Things to do in The North & East
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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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Puur! Natural Food
Puur! is health-food heaven; its bagels, sandwiches, salads and sweets are not only made from organic ingredients, they also taste divine. It's hard to pass over the coffee, tea and freshly squeezed juices on offer too, and everything is either eat-in or takeaway.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Synagogues
There are a few working synagogues left in the country. It began life a century ago as a mosque (the light arches and minarets are dead giveaways) but now houses a school and temporary exhibition space; its beautifully restored wooden ceiling is one of the interior’s highlights.
reviewed
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Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum
The Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum is well funded and well organised. The museum is laid out over several floors of buildings that once comprised a 16th-century distillery. Just getting through the labyrinth of 18 rooms is an adventure in itself and guarantees an excellent workout.
reviewed
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De 7e Hemel
Details matter at De 7e Hemel: it even goes so far as to import Scottish mineral water direct from the Glens because of its purity. The menu, which combines vegan, fish and meat dishes, changes seasonally. Cherubs, chandeliers and calming yellow shades all help to create a cosy, romantic air.
reviewed
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Brussels Lof
This upmarket spot concentrates on seafood and vegetarian creations, and leaves the fancy décor to other establishments. Its mussels receive special mention, but basically anything you try here will be of the highest standard, and the service is professional with a capital 'P'.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Martinikerk
The 16th-century Martinikerk is at the northern corner of the Grote Markt. Its tower, the Martinitoren, is 96m tall and is considered to have one of the most finely balanced profiles in the country. A climb to the top yields stellar views.
reviewed
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Het Goudkantoor
The architecture of this restored historical cafe is amazing. Dating from 1635, the ‘Gold Office’ features a gold-tinted exterior and graceful interior, complete with striking paintings. The menu is, not surprisingly, traditional (e.g steak with mustard).
reviewed
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Muller
You can enjoy the show here for free by watching the artistry in the kitchen from the windows on the street. But really why settle for half? Menus change regularly and include delights such as lobster, scallops, lamb and much more. One of the region’s best.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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O'Ceallaigh
Respected newspaper Volkskrant called O'Ceallaigh 'the best Irish pub in the Netherlands', and they were right; there's regular live music, even more regulars, Guinness and Murphy's on tap, and the atmosphere is thick with smoky and boisterous chatter.
reviewed
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Ariola
The head-turning smells wafting from its doorway, and crowds milling inside, speak of only one thing: Ariola is an outstanding little Italian deli. Its broodjes (filled bread rolls) are made to order and only topped by the home-made pastas and lasagne.
reviewed
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De Pintelier
Step back to the 1920s at this cosy bar where the selection of beer and jenever (Dutch gin) reads like an encyclopaedia. Its long wooden bar and thicket of candle-lit tables are timeless. Take in the breeze in the shot-glass-sized courtyard.
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‘t Feithhuis
This stylish grand cafe has a wide terrace outside and a stark, woodsy interior. The walls are lined with posters, and floral arrangements abound. Food ranges from bagels to complex sandwiches and Mediterranean-flavoured mains.
reviewed
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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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Four Rose's
With the most authentic Mexican food in the province, and an atmosphere that amazingly suits both families and romantic couples, Four Rose's is an excellent bet for an evening meal. Its cocktails are highly rated too.
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Roezemoes
You can tell this gem of a brown cafe has been around a while; the bullet holes from the 1672 invasion attempt are a dead giveaway. Come evening, expect to find late-night drinking and the occasional blues band.
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