Texel island sights and activities on the North Sea

Texel sights & activities in our Texel travel guide

In this Texel travel guide you will find recommendations for a holiday on Texel with Texel sights, activities and tips. The island on the North Sea in Holland fascinates. through their people. Because of the proximity to the mainland of Holland. Because of their location in the sea. And because dunes, waves and wind determine life on the island. Petar and I love the sea. Above all, however, we like somewhat rougher, lonely landscapes. During our visit in May, we experienced the Texel attractions in exactly the same way. Rough, windy and few people on the beach. During our stay on the island of Texel we have activities and attractions for a North Sea beach holiday at the North Sea collected for you in our Texel travel guide.

 

 

Where is Texel?

The Dutch island of Texel is located in North Holland on the North Sea. In Holland, Texel is one of the islands of West Friesland. It is one of the Wadden Islands.

Texel island map

 

How to get to Texel?

Book a Texel ferry

First you have to book the Texel ferry. You can reach the island in about XNUMX minutes by ferry.

Ferry Texel costs

What the ferry to Texel will cost depends on the number of people and the size of the vehicle. Everything you about the Texel arrival need to know can be found in detail under this link. There you will find information about the ferry to Texel, the Texel vignette, parking on Texel, and everything else you need to know about getting to Texel. Where you can find a hotel on the beach in Texel, we will tell you in this article.

 

 

Island Texel sights with this Texel travel guide

In summer there is definitely more going on on the island. However, May is the perfect travel time for everyone who wants to avoid the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature and Texel attractions in peace. However, Texel is a good travel destination all year round. We were on the island at the time when the lambs are born in the sheep farms. You can find out more about this in this Texel travel guide. At the same time, however, we visited the coast of the island. What we discovered in the process, we present to you here.

 

 

Texel sights & Texel holiday tips

The island of Texel Holland is a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor fans as well as a travel destination that offers great opportunities for those who are looking for peace and quiet, like to stroll through small villages and want to experience the island and its way of life intensively. Exciting Texel activities await you. In Texel you can experience the North Sea and discover sights on the North Sea coast that are typical of the region.

Den Hoorn

• An Selection of apartments here.

Den Hoorn is just a few kilometers from the ferry station. It used to be right by the sea. Today it is removed from the coast through polder land and a dike. In the former port of Den Hoorn, however, street names and old houses still point to the seafaring past of the place. This is where the pilots once lived and showed ships the way through the shallows of the Wadden Sea. Off the coasts, sandbanks, which are constantly changing their location, and sunken ships make passage through the Wadden Sea dangerous. In addition, many whalers lived in Den Hoorn. In a house at Heerenstraat 49 you can see how they lived.

 

 

The land between Den Hoorn and the dike is man-made. The polder landscapes are now used as grazing land for cattle and sheep. Daffodils for flower bulb production are also cultivated in the vicinity of the village. The fences that separate the plots from each other are also striking. They are made of turf, because there was hardly any wood on Texel when this land was created. So you just cut out bits of grass and piled them up into mounds about a meter high. These separate fields and pastures from each other and prevent cattle from roaming freely across the pastures.

Don't miss the farm in Den Hoorn

De Bonte Belevenis

Rommelpot 11
1797 RN Den Hoorn
Tel. + 31 222 314 180

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 17 p.m

Please note: If you are interested in the workshops or baking courses, you should call in advance to find out if and when they will take place. 

 

The Schapenboete - sheep sheds are Texel sights

During our holiday on Texel, we often notice buildings that look like they are only half finished. These are Schapenboote. That's what the sheep sheds are called, in which they put hay and fodder for the Sheep kept. They usually point with the flat side to the northeast. There is also the entrance door to the building. The reason for this is that the winds mainly blow from the southwest. This protects the barns from the sea winds. Today, however, the scales are hardly ever used. However, some have been restored and used for other purposes.

Address: Schapenmuseum Texel, Hoornderweg 29, 1791 PM Den Burg, The Netherlands

During the

Kaasboerderij Wezenspyk

Hoornderweg 29,
1791 PM The castle

Opening hours:
Monday through Saturday from 09:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m
Sunday and public holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m

you can taste the cheese made by the Texel sheep. You will also learn more about how to make it on a guided tour. You can also order a delicious cheese fondue there. On one of our visits to Texel, this was a highlight of Texel cuisine.

 

 

Napoleon's forts - Texel sights

There are three forts along the Schansweg just outside Oudeschild. Fort de Schans - the oldest - goes back to Willem von Oranje, who had it built in 1574. During the Dutch Golden Age, when the ships of the Dutch East India Company sailed the seven seas, the fort served as a temporary prison. That's where mutineers were locked up. Some were even executed there.

