This diverse island in the Wadden Sea off the coast of the province of North Holland is rich in cultural heritage, museums, quaint villages and beautiful nature.
Whether you're on holiday or just enjoying a weekend away Texel will not disappoint. The island has a number of museums for young and old and quaint villages for a day of shopping. Texel is also renowned for its beautiful nature. Spend a day cycling through heath, polders, beaches and dunes.
The island played an important role in ship trading in the 17th and 18th centuries at the time of the Dutch East India Shipping Company (VOC). Ships anchored in Texel's relatively protected roadstead and waited for favourable winds before embarking on their journey.
History buffs will appreciate the Cultuurhistorisch Museum Texel in the village of De Waal. The museum is located in an old haubarg and gives visitors insight into farming life on Texel. Another cultural must is the Oudheidkamer museum in Den Burg, where you can see how people once lived on Texel. Texel’s high street is a great place to shop between museums.
And you cannot leave Texel without having been to Ecomare, where you can watch seals and visit the aquarium. Nature reserve De Slufter near De Koog is the place to go if you want to experience the island's natural beauty.
The island's diverse natural landscape lends itself to long walks and bicycle tours. Take the car or hire a couple of bicycles to explore the island. If you didn't take your car to Texel, you can take a bus from 't Horntje to Den Burg and De Koog and explore the island on foot or by bicycle.
Texel is easy to reach by public transport and by car. Drive to the ferry terminal at Den Helder or take the train to Den Helder and then the bus (Texelhopper) to the island. The crossing takes just 20 minutes.
A romantic weekend away or a fun family vacation are perfect ways of experiencing Texel’s rich diversity.
