Dog-Friendly Things to Do on Texel, EcoMare & Eierland Lighthouse

The 35 m bright-red Eierland lighthouse at the northern tip of Texel, built in 1864, the island's most photographed landmark. Leashed dogs are admitted on the spiral staircase up to the lower viewing platform; the very top open balcony is human-only for safety. From the platform, the view stretches across the De Slufter salt marsh, the Paal 31 dog beach and on a clear day to the neighbouring Wadden island of Vlieland.

The island's nature centre, seal sanctuary and visitor gateway to the National Park of Texel. Indoor aquaria and exhibits do not admit dogs (assistance dogs excepted) but the large outdoor seal-rehabilitation pools, the seabird rescue aviaries, and the dune walks behind the centre all welcome leashed dogs. Feed times for the recovering harbour seals are 11:00 and 15:00, a calm and unhurried wildlife close-up that suits older dogs.

The cobbled Groeneplaats market square at the heart of Den Burg, ringed by 18th-century merchant houses and dominated by the 1517 white-walled Hervormde Kerk (Reformed Church). Saturday morning market, weekday cafés and the Texelaar lamb butcher Slagerij Hin all welcome leashed dogs on the square. The church interior admits assistance dogs only, but the surrounding cobbles and adjoining Beatrixlaan park accept dogs on a leash year-round.