Must-See Texel Photo Spots You Don’t Want to Miss

Texel has countless photogenic spots, but which ones are truly unique? Here are five remarkable locations you simply can't miss!

From the iconic red lighthouse to the vast Slufter Valley — I share my favorite spots on Texel along with photography tips to help you make the most of your visit.

1.The Texel Lighthouse.

The Island’s Top Photo Hotspot.
At the northernmost tip of Texel stands perhaps the most photographed icon of the island: the Texel Lighthouse. With its bright red color, imposing structure, and picturesque location, this lighthouse is a dream for any photographer – from professional image makers to vacationers with smartphones.

A Picturesque Setting.
Officially named Eierland Lighthouse, it stands out dramatically against the often moody cloudscapes above the North Sea and the shifting light of the Wadden region. Surrounding the lighthouse is a rugged dune landscape with expansive views, rolling waves, and a sense of endless space. At sunrise or sunset, this setting becomes magical – with warm colors, long shadows, and a golden glow across the land.

Something for Every Lens.
Whether you enjoy sweeping landscape shots, dramatic cloud-filled close-ups, or creative silhouettes against a setting sun – the Texel Lighthouse offers endless possibilities. Each angle presents a new perspective: from the wide sandy beach on the north side to the dunes and Wadden panorama to the south and east.

Instagram-Worthy and Unforgettable.
The lighthouse is not just a maritime beacon but also a visual highlight of Texel. It’s a popular feature on Instagram and other social media platforms – for many visitors, a photo at the lighthouse is the proof they’ve been to Texel.

Insider Tip.
Want to capture the lighthouse at its best? Go early in the morning or late in the day. The light is softer, and the atmosphere can be almost magical. Don’t forget to go inside as well: the viewing platform offers panoramic views of the island and sea – perfect for a unique shot.

2. Windmill Het Noorden: A Rustic Photo Gem on Texel.

In the heart of Texel’s vast polder landscape stands one of the island’s most beautiful and photogenic spots: Windmill Het Noorden.
This classic Dutch windmill, surrounded by meadows, waterways, and open skies, is a perfect destination for photographers seeking peace, character, and Dutch charm.

History in the Landscape.
Built in 1878, Het Noorden lies in the Eierland Polder in northern Texel. Originally a drainage mill used to pump excess water from farmland, today it’s a national monument. With its turning sails when the wind allows, the fully restored mill often offers dynamic and lively compositions.

A Photogenic Setting.
What makes Windmill Het Noorden such a unique photo spot is its setting. Surrounded by flat fields, grazing sheep, pools, and reeds, it creates a classic Dutch scene reminiscent of the old masters' paintings. The open surroundings allow for stunning reflections in the water and dramatic skies – especially during sunrise and sunset.

In spring and summer, blooming flowers, fresh green fields, and clear light add to the charm. In autumn and winter, the scene becomes more rugged and melancholic – ideal for dramatic black-and-white or atmospheric landscape shots.

Photo Tips:

Light: Visit during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for warm colors and long shadows.
Composition: Use the water channels as leading lines toward the mill, or shoot from across the water for a perfect reflection.
Seasons: Every season brings unique photo opportunities – from green fields and lambs to misty fall landscapes and frozen ditches.
Details: Don’t forget close-ups of the woodwork, sails, and mechanics – the craftsmanship is visible in every part.
Whether you love wide landscapes, moody skies, or historical details, Windmill Het Noorden has it all. A quiet force in the landscape – and a silent nod to the past – perfect for the camera. A true Texel treasure for any photographer.

3. De Slufter: Nature’s Wild Beauty at Its Best.

Anyone visiting Texel simply cannot miss De Slufter. This extraordinary nature reserve on the island’s west coast is one of the few places in the Netherlands where the sea is free to roam. The result? A dynamic landscape of creeks, salt marshes, and blooming sea lavender fields that changes constantly with the tides. A dream location for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike.

Where Sea and Land Embrace.
De Slufter was formed in the early 20th century, when the dunes broke through at this spot and the area was intentionally left un-diked. Since then, saltwater from the sea flows inland through a channel during high tide. This has created a rare ecosystem, normally only found in coastal floodplains.

In summer, the salt marshes turn purple with blooming sea lavender and samphire. In autumn, rain and mist create mysterious atmospheres. Each season has its own charm – and unique photo moments.

