Things to do in Texel
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Texelse Bierbrouwerij
The isle’s brewery, the Texelse Bierbrouwerij gives tours on an erratic schedule that may drive you to drink. Fortunately this former dairy has a terrace ideal for downing a few from the bar. The nine beers brewed here (try the bock) are widely available across Texel and are always worth ordering first.
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Freya
This petite restaurant serves outstanding French and Dutch cuisine, so it’s no surprise that reservations are a must. The hosts are warm and welcoming, and you’re never sure what treats await on the blackboard.
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Maritime & Beachcombers Museum
The Maritime & Beachcombers Museum is a real winner. Its extraordinary variety of junk recovered from sunken ships and the shore is mind-boggling – and both tragic and comic . In the outdoor section there are demonstrations by rope-makers, fish-smokers and blacksmiths, while the indoor displays cover everything from underwater archaeology to windmill technology. Reede van Texel, which the museum translates accurately as Texel Roads, has nothing to do with asphalt but rather is a vast and amazingly detailed model of the shipping lanes and ports as they existed in the 17th century. Two hours will float away here just like a lost bottle at sea.
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Ecomare
Initially created as a refuge for sick seals retrieved from the Waddenzee, Ecomare has expanded into a nature centre devoted to the preservation and understanding of Texel’s wildlife. It has displays on Texel’s development since the last ice age, islanders’ interaction with the sea, large aquariums filled with fish from the Waddenzee and the North Sea (including sharks and sea skates), while outside there are marked nature trails.
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Van Der Star
Van Der Star The island’s best fish is served at this seafood counter. The seafood soup is a garlicky delight while the many choices of smoked fish are simply sublime. An array of items fresh off the boats in the nearby harbour are available prepared in many ways. Seating is basic – go for a plastic chair on the terrace.
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Eureka Orchideeën & Vogelbush
June is the time to see wild orchids on Texel, a rarity in the country; outside this month, dress lightly and head for the steamy Eureka Orchideeën & Vogelbush. Native orchid species can be viewed in all their tender, quivering glory alongside a menagerie of tropical birds in a large greenhouse.
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Jutters Plezier
To gather your own beach treasure, board a horse-drawn wagon run by Jutters Plezier. The 1½-hour trips are really more for the journey than the treasure, and end at the owner’s private residence for a round of herbal schnapps. Tours (minimum 15 people) depart from the lighthouse.
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Taveerne De Twaalf Balcken
The ‘Tavern of the 12 Beams’ is a locals’ haunt that specialises in lamb dishes and cosy ambience. The front section is dark and subdued – perfect for sipping away on one of the many Trappist beers on offer, while the rear conservatory is light and airy.
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Kaasboerderijk Wezenspyk
Kaasboerderijk Wezenspyk, a small cheese farm between Den Hoorn and Den Burg, is the place to scoop up tasty rounds produced from the local cows, sheep and goats. Opening hours vary widely through the year so just drop by and see if you can cut the cheese.
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Rôtisserie Kerckeplein
This cosy restaurant has got cooking local lamb down to a fine art, with seven choices in this category alone. You can sit in the loft and wash it all down with a dark Texels Speciaalbier. In high season it serves lunch – enjoy on the small front terrace.
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Lighthouse
Texel’s lighthouse opened to visitors in 2009. Battered not just by storms but by war as well, this 45m crimson tower has views across the islands and shallow waters. The climb to the top is 153 steps.
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Quinty’s
The best dining on the strip; try a steak or something with shrimp. Small plates of little delights are a good companion to the long list of swanky cocktails.
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Kite Surf School Texel
For nylon-attached adventure closer to ground, Kite Surf School Texel offers all manner of kite- and windsurfing lessons and rentals.
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Timmer
Don’t leave town without a bag of the addictive handmade cookies from Timmer.
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