For most of the time during last week we took the cycling paths across the flat areas of Texel. Today we have planned to visit the floodplain called “De Slufter”. After breakfast we are back on the bikes again following the cycling path through the dunes. It is climbing and going downhill again most of the time. For this reason we followed the cycling paths across the flat areas of Texel for a while. Just to give our legs a rest.

De Slufter is the only area in the Netherlands where the sea washes in unhindered. At high tide the sea floods the creeks in the area with sea water that rushes in from the North Sea. It is by far the most famous nature area on Texel, and located between the Muy and the Eierlandse Dunes in the North. This large salt marsh plain is positioned between two large sand dunes.

De Slufter owes its existence to human hands. Since the 15th century, the area between Texel and Eierland was a large marshy channel. In 1855, a wind-born sand dike was constructed about one and a half kilometers west of the Zanddijk. This dike was named de Lange (Long) Dam. Unfortunately for the Texelaars, this dike did not hold for long. In 1858, the Lange Dam was breached in three places.

Deep channels formed, flowing into the plains lying behind. These channels were named the Large and Small Slufter and the Muy. The Large Slufter and the Muy were permanently repaired in 1887. However, the Small Slufter kept expanding and was more difficult to close. The last attempt to close De Slufter was made in 1925. When this attempt failed, nature conservationists successfully pleaded to designate De Slufter as a nature area.

This marsh plain is dissected by several creeks which extends far inland. Some of them can be crossed by a bridge like structure. With others you need some leg work and find your way around them. In this area only plants will grow that withstand salt water.

You can follow the path on the south side and walk all the way to the sea with dry feet. Once you reach the ocean you will find a wide sandy flat area with an unlimited and unobscured view across the North Sea. An excellent place for a lunch by the way.

Rather than following the cycling path through the dunes to De Koog, we take the ones leading trough the flat areas of Texel. This proves to be a little more friendly to the legs. On our way to De Koog we pass by the Texel airfield where we stop for some drinks, a small bite to eat and some more parachuting entertainment.

Once returned in De Koog we return the rental bikes to the company. Tomorrow we leave, so no more biking for us on Texel. We keep things simple and for dinner we get ourselves a pizza.