A Paradise for Walkers and Birdwatchers.
There are various walking trails through and around De Slufter, ranging from short excursions to longer hikes that take you through creeks and over flats that can be submerged at high tide. Waterproof boots or sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended.

Along the way, you’ll often encounter birds such as spoonbills, redshanks, and egrets. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers who appreciate nature in its purest form.

A Hotspot for Visuals and Experience.
For photographers, De Slufter offers endless inspiration. Think of mirror-like water at sunset, dramatic skies over open landscapes, or colorful vegetation standing out against the salty sand.

Best time: Early morning or just before sunset, for soft light and tranquility.
Composition: Use the winding creeks and natural contours to add depth to your photos.
Drones: From above, the area’s natural patterns are stunning – but always check local regulations first.

A Place That Silences You.
De Slufter is no ordinary hotspot – it’s an experience. You feel the wind, smell the salt, and hear nothing but birds and the gentle lapping of water. Here, you see Texel at its wildest and most vulnerable. It’s a landscape not just to be seen, but to be felt.

4. The Footbridge of De Vriendschap: Poetry by the Wadden Sea.

At the northeastern tip of Texel, where the island gradually gives way to sandbanks and mudflats, lies an unexpected photographic gem: the wooden footbridge of Wadden ferry De Vriendschap. This long, slender pier stretches like a line into the mudflats – a place where the rhythm of the tides constantly changes the scenery. It’s a magical spot for photographers, solitude seekers, and anyone moved by the play of water, sky, and light.

A Bridge to the Horizon.
The footbridge is used by passengers of De Vriendschap, the ferry that sails between Texel and Vlieland during the summer season. But even outside sailing hours, it’s a unique place to pause – quite literally. The wooden planks lead you over the mudflats, toward the vast expanse of the Wadden Sea. At low tide, you can see miles of exposed seabed; at high tide, the bridge seems to float above the water.

The view is always vast – but never the same. The sky plays the starring role here, with clouds mirrored in the water and colors that shift by the minute.

A Dream for Photographers.
Whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or a phone, the footbridge offers strong lines, open space, and drama. It’s a perfect example of minimalism in nature.

Best moments: At sunrise, the sky glows soft pink and orange; at sunset, the bridge and flats are bathed in gold. In stormy weather, dark clouds provide contrast and power.
Composition tip: Use the footbridge as a leading line in your photo – from foreground to horizon.
Detail shots: Close-ups of the weathered planks, tidal water, or gulls perched on the railing make for beautiful images too.

Silence, Space, and Wide Horizons.
What makes this place truly special is the atmosphere. You hear nothing but the wind, birds, and the occasional gentle wave. Combined with the expansive view, it brings a sense of complete stillness. Here, you’re not just standing at the edge of Texel – you’re standing at the edge of the world.

A Hidden Gem on the Wadden Sea.
The footbridge of Wadden ferry De Vriendschap isn’t a tourist attraction in the traditional sense – and that’s exactly what makes it so valuable. It’s a place you discover, not because you have to be there, but because you want to be. A quiet favorite for photographers, painters, and lovers of the Wadden landscape.

5. Sil’s Harbour: A Hidden Photographic Gem on the Wadden Sea.

Behind the dike near De Cocksdorp, on the northern tip of Texel, lies one of the island’s most photogenic spots: Sil’s Harbour (Het Haventje van Sil). This small, historic landing site is a favorite location for photographers and nature lovers seeking peace, character, and a unique view over the Wadden Sea.

A Piece of History.
The original harbor was built for bringing in construction materials and later served as a base for the postal boat to the Posthuys on Vlieland. After dike reinforcements in the 1950s, the harbor disappeared. In 1994, beachcomber and ferry operator Sil Boon—former captain of the ferry De Vriendschap between Texel and Vlieland—personally rebuilt the harbor with the help of volunteers. Since then, this restored historic spot bears his name.

A Dream for Photographers.
Sil’s Harbour offers a picturesque setting with wooden jetties, posts, and breakwaters that emerge at low tide. The combination of tides, changing light, and the view over the Wadden Sea creates a dynamic seascape that is constantly in flux. At sunrise and sunset, the sky lights up in beautiful colors, making this an ideal location for both landscape and detail photography.

Practical information.

