Texel top 12!
Discover and experience Texel: the island full of surprises! As soon as you leave the ferry, the first signs will welcome you with tips for the best attractions. Let yourself be guided to the most beautiful nature reserves and captivating museums. Check out the top 12 attractions that Texel has to offer below!
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Click here for a sneak peek, “Texel - The Most Fun Wadden Island in the Netherlands.”
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Ready to embark on your Texel adventure?
1. The dunes on Texel
Take a walk through the dunes of Texel and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Do you love walking and are you looking forward to the dunes? There are plenty of them on the island. In the west of Texel lies an extensive dune area. This National Park Dunes of Texel is about 43 km² in size. Within the dune area, there are various nature reserves such as De Hors, De Muy, and De Slufter. In the spring of 2002, the dunes of Texel were granted National Park status. The visitor center of the park can be found in Ecomare.
Do you have any plans to visit Texel soon?
2. Nature on Texel
Beach, dunes, salt marshes, forest, and polder landscape
Texel is often called the Netherlands in miniature, offering a diverse range of landscapes. Enjoy long, pristine beaches, expansive dune areas, lush forests, and picturesque polder landscapes. Unique to Texel are the wet dune valleys and salt marsh areas. The island’s flora and fauna are truly special, with millions of wild orchids blooming in June and sea lavender turning De Slufter purple in July and August. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by the abundance of bird species on the island. Texel is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike!
3. Hiking Trails
Discover the Magic of Walking on Texel:
Experience breathtaking views, diverse and lush nature, and serene walking paths. Texel offers a stunning landscape that transitions from dunes and beaches to marshlands, heathlands, and forests. While planning a scenic walking route can be enjoyable, it’s not essential. Texel boasts numerous signposted walking routes. Wander through the extensive network of paths in the dunes and forests, or enjoy a refreshing beach walk. Starting directly from the parks of De Krim Texel, embark on the most beautiful walks the island has to offer!
Ready to explore Texel’s natural beauty?
4. The beach
Texel has fantastic beaches. More than 30 kilometers of untouched white sandy beaches are waiting for you! Enjoy a lovely walk along the shore, feel the breeze in your hair, or bask in the sunshine. Each season gives the Texel beach its own character, but it is always a pleasure. In the summer, you can swim safely at the guarded beaches or rent a beach cabin. That makes your beach experience complete!
5. Cycling
Texel is truly a cyclist’s paradise. With no less than 140 km of bike paths, it offers beautiful routes. The cycling routes take you through the dunes, the stunning forests, the expansive polders, and of course, past the Texel hotspots. Ride along the dike with views over the Wadden Sea, through the beautiful nature parks, dunes, polders, and forests. Or visit the charming villages with cozy terraces and cafes to take a break. You’ll reach places by bike that are inaccessible by car. Enjoy your cycling adventure!
6. Sheep and lambs
Texel is famous for its abundant sheep, visible all over the island. Ever wanted to hold one of those adorable lambs? At the Sheep Farm in Den Burg, you can! Nearly all year round, lambs are born and they love to be cuddled. Plus, you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into daily farm life, from sheep shearing to witnessing vintage milking machines in action. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
7. Mudflat Hiking/Shrimp Fishing on the Wadden Sea
Embark on an unforgettable mudflat hiking adventure with the TX10 from the harbor of Oudeschild. Sail past a sandbank where seals often bask, offering you a unique opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures.
Upon reaching the sandbank, disembark via a gangplank and join a guided tour. Our expert guide will share fascinating insights about the rich marine life beneath your feet.
Don’t miss out – reserve your tickets now!
8. De Slufter
De Slufter is a beautiful and unique nature reserve with an open connection to the North Sea. The landscape changes constantly due to the influence of the tides. During strong storms, the area can even be completely submerged. The nature reserve is popular with migratory birds. There is plenty of food to be found, and it offers a safe and sheltered environment for nesting. Spring is the best time for birdwatchers.
9. The Lighthouse
Experience Texel’s Best View from 47 Meters Above Sea Level!
At the northernmost tip of Texel, nestled between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, stands the iconic Lighthouse, the symbol of Texel. Built in 1864, this historic lighthouse still shines every night. Climb to the top and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that you won’t find anywhere else!
Ready to see Texel from a whole new perspective?
10. Ecomare
Are you looking for an engaging and educational day out? Then go seal watching and more at Ecomare!
Ecomare is the place where learning about nature and having fun go hand in hand. Admire the gigantic skeletons in the Whale Hall and, of course, visit the seals and other (marine) animals! Actively explore the dune park or enjoy an educational exhibition. There is always something to experience at Ecomare!
11. Homemade ice cream at Labora
A trip to Labora Ice Farm is a must when you’re on Texel. Taste the homemade ice cream made from fresh, local ingredients, a true treat for your taste buds!
Additionally, admire the barn with around 120 cows. There is also plenty of entertainment for children with a large bouncy castle, an exciting climbing tower, and a fun slide.
12. Het juttersmuseum
Curious about what washes up on the beaches of Texel? The Juttersmuseum is a must-visit! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of beachcombing, where you can explore the fascinating treasures that have washed ashore over the years.
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Marvel at the unique finds, including rare items from World War II, some of which are over 75 years old. It’s a treasure trove of history and mystery waiting to be discovered. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!