If you look at a map of the Netherlands, you’ll notice a chain of North Sea islands that extends north of the mainland town of Van Helder and runs in a flowing line towards Denmark. These are the Wadden islands. The largest and westernmost of these is called Texel (pronounced “Tessel”). Texel is a living paradise, full of sea and surf life. Low tides expose vast amounts of the sea floor, and you can take a tour to marvel at the exposed sea life.
Getting Around Texel Island
Walking and cycling are popular on the island. You can get around by bus; however, extensive bike paths make traveling on two wheels easy and enjoyable. The southern cycling route takes you to De Petten Lake, a habitat that is home to shelducks, oystercatchers, lapwings, avocets, and black-headed gulls.
Moreover, for avid wildlife fans, winter is a fine time to travel to Texel Island. About a third of Texel is a protected nature preserve, and Texel is a winter home to various birds of prey and geese.
Don’t miss EcoMare, a visitor center in De Koog that provides context for all the nature you’re observing. It also features a bird shelter, dune park, and wildlife museum; visitors can watch seals being fed at 11 AM and 3 PM.
You can purchase a combination ticket at EcoMare that includes entry to the Maritime & Beachcombers Museum in Oudeschild and the Historical Chamber in Den Burg.
There are only seven villages on Texel Island:
- De Cocksdorp
- De Koog
- De Waal
- Den Burg (the largest town on the island)
- Den Hoorn
- Oosterend
- Oudeschild
This makes Texel seem smaller than it is; however, there are plenty of tourism resources available. The tourism board offers an interactive map of the island that allows you to explore the tourist resources you’re interested in.
How to Get to Texel Island
Texel Island is about two and a half hours from Amsterdam. You can take the train to Den Helder in Noord-Holland, where there is a bus that takes you to the ferry every 12 minutes after the hour. To see routes, times, and costs, check out: Amsterdam to Texel. You can adjust the starting city to determine how to reach Texel from various locations.
Where to Stay on Texel Island
Texel Island boasts many historic hotels in the following towns:
- Den Burg
- De Cocksdorp
- De Koog
- Oudeschild
If you search online, you’ll easily find numerous small bed and breakfasts as well, providing a variety of accommodations for visitors.
