Accommodation

Sleeping with the Dutch: Landal Sluftervallei, Texel

Landal Sluftervallei Texel | Your Dutch Guide

Staying at a holiday park. I never thought it would be for me. But when we took our first trip with our baby, him being just over 3 months old at the time, to Texel, it felt like the most logical choice. Landal Sluftervallei Texel came highly recommended to me by friends. And I really wasn’t disappointed. Read my review about my stay at Landal Sluftervallei on Texel in The Netherlands.

Truth be told, I never properly considered staying on a holiday park. Texel has so many cute B&B’s and amazing boutique style hotels that I would automatically think about opting for a room in one of these for my stay on Texel. But as soon as we drive up to Landal Sluftervallei, I can see how wrong I was.

Landal Sluftervallei, the location

Now let me tell you: the entire island of Texel is stunning. I can’t believe that, as a Dutchie, I had never visited before and I spent my week there in complete awe. The landscape, where nature meets the sea is something out of this world and I ever thought dunes could be so varied in flora. And Landal Sluftervallei is located in the middle of the most beautiful National Park: De Slufter, which is part of Texel Dunes.

Texel Dunes, De Slufter | Your Dutch Guide

Texel Dunes, De Slufter | Your Dutch Guide

Lighthouse Texel, De Cocksdorp | Your Dutch Guide

Beach in Texel, The Netherlands | Your Dutch Guide

Texel, The Netherlands: De Slufter | Your Dutch Guide

Texel, The Netherlands: De Slufter | Your Dutch Guide

Texel, The Netherlands: De Slufter | Your Dutch Guide

De Slufter is a unique piece of nature, as it has an open connection to the North Sea. The area consists of creeks that sometimes flood after heavy rain. Since the water is brackish, lots of plants in the national park are salt-tolerant. For example, salicornia and sea lavender, which colour the dunes of De Slufter its iconic purple all through summer. Most of De Slufter is a bird breeding and resting area and eiders and shelducks use the park as their nursery. Crabs, shrimp and flatfish inhabit de Sluftergeul.

And the best part: the holiday park lays in the middle of all of that stunning nature. Through the many exits of the park, you can simply walk to the beach. This is a beautiful hike through nature and you’ll reach the beach within 10 minutes.

The cottages of Landal Sluftervallei

Landal Sluftervallei offers cottages that can host up to 12 people. Some of the newer and larger cottages are brand new, have beautifully thatched roofs and stand amongst the dunes and their lovely wildflowers. We stayed in a cottage suitable for 6 people, it had three bedrooms which was plenty big for us, just two grownups and an infant. Though I must admit, staying there with 6 grownups would have been slightly claustrophobic, though I think that was largely due to the bathroom was on the smallish side. More than enough for just us, however, and I was happy with the bath so we could have our evening plashing time with the little one.

Landal Sluftervallei, cottages | Your Dutch Guide

Landal Sluftervallei, Texel | Your Dutch Guide

Landal Sluftervallei, Texel | Your Dutch Guide

Landal Sluftervallei, Texel | Your Dutch Guide

Everyone warned me how much crap you have to haul along when travelling with an infant or small kids. And yes, the boot of our car was pretty full. But because there was a baby bed available, we didn’t have to bring that, which was a big relief. We could even rent a play pin for €5 for the whole week, which was great as our little one was really getting into playing in this at home.

Every cottage has its own garden, with matching garden set, and it was lovely sitting outside, overlooking the dunes and enjoying the sun when the baby was taking a nap. The kitchen was really well equipped (dishwasher, oven, microwave, the lot) and in the evening we curled up in the cosy sitting room. There’s also a fireplace in every cottage, but because it was still plenty warm in September we didn’t use ours. But I can only imagine how lovely this would be in winter.

Facilities at the park

Landal Sluftervallei is a 10-minute drive, and a 30-minute walk, away from the nearest village De Cocksdorp. Here you’ll find everything you need: a large supermarket, some nice cafés and restaurants, some places to get take-out and shops. But, if you like, you can also shop at the little supermarket on the park grounds. It’s a little more expensive than the one in the village, but it has everything you could need. Next to it is a snack join where you can get a take out of fries, snacks and pizza.

Landal Sluftervallei, Texel | Your Dutch Guide

Landal Sluftervallei restaurant, Texel | Your Dutch Guide

Landal Sluftervallei, restaurant. Texel, The Netherlands | Your Dutch Guide

For kids, there is loads to do at Landal Sluftervallei. There are multiple playgrounds, a mini-golf course and (most importantly) an indoor swimming pool and the beach just nearby. Now, since our little frog was only 3 months old we only took him for a swim, but I can really imagine coming back when he’s older and he’d really enjoy this.