 

 

In 1811 Napoleon Bonaparte finally came to Texel. He expanded Fort de Schans and built two more forts in the vicinity: Fort Lunette and Fort Redoute. Fort de Schans has since been restored. However, only the foundation walls of the other two fortresses can be seen.

Address: Fort de Schans, CP, Schansweg, Oudeschild, Netherlands

The "hill" - one of Texel's sights

To get it straight: Texel is flat! Very flat! Brettel, so to speak. There is no trace of hills here. Nevertheless, the islanders refer to the spot in the photo as a "hill". It is just a few meters higher than the surrounding land. Even I can manage this hill with my left hand. Although I don't like walking uphill. It is the relations that give the names here. The differences in altitude are small on Texel. Therefore, even a small elevation is called a hill here. Somehow I find that sympathetic. Definitely humorous.

 

 

The hill is just behind the dike on the mainland side of the island. On one side we see the "hill", on the other side the sea. Every Texel resident tells us that this is one of the Texel attractions. For us Bavarians, however, this is hardly recognizable. But to see it we have to walk a few steps uphill. Because the land where the “hill” is located is below sea level. It is drained by canals. Protected by dikes. You don't see the sea immediately. To do this, you either have to climb dikes. Or overcome dunes. Finally, the blue of the IJsselmeer extends behind it.

Texel brewery

If you really want to experience the local culture of Texel, you should visit the Texel Brewery. This family-run business offers tours of its facilities where you can learn more about beer-making. You can also taste their delicious products, including the award-winning Texels Skuumkoppe beer. Don't forget to take home some souvenirs, such as a bottle of beer. This is a must for any beer lover visiting Texel.

Opening hours of the Texel Brewery:
Texel's Tasting Room De Zwaan in Den Burg is open from Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 18:00
and on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 19:30 p.m.

Oudeschild - a place that is one of Texel's sights

Our favorite place on the island of Texel is Oudeschild. It is the only place on the island that still has a port today. However, this is on the side of the island that faces the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer. For us it is one of the must-see Texel attractions. From here the fishermen go out to fish for plaice and sole from the North Sea. Shrimp boats catch shrimp and herring, while others hunt for shellfish. A visit to the port of Oudeschild is particularly worthwhile at the weekend. Then the fishing fleet is in port. The ships arrive in port on Friday afternoon. At weekends you can watch the fishermen servicing their boats and repairing their nets. Then there is a lot of activity in the port of Oudeschild. Or would you like to go on a trip with the shrimp cutter? This is also possible from Oudeschild.

 

 

Instead, we follow the road that runs along the port. We see the port facilities that are reserved for guests. During our visit, a sailing ship with the Swedish flag is in the harbor. Oudeschild also has two marinas. The first is available for residents' yachts. This is followed by a marina for visitors. King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima with their children are said to have been guests here with their sailing ship.

 

Texel tips in the footsteps of sailors

Oudeschild was already an important port in the golden age of Dutch seafaring. Back then, the ships of the Dutch East India Company docked here when they returned from their trading voyages around the world. I find it fascinating that you have to go to the side of the island facing away from the North Sea if you want to see a harbor on your holiday on Texel.

 

 

Kaap Skil - The beach property museum among the Texel sights

Again and again these traders got caught in one of the storms that also hit this North Sea island. So it came as it had to come. Ships sank again and again in the North Sea. The current carried many things ashore from the wrecks on Texel. Beachcombers, or jutters as the Texelans call them, have been collecting these things for centuries. Amazing finds keep popping up on the island's beaches. These were brought together at the Kaap Skil Maritime and Beachcombing Museum in Oudeschild.

If you are interested in the rich history of the island, you must visit the Maritime and Beachcombing Museum! It is one of the Texel attractions that you should not miss. Here you can find everything from rusted anchors to old cannons to Chinese porcelain. Also worth seeing is the reconstruction of the old port of Oudeschild in the basement of the museum. Here you get an impression of what the place looked like in the golden days of Dutch seafaring. The museum features exhibits related to Texel's maritime heritage, including shipwrecks, fishing and whaling. You can also learn more about the island's flotsam culture here. The museum's collection includes everything from antique fishing tackle to whimsical beach finds. There are also many hands-on activities for children. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Texel's fascinating past in this unique museum.

 

 

In the outdoor area we also go through some fisherman's huts. These show how the fishermen used to live on the island. Right next door is a windmill that originally stood in Zaandam. It was demolished there at the beginning of the 20th century and rebuilt here in Oudeschild. Thousands of buoys, scraped bottles and other odds and ends that the jutters snatched from the sea overwhelm us in their annex.

