The beauty of Texel by night
Because Texel has very little street lighting and is surrounded by water, you can see stars and planets especially clearly here. On a cloudless evening, you can see thousands of stars, spot the Milky Way, and maybe even catch a shooting star. Not only in summer, but throughout the year, rare celestial phenomena can be observed. And where better to view them clearly and peacefully than on this magical island?
The best spots for stargazing
- De Slufter – This nature reserve is already beautiful during the day, but even more impressive at night. The open horizon makes it perfect for viewing the Milky Way.
- Horsmeertjes – A remote and quiet location in southern Texel, ideal for night walks and astrophotography.
- Texel Dunes National Park – Walk along the dune ridges and experience how nature gently falls asleep while stars twinkle above.
- Ecomare stargazing evenings – Ecomare regularly organizes evenings where you can observe planets and stars through a telescope guided by experts.
- Texel Lighthouse – Although the lighthouse emits light, the surrounding area is a peaceful place to admire the night sky with panoramic sea views.
- Dike near Oudeschild – Near 't Waddenstrandje. A wide-open area with little light pollution – perfect for quietly enjoying the night sky.
Night walks: nature awakens
In addition to stargazing, Texel also offers unique ways to experience nature at night. During a night walk, you’ll hear sounds hidden during the day: the soft rustle of a hedgehog, the call of an owl, and the mysterious sound of the sea in the distance.
Guided night walks
Want to learn even more about Texel’s nighttime world? Join a guided excursion led by an experienced guide. Organizations like Staatsbosbeheer and Ecomare offer special walks where you’ll learn about nocturnal animals, the rhythms of nature, and the unique effect of moonlight on the landscape.
In addition, De Vrienden van Texel occasionally organizes exclusive night walks focusing on conservation and historical stories.
Tips for a nighttime adventure
- Wear warm clothing – Even in summer, nights on Texel can be chilly.
- Bring a flashlight (but use it as little as possible!) – Your eyes need time to adjust to the dark, so avoid artificial light when you can.
- Choose a night with no full moon – On new moon nights, the sky is darkest and stars are most visible.
- Stick to the trails – Nature is vulnerable at night, so stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing flora and fauna.
- Use a star chart or app – Apps like Star Walk or SkyView make it easier to recognize constellations and planets.
Extra tips for kids
Want to get children involved in stargazing? Make it an exciting adventure!
- Learn about constellations and planets – Many names come from Greek and Roman mythology. Did you know Mars was the god of war and Venus the goddess of love? Create your own stories and bring the sky to life!
- Turn it into a game – Who can spot a shooting star first? Or use a star map to find constellations together.
- Bring a blanket – Lying on the sand or grass makes stargazing extra cozy and adventurous.
- Use glow-in-the-dark toys – Glowing stickers or toys add fun while waiting for shooting stars.
- Bring a telescope or binoculars – Let kids zoom in on the moon and planets for an even more magical experience.
Conclusion: a Texel night to remember
Whether you’re after a breathtaking starry sky, the quiet of the dunes at night, or a special guided walk, Texel offers a unique experience after sunset. Take the time to really experience the darkness and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the night.
If you want to experience a truly special night under the stars, there are options such as sleeping in a stargazing tent at Camp Silver or staying in an ecolodge surrounded by nature.
Have you ever taken a nighttime walk on Texel? Share your experience in the comments!
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