Discover the Hoge Berg

From Hoge Berg to harbour

Welcome to the Hoge Berg area. This is a unique part of the Texel countryside which can best be explored on foot or by bicycle. You’ll see much evidence of five centuries of Texel history here. It is the heart of traditional Texel sheep farming and the area also played a key role in the development of the Texel Roads. Dutch merchant ships, warships and fishing fleets lay anchored off the coast of Oudeschild. Between 1550 and 1824, many inhabitants of Texel earnt a good wage while supplying and crewing these ships.

Your guide

In 1786, the surveyor Leendert den Berger bought Brakestein manor at the foot of the Hoge Berg. As supervisor of Lands Werken for Terschelling, Vlieland, Eierland and Texel, he was responsible for the dykes, waterways, harbours and forts in the area. Leendert grew up at Fort de Schans and continued to live in the area for the rest of his life. He was owner of most of the countryside between the Schans, Oudeschild and the Hoge Berg. This makes him the ideal guide for exploring this area.

Landmarks

You’ll find information boards at various points in the landscape. In the spirit of the eighteenth century, we refer to these as ‘landmarks’. The information boards highlight one or more special features of the location. Each board includes a short paragraph describing one of Leendert’s experiences. The maps on the information bords invite you to wander from landmark to landmark. Additional information about the subject can be accessed via the QR codes on the information boards.

Look for in the view

At each information board, a silhouette on the post shows a feature which is visible in the view. This is designed as a fun activity, especially for children. A tip is hidden in the text on the information board as a starting point for discussing the feature.

QR-poles

Small poles are located at other points in the landscape. On the top of the pole, you’ll find a portrait of Leendert and a QR-code. This code leads to a page on this internet site containing more information about the location.

Field names

One of the special features of the Hoge Berg area is an intricate network of grassland plots. On the higher-lying grounds these fields are surrounded by turf walls. Each plot also has its own traditional name which is shown on a sign on the gate. The QR-code will take you to the meaning of the field name.

Your digital exploration

Click on the arrows on the map below. Green arrows provide access to numerous field names or landmarks which are located close together. You can click to zoom in. Black arrows lead to a specific plot and orange arrows lead to a landmark.