Texel

Sweeping white-sand beaches, wildlife-rich nature reserves, sun-dappled forests and quaint villages are among the highlights of Texel (pronounced tes-sel), the largest and most visited of the Wadden Islands.

About 3km north of North Holland's coast, Texel is 25km long and 9km wide. Its typically flat Dutch landscape makes it idyllic for cycling. Sheep are everywhere across the island; the local wool is highly prized and there are numerous dairies producing cheese. During lambing season around Easter, you'll see bouncy lambs all over the island; locals enjoy taking a Lammetjes Wandeltrocht (walk to look at the lambs).

With enough diversions to keep you entertained for days on end, Texel is popular with Dutch and German visitors but otherwise little known, making it a wonderful place to explore.

Explore Texel

Texel Dunes National Park
The patchwork of dune-scape running along the western coast of the island is a prime reason for visiting Texel. Salt fens and heath alternate with velvety…
Ecomare
Initially created as a refuge for sick seals retrieved from the Waddenzee, Ecomare has expanded into an impressive nature centre devoted to the…
K
Kaap Skil Museum Van Jutters & Zeelui
A stunning slatted-timber-encased reception building made from recycled materials frames the superb Maritime and Beachcombers Museum. Its extraordinary…
D
De Kroon van Texel
Wineries across the Netherlands are few, so it's especially worth dropping in to De Kroon, a small but international medal-winning estate. One-hour tours …
Eierland Lighthouse
Battered by storms and war, Texel's resilient crimson-coloured lighthouse was built in 1864 and stands 35m high. Climb its 153 steps for sweeping views…
D
De Zelfpluktuin
At this 3-hectare farm's orchards and fields, you can pick your own fruit (eg apples, strawberries, blueberries and grapes), vegetables (such as capsicums…
T
Texelse Bierbrouwerij
See beer being made at the island's brewery, housed in a former dairy, on an informative 45-minute guided tour (in English and Dutch). Tour prices include…
K
Kaasboerderijk Wezenspyk
This small dairy between Den Hoorn and Den Burg is a terrific place to taste and buy rounds produced from the local cows, sheep and goats. A glass viewing…
P
Paal 19
The emphasis at this beach immediately west of De Koog is on lounging with good food and drink while watching kite-surfers in action.

Texel Dunes National Park
The patchwork of dune-scape running along the western coast of the island is a prime reason for visiting Texel. Salt fens and heath alternate with velvety…
Ecomare
Initially created as a refuge for sick seals retrieved from the Waddenzee, Ecomare has expanded into an impressive nature centre devoted to the…
K
Kaap Skil Museum Van Jutters & Zeelui
A stunning slatted-timber-encased reception building made from recycled materials frames the superb Maritime and Beachcombers Museum. Its extraordinary…
D
De Kroon van Texel
Wineries across the Netherlands are few, so it's especially worth dropping in to De Kroon, a small but international medal-winning estate. One-hour tours …
Eierland Lighthouse
Battered by storms and war, Texel's resilient crimson-coloured lighthouse was built in 1864 and stands 35m high. Climb its 153 steps for sweeping views…
D
De Zelfpluktuin
At this 3-hectare farm's orchards and fields, you can pick your own fruit (eg apples, strawberries, blueberries and grapes), vegetables (such as capsicums…
T
Texelse Bierbrouwerij
See beer being made at the island's brewery, housed in a former dairy, on an informative 45-minute guided tour (in English and Dutch). Tour prices include…
K
Kaasboerderijk Wezenspyk
This small dairy between Den Hoorn and Den Burg is a terrific place to taste and buy rounds produced from the local cows, sheep and goats. A glass viewing…
P
Paal 19
The emphasis at this beach immediately west of De Koog is on lounging with good food and drink while watching kite-surfers in action.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Texel.

See
Texel Dunes National Park
The patchwork of dune-scape running along the western coast of the island is a prime reason for visiting Texel. Salt fens and heath alternate with velvety…
See
Ecomare
Initially created as a refuge for sick seals retrieved from the Waddenzee, Ecomare has expanded into an impressive nature centre devoted to the…
See
Kaap Skil Museum Van Jutters & Zeelui
A stunning slatted-timber-encased reception building made from recycled materials frames the superb Maritime and Beachcombers Museum. Its extraordinary…
See
De Kroon van Texel
Wineries across the Netherlands are few, so it's especially worth dropping in to De Kroon, a small but international medal-winning estate. One-hour tours …
See
Eierland Lighthouse
Battered by storms and war, Texel's resilient crimson-coloured lighthouse was built in 1864 and stands 35m high. Climb its 153 steps for sweeping views…
See
De Zelfpluktuin
At this 3-hectare farm's orchards and fields, you can pick your own fruit (eg apples, strawberries, blueberries and grapes), vegetables (such as capsicums…
See
Texelse Bierbrouwerij
See beer being made at the island's brewery, housed in a former dairy, on an informative 45-minute guided tour (in English and Dutch). Tour prices include…
See
Kaasboerderijk Wezenspyk
This small dairy between Den Hoorn and Den Burg is a terrific place to taste and buy rounds produced from the local cows, sheep and goats. A glass viewing…
See
Paal 19
The emphasis at this beach immediately west of De Koog is on lounging with good food and drink while watching kite-surfers in action.

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Texel with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.