Kaap Skil

Heemskerckstraat 9
1792 AA Oudeschild

Entry 2023:

4 to 25 years: €7,50
From 26 years: € 11,00
Children up to 4 years: free

Opening hours:
1 September - 24 July: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 17pm
25 July - 31 August: Daily 10am - 17pm

 

 

Oosterend Texel

About one and a half kilometers inland is the place Oosterend. More fishermen live here today than in neighboring Oudeschild. The place itself was once a port city. However, due to land reclamation by draining the polders, the sea is now a few kilometers away. Instead, the Oosterend fishermen's boats are moored in the port of Oudeschild. From there they go out to fish in the North Sea. The place is particularly worth seeing because of its idyllic village. Cobblestone streets run through Oosterend. The houses are lovingly cared for. A cat is stretching in the sun in front of a bench. The place exudes a calm that creates well-being.

 

 

The Waelstee Museum - one of the Texel attractions in De Waal

De Waal is the smallest place on the island of Texel. About 225 people live here. One of the Texel attractions that are worthwhile is the Waelstee Museum. We take a look at what life was like for Texelans over 100 years ago. Where today the children of the island ride bicycles on the country lanes and streets, they once let themselves be pulled by rams in children's carriages. We discover one of those “Bokkewagen” in the museum. Her parents, on the other hand, preferred to ride horse-drawn carriages across the island on weekends in their Sunday best.

 

 

It also shows how cow's milk has been processed into cheese. This was the work of women, as was the running of the household. They did the work in the house while their husbands took the boats out to sea or did heavy work, such as the local blacksmith.

Waelstee Museum

Hogereind 6
1793 AG De Waal

Admission:
Adults € 7,50
Children 4-12 years € 4,50
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 a.m. - 17.00 p.m
Sundays and public holidays 13.30 p.m. - 17.00 p.m
Closed on Mondays

 

Den Burg Texel sights

How about a walk through the village of Den Burg on Texel? It is the largest village on the island and is known for its charming streets, historical buildings and lively atmosphere. Den Burg is the main town on the island of Texel. It is not allowed to call itself a city, because none of the island towns has city rights. However, Den Burg is closest to a small town. In any case, here we find everything that one needs. From shopping to a selection of restaurants and hotels to the offices that run the island, everything is in Den Burg.

Nevertheless, the place exudes a coziness and tranquility that makes a holiday on Texel so pleasant. Admire the traditional Dutch architecture, browse the local shops and boutiques, and take a break at one of the many cafes and restaurants. Don't miss the weekly Monday morning market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Den Burg is a must to experience the authentic charm of Texel. You can also find out about current Texel activities at the tourist office.

 

 

 

De Cocksdorp Texel sights

We continue to the north end of the island. There is the place De Cocksdorp, the youngest and northernmost village of Texel. Only founded 1836 after the salt meadow between Eierland and Texel was created by dike construction, it is now a holiday resort. However, most visitors attract something else, namely the Texel lighthouse.

 

The lighthouse - highlight among the Texel sights

The lighthouse at the north end of Texel is one of the island's main attractions. We can see him from afar. You have to. After all, he is supposed to help the ships off the island with their orientation. He does. It rises red from the dunes. It can also be seen from afar from the interior of the island. Finally he stands on the dunes. It also towers over the sandy beach. Beach hikers cavort on this. One of the Texel activities that is part of an island holiday. Beach sailors also use the emptiness and length of the beach to let the wind carry them along the water. Otherwise there are only a few visitors who came by bus.

 

 

 

Your goal is the lighthouse. Ours as well. The light from the lighthouse is said to be visible in the dark as far south as Leeuwarden of Amsterdam. His story is interesting. During World War II, the Georgian Uprising took place around the lighthouse. This is a revolt by Georgian members of the Wehrmacht against the German soldiers on the island of Texel. This took place from April 6 to May 20, 1945 and is considered the last battle of World War II. The bullet holes can still be seen in the walls of the lighthouse.

Lighthouse

Lighthouse road 184
1795 LN De Cocksdorp

Entrance fee for the tower:
€ 5,50.
free for children up to and including 4 years
Opening hours:
From February 18th to November 5th: every day from 10am to 17pm
From November 6th to February 16th: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 17pm.

 

 

Texel beaches are Texel attractions for everyone

You have to know that Texel's coasts are different. While the North Sea coast has the longest beach on the island (30 kilometers), there is the Wadden Sea on the east side of the island. There is only a small beach at Oudeschild. If you are looking for Texel beaches for beach walks or swimming, you have to go to the west coast. The following applies: the longer the path through the dunes, the lonelier the beach behind it. Where there are beach restaurants, the lighthouse or holiday resorts such as De Koog, most people hang out on the beach.