But what really blew me away was the Landal Sluftervallei Brasserie, the onsite restaurant. In general, I was very impressed by the Texel gastronomy. You may have read this in my article Self-guided food tour Texel. The restaurant of Landal Sluftervalley was no exception. The menu was nice and varied with dishes prepared with local produce, like Texel lamb and beef. My husband really appreciated the local beers available. During our stay, we went for dinner there twice and were not happily surprised with excellent food and friendly service. The terrace is also a lovely place for a drink in the sun.

How to get to Landal Sluftervallei Texel

  • From Amsterdam, you can get to Texel by catching a train to Den Helder. From there, take the bus to the ferry. Once you’ve crossed, you can take a bus on Texel to De Cocksdorp. You’ll need an OV Chip Card to travel on Dutch public transport.
  • Having said that, it’s a bit of a drag, having to depend on public transport on Texel. So you’re better off renting a car in Amsterdam and driving up. Book your ferry tickets in advance, so you won’t have to wait in line.
  • Since Texel is as flat as can be, it’s fun renting a bike and discovering the island by bike. Since the wind can be pretty harsh on the island, I recommend renting an e-bike (book in advance, as e-bikes are not as common as normal bikes). It is also possible to rent bikes at Landal Sluftervallei.

Ecomare, Texel | Your Dutch Guide

Oudeschild, Texel (The Netherlands) | Your Dutch Guide

What to do on Texel, The Netherlands?

  • Landal Sluftervallei may seem to be ‘all the way’ in the north of the island, but really… everywhere is nearby on Texel. You’ll be able to drive everywhere within 30 minutes. Isn’t that great?
  • The best thing to do, honestly, is just walk to the beach from the holiday park through the national park. The wildflowers and dunes will simply blow you away. The beach is wide and beautiful.
  • Hop in the car and drive to Oudeschild, Texel, my favourite village on the island. Perched along Waddenzee you can join a shrimping boat, go seal spotting or simply have an amazing lunch.
  • If you’re into beer, a tour in the Texel beer brewery is your thing. Alternatively, if you’re into wine a tasting at Texel vineyard De Kroon will really please you.
  • Going to Texel with kids? A visit to Ecomare should be on your list to see some seals being taken care of who were washed up injured.
  • Traveling with kids? Read my top tips on what to do on Texel with kids.
  • Check my complete guide to Texel, The Netherlands or read my article on 16 great things to do on Texel.

Share on Pinterest!

Landal Sluftervallei, Texel. Lovely accommodation on Texel, The Netherlands: Landal Sluftervallei | Your Dutch Guide

Have you stayed at holiday parks (when travelling with kids)? Or do you have a favourite holiday park in The Netherlands? Don’t be shy and leave me a comment. 

You Might Also Like

7 Comments

  • Reply
    Angela Vincent
    June 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    I have never heard of Texel but it sounds and looks just delightful. A wonderful place for a family holiday, #farawayfiles

  • Reply
    Lauren
    June 28, 2019 at 11:57 am

    I feel like there are so many hidden Dutch gems- I’d love to see more of the country! Hopefully when I’m here in Europe, I’ll have more time 🙂

  • Reply
    Sarah
    June 28, 2019 at 3:34 pm

    I am always learning about new and off-the-beaten path destinations in the Netherlands from you. I had never heard of Texel before but it looks like a lovely and relaxing getaway.

  • Reply
    Lauren
    June 28, 2019 at 10:29 pm

    What a beautiful location! I never think of the Netherlands having “beach towns” but this one seems amazing. Pinning for future reference! #feetdotravel

  • Reply
    Rhonda Albom
    June 30, 2019 at 12:59 pm

    The cottage looks lovely and perfect for the little one. It’s just the type of place I used to stay in when my kids were young. Having your own garden will make it very homey.

  • Reply
    Scarlett
    July 1, 2019 at 3:37 am

    I had never heard of Texel, but we would love to visit one day! I love the little wildflowers in the dunes, and the cottages were adorable. Thank you for sharing this stunning destination.

  • Reply
    Sharon
    July 1, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    Sometimes it is nice to stay in one place and have a kitchen and your own cottage when you travel. Texel looks like such a relaxing location, too. What a great find!

Leave a Reply