De Koog, Texel: Everything You Need To Know

De Koog is a small coastal village located on the picturesque Texel Island. It’s one of the oldest villages on Texel. As I’ve visited Texel many times since I was little, I know quite a bit about what to do and where to stay on this island.

De Koog is a great place to base yourself on this charming Dutch island. Whether you want to have an active holiday or a relaxing weekend getaway, it has something to offer every kind of traveler.

Even though it’s only small, there are enough things to do here. At the same time, it’s a peaceful place to stay, in the middle of nature. Hence, it’s one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore what to do, where to stay and where to dine in De Koog. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may contain affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

The best things to do in De Koog

As mentioned above, there are quite a few things to do in De Koog. The best things to do here include the following:

Visit Kogerstrand

Kogerstrand is a beautiful beach located just a short walk from the centre of De Koog. With its soft sands and gorgeous views of the North Sea, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

Take a stroll along the shoreline or simply relax on a beach towel or at one of the beach restaurants. Kogerstrand offers a nice escape where you can connect with nature and enjoy the natural beauty of Texel.

Walk through the centre of De Koog

Explore the lively center of De Koog by taking a walk through its charming streets. The town center is filled with shops, restaurants and cafes, offering a nice shopping experience. It’s a good place to shop for a souvenir. You can also take a break from your shopping spree and treat yourself to a refreshing ice cream.

Rent a bike

One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Texel Island is by renting a bike. De Koog is home to several bike rental shops where you can easily find a bike that suits your needs. Hop on your bicycle and go on an adventure through the island’s picturesque landscapes.

The island has lots of well-maintained cycling paths that wind through the dunes, forests and coastal areas. Discover hidden beaches, visit charming villages and enjoy the fresh sea air as you pedal your way through the island’s natural wonders.

Explore the nature reserves

Texel Island is known for its diverse and peaceful nature reserves. Embark on a journey of discovery by exploring the nearby reserves of De Muy and De Slufter. De Muy is a beautiful dune area with a network of walking paths, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot flora and fauna.

De Slufter is a tidal salt marsh, known for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities and stunning landscapes. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of these natural habitats, connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of Texel’s wilderness.

Dance at Sunbeats Festival in Texel

Have you ever wanted to go to a beach festival on a Dutch island? Then this is your chance. Every year, at the beginning of July, the Sunbeats festival is held on Texel Island.

The festival usually takes place at Paal 17, located in De Koog and attracts a lot of visitors from all over the Netherlands. I highly recommend a visit to this festival if you’re keen on an unforgettable beach party.

The best places to stay in De Koog

There are various places to stay in De Koog. The best places to stay include the following:

Hotel Greenside Texel

One of the best places to stay in De Koog is Hotel Greenside Texel. This hotel is conveniently located, nearby the centre, the restaurants and the beach.

The staff is very kind and delicious breakfast is included in the price. If you want to stay in a hotel in De Koog, then this is definitely one of the best options for you.

The island life beach house 1

The name says it all. If you prefer to stay in a private holiday home, then you should book your stay at The island life beach house 1. This quaint house has a garden and it’s interior is very lovely. Besides, it’s located very close to the centre and it’s not far from the beach either.

It’s a little more expensive than other accommodations in the area, however there is place for 6 people in total! Click here to book your stay.

Camping Kogerstrand

If you’re looking for a great camping, in the middle of the dunes, then you should definitely consider staying at Camping Kogerstrand. It takes around 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the centre of De Koog from this camping. You can easily access the beach from here. It’s without a doubt one of the best campings in Texel for nature lovers.

The best restaurants in De Koog

For a village, it’s pretty impressive how many restaurants there are here. The top restaurants in De Koog include the following:

Bries20

Bries20 is a trendy beach restaurant located on Kogerstrand. This popular dining spot has a stylish ambiance, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. While they may not offer breakfast and plant-based milk options, Bries20 is known for its good seafood dishes.

If you’re looking for a a nice dining experience on the beach, then this is a good restaurant to visit.

Noordzee Restaurant

Situated along the scenic coastline of De Koog, Noordzee Restaurant is a hidden gem known for its friendly service. They serve delicious coffee and have stunning beach views. The owner’s warm hospitality adds a personal touch to your visit. We even got treated to a complimentary coffee liqueur.

While breakfast is not served after 11 am, Noordzee offers a refreshing iced coffee with soy milk that will satisfy your caffeine cravings. The restaurant’s interior is a little outdated, but the panoramic sea views make up for this. Take a moment to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Grandcafé het Plein

If you’re in the mood for a laid-back atmosphere and lovely cocktails, head over to Grandcafé het Plein. This vibrant establishment in the heart of De Koog is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with some friends or loved ones.

The menu has a good selection of drinks, including creative cocktails and refreshing mocktails. Pair your drink with some delicious snacks, such as the loaded nachos, and enjoy the good atmosphere. When you’re here you can even try some of the local Texel beer.

Whether you’re looking to kick off your evening or simply unwind after a day of exploration, Grandcafé ‘t Plein has you covered. It’s my favorite restaurant in de Koog.

Oudeland

For an unforgettable fine dining experience, Oudeland is the place to be in De Koog. If you’re looking for high-quality food, then you should definitely visit this restaurant. The attention to detail, high-quality ingredients and great service make Oudeland a top choice for those seeking an exceptionally good culinary experience in De Koog.

Carakter

Brasserie Carakter is a hidden gem located in the heart of De Koog, known for its delicious food and warm hospitality. The restaurant’s friendly and enthusiastic owner adds a personal touch to the dining experience.

Carakter’s menu offers a diverse range of options, but I would personally highly recommend their mouthwatering burgers. Their ribfingers are also delicious. For a restaurant with an informal and good atmosphere, I can highly recommend Carakter.

Vogelhuis Oranjerie

Vogelhuis Oranjerie is an excellent choice for a nice lunch or a refreshing coffee break in De Koog. The restaurant actually got recommended by my partner’s grandpa. Their carpaccio sandwich is really delicious and their iced coffee is also yummy.

They also serve pancakes with creative toppings, such as goat cheese and balsamic vinegar or with caramelized onions and ham.

FAQ:

When to visit De Koog?

The best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is at it best. Especially in the summer months you’ll have the best chances of having good, warm weather. During the summer months it does get more crowded in De Koog, however it’s not too touristic I think.

How many days in De Koog?

Around 2 to 3 days in De Koog will be enough if you’re looking for a quick getaway. However, if you want to fully take the time to relax, then I would suggest spending at least five days here.

How to get to De Koog?

From the arrival point of the ferry, take bus 28. Here you will find a step-by-step guide on how to get to Texel Island.

A last word

In conclusion, De Koog is a lively coastal village that is worthy of exploring. You can hire a bike, relax on the beach, walk through its quaint centre or dance the night away at Sunbeats Festival.

Although it’s only a small village, there are many great restaurants to be found in De Koog. Some of the best restaurants include Bries20, Noordzee Restaurant, Grandcafé ‘t Plein, Oudeland, Vogelhuis Oranjerie and Carakter.

With its sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere, De Koog invites you to discover the essence of Texel. Come and unwind in the charming coastal village De Koog on Texel Island.

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