garden and enjoy the children having fun in the farmer's playground. On the cozy terrace you can drink a nice cup of coffee or tea and if you are hungry, the Novalishoeve is an excellent place to have a nice lunch. Sometimes you can also enjoy an art event or get a guided tour.