Welcome to Texel, the largest and most popular of the Dutch Wadden Islands, where unspoiled nature, scenic beaches, abundant wildlife, and rich island traditions blend into a perfect holiday destination. Located just off the coast of North Holland, Texel offers something for everyone — whether you’re a beach lover, birdwatcher, cyclist, or foodie.
As your guide, let’s explore everything Texel has to offer, from its iconic lighthouses and sheep farms to dune hikes, seal-watching cruises, and locally brewed beer.
📍 Quick Overview of Texel
Location: North Sea, part of the West Frisian Islands
Province: North Holland, Netherlands
Size: ~463 km²
Population: ~13,500
Known For: Nature reserves, seal sanctuaries, sheep farms, sandy beaches
Best Time to Visit: April to October
🚢 How to Get to Texel
🚗 By Car and Ferry
Drive to Den Helder, the northernmost tip of mainland North Holland
Take the TESO ferry (~20 minutes) to ’t Horntje, Texel's ferry terminal
Ferries run every 30–60 minutes; tickets are available online or at the terminal
You can bring your car or bike on board
🚆 By Public Transport
Train to Den Helder Station, then bus #33 to the ferry terminal
After the ferry, bus #28 runs from ’t Horntje through the island
🏝️ Top Things to Do in Texel
1. 🐚 Relax on Texel’s Long Beaches
Texel is home to 30 km of sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, walking, and watersports.
Paal 17 & Paal 9: Popular beach entrances with beach bars and facilities
Surfing, kiteboarding, and beachcombing available
Don’t miss the sunset over the North Sea
2. 🦭 Visit Ecomare – Seal Sanctuary & Nature Museum
Texel’s top family-friendly attraction is Ecomare, a seal rescue and marine life center.
Meet rescued seals, porpoises, and seabirds
Learn about the Wadden Sea ecosystem
Visit interactive exhibits on marine biology and local wildlife
Daily feeding demonstrations are a highlight
3. 🗼 Climb the Texel Lighthouse (Vuurtoren Texel)
Located on the northern tip near De Cocksdorp, the red lighthouse offers:
Panoramic views of the North Sea, dunes, and even nearby islands
Learn about its history from WWII to present day
Climb 118 steps to the top — worth it!
4. 🚴 Explore by Bike – The Texel Cycling Experience
Texel has 170 km of marked bike trails through forests, dunes, farms, and coastlines.
Rent a bike in Den Burg, De Koog, or at the ferry terminal
Follow the Texel cycling network using numbered junctions (knooppunten)
Popular routes include:
De Koog → Slufter Valley
Den Burg → Oudeschild Harbor
Lighthouse loop via De Cocksdorp
5. 🌾 Wander Through the Slufter Nature Reserve
A rare natural landscape where the sea floods the land during high tides.
Famous for salt marshes, wildflowers, and birdwatching
Walk on marked trails or take a guided nature tour
A paradise for photographers and hikers
6. 🐑 Visit a Texel Sheep Farm
Texel sheep are world-renowned for their wool and meat.
Tour working farms like Schapenboerderij Texel
Learn about sheep shearing, herding, and wool production
Meet baby lambs in spring (Lamb Season!)
7. 🍺 Enjoy Local Flavors – Try Texel Beer & Cheese
Texel has a growing food scene with local products:
Texelse Bierbrouwerij – Craft brewery in Oudeschild; try Skuumkoppe
Texelse Schapenkaas – Sheep cheese made on the island
Visit farm shops and weekly markets for honey, ice cream, and eggs
Dine in local restaurants that serve fresh seafood and farm-to-table dishes
8. ⛵ Explore the Island by Boat
Take a seal safari to spot seals sunbathing on sandbanks
Book a Wadden Sea mudflat walking tour with a guide
Explore on historic ships from Oudeschild harbor
9. 🛍️ Stroll Through Texel’s Villages
Texel has 7 charming villages, each with its own character.
🏘️ Notable Villages:
Den Burg – Main town with shops, cafes, markets
De Koog – Beach town with tourist attractions and nightlife
Oudeschild – Fishing village and harbor activities
De Cocksdorp – Northernmost village near the lighthouse
Den Hoorn – Quiet village with beautiful church and art galleries
🗓️ When to Visit Texel
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Lambing season, blooming wildflowers |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Best beach weather, outdoor festivals |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Bird migrations, hiking, fewer tourists |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Peaceful, ideal for solitude and nature lovers |
🏨 Where to Stay on Texel
Whether you’re into luxury hotels, holiday parks, cozy B&Bs, or camping, Texel offers plenty of choices.
🛌 Top Accommodations:
Hotel Greenside Texel – Near De Koog, with spa and fine dining
Stayokay Hostel Texel – Budget-friendly, family-oriented
Camping Kogerstrand – Dune-side camping near the beach
Landal Sluftervallei – Holiday park in the north near nature
📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Texel
The red Texel Lighthouse with dunes in the background
Seals lounging on a Wadden Sea sandbank
Blooming fields in De Hoge Berg
Wind-swept beaches at sunset
Traditional sheep farms and baby lambs
🧭 One-Day Itinerary for Texel
Morning
Arrive via ferry and rent a bike
Visit the lighthouse and explore De Cocksdorp
Coffee break with local pastry (Texelse koek)
Midday
Seal safari from Oudeschild harbor
Lunch with seafood or Texel lamb burger
Explore Slufter Valley or beach walk
Afternoon
Tour Ecomare
Visit a cheese farm or brewery
Shop in Den Burg before heading back
🎪 Festivals and Events on Texel
Texel Culinair – Food festival held every September in De Koog
Ronde om Texel – World’s largest catamaran sailing race (June)
Texel Airshow – Held every few years at Texel International Airport
Sheep Shearing Festival – Spring event at local farms
Bird Watching Days – Held each May during migration season
🧳 What to Pack
Windbreaker or rain jacket
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Comfortable shoes or hiking boots
Binoculars for birdwatching
Camera for wildlife and scenic views
✨ Fun Facts About Texel
Pronounced “Tessel”, not “Tex-el”
Home to over 30 nature reserves
About 14,000 sheep live on the island — more than people!
Texel beer is brewed with island rainwater
The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
✅ Texel Travel Tips
Book accommodations in advance during high season
Ferries are very efficient and run often – no need to reserve ahead
Dutch is the main language, but English is widely spoken
Great island for solo travelers, couples, and families alike
Combine Texel with other islands like Vlieland or Terschelling if you have time
🌍 Nearby Destinations
Den Helder – Naval museum, marine aquarium
Wadden Islands – Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, Schiermonnikoog
Enkhuizen – Zuiderzee Museum
Alkmaar – Famous cheese market (Fridays)
💬 Why You Should Visit Texel
Texel is one of those places that captures your heart with its simplicity, natural beauty, and authentic charm. It’s an island where you can truly unwind — whether you’re pedaling through dunes, spotting seals on the shore, tasting fresh farm products, or simply walking barefoot on endless beaches.
It’s close enough to Amsterdam for a weekend escape, yet remote enough to feel like a world apart.