The Magic of Golden Hour on Texel

Why is golden hour so beloved by photographers? And how can you make the most of this soft, warm light for landscape and nature photography?

In this blog, I explain what the golden hour actually is and why Texel is one of the most beautiful places to capture this magical moment. Including useful tips and the best locations on the island for the perfect shot.

What is the Golden Hour?

The Golden Hour is a concept from photography and refers to the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During this short period, the sun is low on the horizon, casting a soft, warm, golden light.

Why is the Golden Hour so special?

Soft light
Unlike the harsh midday light, the light during the Golden Hour is diffused and less intense. This prevents harsh shadows and gives your photos a dreamy, painterly quality.

Warm colors
Sunrays have to travel a longer path through the atmosphere, scattering blue light and leaving behind warm tones such as orange, red, and gold.

Long shadows and depth
The low angle of the sun creates long shadows, adding texture, contrast, and depth to your photos—perfect for landscapes like those on Texel.

Ideal for silhouettes
Backlighting during the Golden Hour produces stunning silhouettes of trees, animals, or people—ideal for a dramatic effect.

The Magic of the Golden Hour on Texel

There are moments when the world seems to stand still. On Texel, this happens twice a day: during the Golden Hour. It’s that brief period just after sunrise and just before sunset when the light becomes softer, warmer, and richer. For photographers, it’s a magical hour — and on Texel, that magic comes to life.

With its expansive beaches, rolling dunes, picturesque villages, and endless skies, Texel is a dream location for light lovers. During the Golden Hour, the island transforms into a painting: warm golden tones glide across the sand, swaying marram grass catches the light, and even the clouds seem to pose for your lens.

Whether you're capturing the serene silence of De Slufter, watching light dance across the mudflats, or photographing sheep silhouettes on a dike — every moment feels unique and full of meaning. That’s what makes the Golden Hour on Texel so special: you’re not just looking, you’re experiencing.

Tips:

1. Know your locations in advance
Texel is full of photogenic spots, but the Golden Hour is short. Scout locations like:

De Slufter – perfect for reflections, wisps of mist, and silhouettes.
The beach at Paal 9 or 17 – the sun sets beautifully into the sea here.
De Hoge Berg – rolling landscapes with backlit sheep.
Oudeschild – for fishing boats and colorful skies over the Wadden Sea.

2. Check the light and sun position
Use an app like PhotoPills or Sun Surveyor to see where and when the sun will rise or set. Light on Texel can change quickly due to the influence of sea and wind.

3. Work with backlight and silhouettes
Low sunlight casts long shadows and adds warm tones. Shoot into the sun for dramatic silhouettes of people, animals, or grasses.

4. Use reflections
Texel has many wet, flat areas: on the beach at low tide, in the Slufter, or in the dunes after rain. Use the water surface to double the golden light.

5. Take the wind into account
Texel is often windy. A sturdy tripod is essential for sharp shots at slower shutter speeds. Watch out for moving grass or bushes — they can add atmosphere or become a distraction.

6. Play with aperture and focus
Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8) to isolate subjects in soft light. Or go for f/11–f/16 for maximum sharpness in landscapes with sun rays.

7. Use manual exposure
The high contrast light can fool your camera. Shoot in manual mode or use exposure compensation to avoid blown-out highlights.

8. Take your time after sunset
Stay a little longer after the “official” Golden Hour: the Blue Hour offers cooler, more mysterious light that contrasts beautifully with the warmth before it. Your patience will be rewarded with images you can’t get anywhere else. Don’t forget to take a moment without your camera, too. On Texel, the Golden Hour is not just beautiful to capture — it’s something to truly feel.