Duinen van Texel National Park covers the entire western and northern dune belt of the island — from the beaches up through the dunes and into the freshwater slacks, heath, and secondary woodland beyond. De Koog sits right on its edge, making it the most convenient base for exploring the park on foot or by bike.
The landscape is more varied than you'd expect from "dunes": there are forested sections, open heath with blooming heather in August, wetland reserves, and the dramatic tidal zone of De Slufter at the northern end. The park is threaded with marked walking and cycling routes; the national park visitor centre near De Koog provides maps and information on seasonal wildlife events. In spring, the park hosts breeding colonies of spoonbills — one of the best places in the Netherlands to observe them.