Location: Stengweg 29, De Cocksdorp, Texel
Accessibility: The harbor is accessible via a walk over the dike. Be aware that the terrain can be slippery when wet.
Best time to visit: At low tide, the harbor structures are most visible. Check the tide schedule in advance for optimal photo moments.

Whether you're a passionate photographer or simply want to enjoy the serene beauty of the Wadden area, Sil’s Harbour is not to be missed. Let yourself be inspired by the tranquility, the history, and the breathtaking view over the sea.

6. De Hoge Berg: Texel’s Timeless Landscape Through the Lens.

Between Den Burg and Oudeschild lies one of the most characteristic and photogenic areas of Texel: De Hoge Berg. With its rolling hills, centuries-old tuunwallen (turf walls), sheep barns, and wide-open views, this area offers a unique setting for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A Landscape Shaped by Time.
De Hoge Berg was formed during the penultimate Ice Age, around 150,000 years ago, by clay ridges that lifted the land to about 15 meters above sea level. This makes it the oldest and highest part of Texel. The landscape is marked by its historical elements, such as tuunwallen—stacks of sod used as natural fences—and distinctive sheep barns, asymmetrical sheds designed to shield sheep from the prevailing southwest winds.

Photogenic Features.

Tuunwallen: These green walls meander through the landscape, forming natural lines that add depth and structure to your photos.
Sheep Barns: Their unique shape and orientation—usually with the rear facing southwest for wind protection—make them intriguing subjects, especially at sunrise when the light is soft.
Spring Lambs: In spring, lambs frolic in the fields, offering vibrant and heartwarming scenes.
De Zandkuil: This is the only insect reserve in the Netherlands, where you can photograph rare species like digger bees and butterflies.

Tips for the Best Photos.

Lighting: Mornings provide soft light that highlights textures, while evenings offer warm tones and long shadows.
Composition: Use the tuunwallen as leading lines and place sheep barns or trees on the intersections using the rule of thirds for balanced images.
Seasons: Each season brings its own opportunities—from spring flowers to misty autumn mornings.
Practical Information

Location: Between Den Burg and Oudeschild, Texel
Accessibility: The area features various walking and cycling routes suitable for all ages.
Amenities: Along the trails you’ll find information boards with QR codes that provide more details about the history and nature of the region.

De Hoge Berg is where nature, culture, and history come together. Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply enjoy capturing beautiful moments, this area offers endless inspiration. Let yourself be enchanted by this timeless landscape and discover Texel’s beauty through your lens.

7. The Mok Bay and De Hors.

Mok Bay: A Mirror of the Wadden Sea.
Located near Den Hoorn, Mok Bay (Mokbaai) is a tidal bay that dries up at low tide and fills with seawater at high tide. This ever-changing landscape is ideal for photographers who love the interplay between light, water, and air.

Bird Photography: Mok Bay is a hotspot for bird lovers. You can spot and capture various waders and other shorebirds here, such as black-tailed godwits, avocets, and spoonbills.
Landscape Photography: At sunrise and sunset, the bay transforms into a painterly scene of warm hues and shimmering reflections.
Accessibility: Walking paths from Mokweg lead you along the bay, with scenic viewpoints perfect for photography.

De Hors: Raw Nature in Motion.
South of Mok Bay lies De Hors, a vast nature reserve known for its wide sandy plains, young dunes, and ever-changing landscape. It is one of the few places in the Netherlands where new dunes still form.

Landscape Photography: The mix of sandflats, dunes, and the proximity to the sea offers endless composition possibilities. Under cloudy skies, a wide-angle lens captures impressive panoramas.
Macro Photography: De Hors is rich in details such as sand textures, shells, and unique plant species—ideal for close-up shots.
Bird Photography: Around the Hors lakes, you may spot various waterbirds including bluethroats and bearded tits.
Accessibility: From the parking area on Mokweg, walking paths take you through this unique landscape. Follow marked trails—especially during bird nesting season when species like little terns and spoonbills are present.

Practical Tips.

Gear: A wide-angle lens is ideal for vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for bird photography.
Timing: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light and peaceful conditions.
Respect Nature: Stay on the paths and respect quiet zones, especially during nesting season.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, Mok Bay and De Hors offer a wealth of opportunities to capture Texel’s natural beauty. Let the shifting tides, play of light and shadow, and rich biodiversity inspire your next photo adventure.