Late Summer in De Koog

Highlight in the green

Het It's not just the sea calling once you leave the outline of De Koog behind you. Birds that call the surrounding nature home will spark your curiosity. Walking along the dune edge, small wheatears dart past you. They happily compete with a godwit or redshank for attention. Their gaze, by the way, isn't fixed on you but on the Alloo nature reserve, just south of De Koog. It was once a dune lake with marshland; today, damp grassland marks the transition between forest and dunes. Horses graze here, orchids and rare plants bloom. A small path leads to the bird-watching screen. No introduction is needed here, the view silences every sound. Wait and watch, that's the simple rule. And it always pays off! A hunting kestrel, or rare crowberry among the grass? It might just be your highlight.

Lunch with a story

Along the same dune path that leads you toward the Alloo lies another unique discovery. The Maartenhuis, a residential and living community for people with support needs. Here, you're welcome just as you are. In the eatery De Windroos, you can feel the connection between everyone and their love for the surroundings. The team works with a pride that will strike right at your heart. Everything that ends up on your plate is as organic as possible, preferably from the community's own vegetable garden, into which the residents pour their heart and soul. Take your time over lunch and an inspiring conversation. The clear-eyed wisdom of people who take life as it comes is bound to stir something in you. Some places nourish you with far more than just a delicious meal.

Strolling by the sea

On the seaward side of De Koog, the Zeereeppad recalls the grandeur of a seaside resort. Strolling along the boulevard is one option, or would you rather simply take in a stunning view, unhindered? The sea stretches endlessly before you, and every hour the sky becomes a blank canvas for the sun, clouds, and colours to play across. It feels good to let your thoughts drift for a while. Who knows dreams might suddenly seem less like a distant point on the horizon and more like something within reach. When the wind calls you back, you find yourself in holiday mode again: alert, with a curious eye. The wooden posts with photo boards are bound to catch your attention. They tell the story of De Koog, which is more than just a village street lined with culinary hotspots and a surprising range of shops. It's a place where KNRM lifeboat crews braved the waves on rescue missions. Where nature sets the boundaries of the village, and true love finds its way in the nightlife.

One last dip in the waves

By the end of summer, the water has held onto enough warmth. The perfect moment, then, to finally follow through on that resolution: standing on a board and learning to surf or kitesurf. You can do that around De Koog, at Surf School Texel and Surf School Foamball. You fall, you get back up, the salty water stings your eyes, and yet that smile stays etched on your face. Maybe this is your last summer adventure of the year. Or the start of a new passion? The instructors certainly know how to get that across during their lessons. Texel's surf heroes, like Paul, known from the TV show Daten in het Dorp, simply can't go a day without watersports. They'll happily share their best tips with their students. After that, it's up to you! Playing with the wind, the waves and admittedly, your own strength and perseverance too.

Tip: more to experience in De Koog

Still got energy to spare? Browse the Texel events calendar, or pick activities that are typical of De Koog. A ride on the Jan Plezier, or a forest or beach trek from the riding stables. Down on the Dorpsstraat, you can easily spend an afternoon shopping: a new outfit, or a gift to bring home. Plenty of reasons to put off your departure just a little longer.