With a 30 km long sandy beach, Texel Island is a tourist paradise in the Netherlands. But Texel has considerably more to offer, including seven villages, each more charming than the last, and special natural preserves. It is also simple to visit Texel. A twenty-minute ferry ride from Den Helder will get you to the island.
Texel Island: The biggest Dutch island in the North Sea
The island divides the North Sea from the Wadden Sea’s inshore waters. It is just 9 km broad and 25 km long but is the largest of the Wadden islands. Due to its distinctive environment, the latter is a UNESCO world heritage site. Sandbanks appear during low tide, attracting a wide variety of birds, and if you go close enough, you’ll probably see a seal or two lazing about. There is a ton to do in Texel, making it a great weekend getaway from Amsterdam.
History of Texel Island, Netherlands
Texel has a lengthy and interesting history. The All Saints Flood in 1170 submerged the island. The Mesolithic Period, between 8000 and 4500 B.C., is when the island’s earliest human remains were discovered. Texel was granted city rights in 1415. When trade ships stocked up on supplies for their long voyages in the Reede van Texel during the 17th and 18th centuries, Texel achieved its zenith. During the Georgian Uprising, World War II’s final fight, in April or May 1945, things reached their lowest point. While the rest of the Netherlands had already been liberated, violent combat occurred between the Germans and a revolt of Georgian soldiers.
Things to do on Texel Island, Netherlands
Climb the lighthouse in Texel
On one of the island’s biggest beaches, in the north of Texel, stands the vivid red lighthouse. It is ideal for visiting the lighthouse after spending the day at the beach. From its observation platform, the 150-year-old structure provides a picturesque view of Texel and the nearby island of Vlieland. You’ll learn a lot about the fascinating history of the lighthouse while making the ascent.
Seal watching in Ecomare
You can find out everything about the Wadden Sea, the North Sea, the history of the island of Texel, and the “Dunes of Texel” national park at Ecomare. The most fascinating aspect of Ecomare, though, is the abundance of marine life. Additionally, gray seals, harbor seals, and porpoises wander the island after being found injured and given medical attention. The daily feeding of the animals is visible to visitors.
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Discover unusual nature
The only place in the Netherlands where the North Sea can infiltrate unhindered is the De Slufter nature reserve. After a storm, the entire lagoon is submerged. This made it possible for De Slufter to evolve into a special natural environment, with sideways and salt marshes blooming with purple sea lavender. De Geul, home to the largest colony of spoonbills in the Netherlands, and the natural reserve of De Muy, with its wild orchids, are both unquestionably worthwhile visits.
Visit the beach-goers
Strandjutters, or beachcombers, are still present all along the Dutch coastline. And there are two museums on Texel where you can awe at their treasures. In the Flora Shipwreck and Beachcombing Museum between Den Burg and De Koog, jutter Jan Uitgeest and his team present the numerous buoys, shoes, bottles (and messages in bottles, too), toys, and animal bones that they have discovered on the beaches of Texel over the years. Besides, historical structures, a windmill, beachcombers’ finds, and an underwater archeology department may all be found outside of the Kaap Skil Museum in Oudeschild.
Experimenting with new sports
On Texel, parachuting from an airplane is a popular island pastime. Less daring travelers can take a round-trip flight to see the island from above or take a catamaran to travel around the coast. But you can also go horseback riding, (kite)surfing, sailing, canoeing, flyboarding, golfing in the middle of gorgeous, enormous dunes, and on birdwatching tours.
Do you want to explore something on foot? How about a trekking expedition through mud flats? A unique location for uncommon plants and animals is the Wadden Sea. Or take a sailboat excursion and purposefully let the boat run aground on a sandbank? By the way, the network of cycle lanes in Texel is quite well-designed.
Unwind on the beach
What could be better than spending the day relaxing on the beach? And in the evening, a superb meal is a tempting prospect because Texel’s cuisine does not let down in the slightest. Try the award-winning cheese, the island’s own beer Skuumkoppe, and the Texel lamb, which has a mildly saline flavor from the salty grasses the sheep have eaten their entire lives. On the other hand, the island produces its own ice cream, cocoa, and the renowned Juttertje liqueur.
Visit Texel’s island villages
Den Burg, the island’s focal point and first point of contact for many visitors is located in the island’s center. The historic district of Den Burg is home to a number of fine dining establishments, charming boutiques, and the regional tourist information office.
De Koog is the only location on the island that is situated immediately on a North Sea beach. In the Dorpsstraat, people congregate to go out, shop and roam. There are many chances for water sports and other activities on the beach at De Koog. Due to its close proximity to the sea, the area is particularly well-liked by tourists, and there are many hotels and vacation parks.
De Cocksdorp, on the northernmost island, is close to a charming lighthouse and a rare bird sanctuary. Oosterend and De Waal are lovely, charming medieval villages. There are fishing boats, windmills, and the intriguing Kaap Skil museum at the harbor of Oudeschild near the Wadden Sea, which is a lovely location.
Den Hoorn, the southernmost settlement on Texel, is well-known for its lovely church, the tulip fields nearby, and its cultural events.
Visit the Dunes of Texel National Park
The west half of the island is essentially covered by the Dunes of Texel national park, which has stunning scenery with heather, grass, marshes, forests, and many acres of berries and wildflowers. Horses, wild cows, and sheep are common sights. If you enjoy bird watching, you should bring your binoculars because the dunes are a nesting area for a large number of birds.
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How can I travel to Texel Island?
Take the direct train to Den Helder from Amsterdam. Hop aboard a bus to the ferry from the station. Simply purchase your ticket at the ticket counter if you’re a foot passenger. Every hour, ferries depart. It’s simple to go around on bus number 28 on Texel, but I also advise renting a bike. Take your OV Chip Card, which you may top off as you go when you ride the Dutch public transportation system.
No issue if you choose to drive yourself to Texel. Simply reserve your ferry ticket in advance to avoid standing in line.
Are you staying in Amsterdam and wish to travel to Texel for the day? You certainly can; our day excursion is specifically designed to show you the most picturesque island areas in a short time.
Here is everything about Texel Island you need to know before visiting. So, come here immediately to begin your fantastic journey! Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below!