Texel Dunes National Park – one of the Texel attractions for nature lovers

Texel Dunes National Park runs 22 kilometers along the west coast of the island. The narrowest point is at De Koog. In the north and south, the dunes reach a width of up to four kilometers. The highest dune on Texel is 25 meters high. In addition to hiking trails, there are also cycle paths on which you can explore the national park. Texel Dunes National Park is a must for nature lovers. It covers a large part of the island. The dunes with towering sand hills offer a wide view of the North Sea. You can explore the park on foot or by bike and there are many hiking trails to choose from. Be sure to look out for the wildlife in the park, including rabbits, foxes and even Scottish Highland cattle. On a hike through the dunes you will also see rare birds such as the spoonbill, short-eared owl and little tern.

Beach Pavilion Kaap Noord – Texel attractions for connoisseurs

The island of Texel on the North Sea definitely fits the cliché I associate with places like this. Wind, sea air and sun make you hungry. Therefore, the lunch break in the beach pavilion Kaap Noord is just right for us. Eating right on the beach with a view of the sea is something special for us Bavarians. Something rare. Something we like very much. Despite the fresh sea breeze, the outdoor tables are already occupied. So we look for a seat inside the restaurant.

The choice on the menu is extensive. From fish to salads to Dutch croquettes, there is everything. The prices are civil. And the food is good. With fresh mussels and salmon salad, we watch the kitesurfers in the water. The wind blows them past our field of vision at high speed. I could sit here for hours and watch the hustle and bustle Beach watch. But there is more to see on the island of Texel.

 

 

 Ecomare in De Koog Texel - the seal sanctuary is one of the Texel sights

• Texel de Koog holiday apartment *
• Landal Beach Park Texel*

In the afternoon we finally visit the Ecomare in De Koog. It was originally a sanctuary for injured animals. However, it has since grown into a place for anyone interested in the island's wildlife. For example, we learn a lot about the Wadden Sea, the North Sea and the island of Texel. Here, you'll learn about the island's marine life and conservation efforts, and get an up-close look at seals in their natural habitat. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and exhibitions on the history and ecology of Texel. A great place to spend a day with the family and the entrance fee supports the sanctuary's important work in protecting the island's wildlife.

 

 

How a sperm whale finances its museum - exceptional Texel sights

Even sperm whales have stranded on the beaches of Texel. One of them ensured that this information center was created. The valuable amber was found in his body. This is a substance that sperm whales develop in their digestive tract. It is used to make expensive perfumes. Amber is very rare and therefore very valuable. One of sperm whaleswho was stranded on the island had large amounts of amber in his body. This was sold at a high profit. This was then used to finance the construction of the plant. The whale himself took care of the construction of the exhibition room in which his skeleton hangs from the ceiling today.

 

 

Species that live on and in the North Sea can be seen on the outdoor area and in the aquariums. Among them we discover gannets, porpoises and a variety of fish. Since the facility is also located in the middle of the Texel Dunes National Park, nature is not far away. With a bit of luck you can see seabirds as well as rare plants on a walk through the dunes.

Ecomare

Ruijslaan 92
1796 AZ De Koog

Admission:
4 to 25 years: €10,25
From 26 years: € 15,00
Children up to and including 3 years: free
Opening hours:
Ecomare is open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 17.00 p.m

The Texel National Park - one of the Texel sights & activities in nature

Texel National Park stretches along the entire west coast of Texel from the lighthouse to the southern tip. It is definitely one of the Texel attractions that we recommend for a holiday on Texel. This includes the dune regions as well as the forests and bird sanctuaries. It is criss-crossed by bicycle and hiking trails and offers an original experience of nature. During our trip in the Apartment Hotel Bos en Duin * used to, which lies on the edge of the forest area of ​​the national park in the interior of the island. From here you have great opportunities for cycling and hiking on quiet country roads and forest paths. For example, we particularly liked the peace and quiet that you can enjoy in the middle of nature.

 

 

 

 

Questions and answers about Texel sights & activities

 

 

 

 

 

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Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

How to get there

For example, book your journey here by flight, bus or train*. KLM and Lufthansa fly to Amsterdam. From there you can then take a rental car, train or bus to the ferry station in Den Helder. However, we traveled by car to Den Helder and from there we took the ferry to the island. Do you take the How to get there like more time?

Car Rentals:

Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!

Texel sights & activities

Sheep farm (Schapenboerderij)

Pontweg 77
Den Burg
Tel. 06 44926046

Sheep farm and cheese factory Wezenspyk

Hoornderweg 29
Den Burg

Accomodation:

Hotels, apartments and other accommodation on Texel * You can also book at this link.

 

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Source for the article Texel sights, Texel activities and Texel attractions: research on site. We would also like to thank VVV Texel and forvision for supporting this trip. However, our opinion remains our own.

Text Texel travel guide, Texel attractions and activities: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos of Texel Activities and Texel Travel Guide © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Videos Texel activities and Texel travel guides © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline